Saad Abdul-Amir
Saad Abdul-Amir | |
|---|---|
| Born | Saad Abdul-Amir Luaibi Al-Zirjawi January 19, 1992 Baghdad, Iraq |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Known for | Defensive midfielder for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Iraq national team |
Saad Abdul-Amir Luaibi Al-Zirjawi (; born 19 January 1992) is an Iraqi professional footballer who operates primarily as a defensive midfielder and is currently signed with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. Saad initiated his playing career at his local club, Al-Karkh SC, before moving in 2010 to the Northern Iraqi team Erbil SC. During his five-year tenure there, he secured the 2011–12 Iraqi Premier League title. In 2015, he embarked on an international stint by joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadisiyah, later transferring to Al-Shabab in 2017.
Early career
Beginning with neighborhood teams in Baghdad’s Shuala district, Saad advanced through the youth ranks of Al-Shuala and Al-Kadhimiya before signing with Al-Karkh. He played a pivotal role in their promotion to the premier division in 2010.
His international breakthrough came in 2010 following standout performances with the Iraqi School team. Soon after clinching the Arab School Championship in Beirut, coach Wolfgang Sidka included him in Iraq’s final roster for the 2010 WAFF Championship. After veteran midfielder Qusay Munir retired and Muthanna Khalid suffered an injury, Saad emerged as Iraq’s central midfield leader ahead of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. At that tournament, he partnered effectively with Swindon Town’s Yaser Kasim, playing a crucial role in guiding Iraq to the semi-finals.
Al-Karkh
Saad made his first-team debut at age 16 in 2008, competing for three seasons in Iraq’s Second Division. His defensive prowess and distribution skills attracted attention from Kurdish side Erbil. By 18, he had accumulated 40 appearances for Al-Karkh.
Erbil
Upon joining Erbil in 2010, Saad’s impressive displays earned him his initial call-up to the national team. Over five years, he helped the club secure one league championship and finish twice as runners-up in the AFC Cup. In 2015, he transferred to Al-Qadisiyah.
Al-Qadisiyah
- 2015/2016*
In the summer of 2015, Saad signed a one-year deal with Al-Qadisiyah, donning jersey number 25. While mainly deployed as a defensive or right midfielder, he also featured at right back and center back positions. He made his debut on August 22 during a 1–0 victory over Al-Faisaly. That season, Saad netted five goals, including strikes in back-to-back fixtures against Najran and Al-Fateh, marking his highest goal tally in a single campaign. His consistent performances contributed to the club maintaining its top-tier status and earned him an extended contract.
- 2016/2017*
After returning from Olympic duty, Saad resumed starting at right midfield, assisting a goal against Al-Faisaly. Following a suspension due to a red card, he reclaimed his starting spot and alternated between defensive midfield and right midfield roles. He scored in consecutive matches, notably during a 5–2 triumph over Al Wahda and a 1–1 draw with Al Shabab. In early 2017, Saad moved on to Al-Ahli.
Al-Ahli
On January 15, 2017, Saad joined Al-Ahli for a transfer fee of €1 million, replacing Luíz Carlos under a contract extending through 2018. He made his debut five days later as a substitute in the second half of the Saudi King Cup fixture against Al-Shoulla and earned his first league start versus Al-Shabab on January 27. Saad scored his inaugural goal for Al-Ahli during the round of 16 cup match against former club Al-Qadsiah on February 13 but was dismissed with a red card in the league encounter against Al-Nassr on February 17.
That season concluded with Al-Ahli finishing as runners-up to rivals Al Hilal after losing both the Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup finals to them. Nonetheless, they advanced to the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League, showcasing strong continental form. Saad was released from his contract in August 2017 to make room for new acquisitions.
Al-Shabab
On August 9, Saad Abdul-Emir transferred to Al-Shabab on a free transfer, agreeing to a contract for one season. He made his first appearance for the club on August 19, facing his previous team, Al-Qadsiah FC.
Statistics
As of 29 May 2017
| Club | Season | Saudi Premier League | Crown Prince Cup | Saudi Champions Cup | Saudi Super Cup | AFC Champions League | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Al-Ahli | |||||||||||||
| 2016–17 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 23 | 4 | |
| Career total | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 23 | 4 | |
Playing style
Saad operates primarily as a defensive and central midfielder, distinguished by his tactical awareness, adept ball handling in tight spaces, and strong leadership on the field.
International career
In 2010, under German coach Wolfgang Sidka, Saad was included in Iraq’s final squad for the 2010 WAFF Championship, marking his international debut in a friendly victory over Oman national football team with a 3-2 scoreline. Despite facing competition from prominent players such as Qusay Munir, Salih Sadir, and Nashat Akram, he secured a consistent role within the national team. Saad netted his inaugural international goal in 2013 during a 1-1 draw against Yemen. He participated in both the 2011 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup hosted by Australia.
Rio 2016
Abdul-Amir was selected as one of the three overage players for Iraq's squad in Football at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament. Serving as captain in all three group matches, he scored Iraq’s sole goal in their final group encounter versus South Africa. Iraq concluded the group stage with three draws, finishing third and exiting the competition.
Iraq U-23
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 August 2016 | Arena Corinthians, São Paulo, Brazil | Template:Fbu | 1–1 | 1–1 | Football at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament |
Senior national team
- The scores and results list Iraq’s goal count first.
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 8 October 2013 | Saida Municipal Stadium, Beirut | Template:Fb | 1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 2. | 6 October 2016 | Saitama Stadium, Saitama | Template:Fb | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round |
| 3. | 18 March 2017 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 4. | 31 August 2017 | Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok | Template:Fb | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round |
Club
- Erbil SC
- Iraqi Premier League champion: 2011–12 season
- AFC Cup finalist: 2012 AFC Cup, 2014 AFC Cup
- Al-Shorta
- Iraqi Premier League titleholder: 2018–19 Iraqi Premier League
- Iraqi Super Cup winner: 2019 Iraqi Super Cup
- Al-Zawraa
- Iraqi Super Cup champion: 2021 Iraqi Super Cup
International
- Iraq
- WAFF Championship second place: 2012
- Fourth position at the AFC Asian Cup: 2015
Individual
- Named in the Soccer Iraq Team of the Decade for 2010–2019
- Winner of the Soccer Iraq Goal of the Season award for the 2019–20 campaign
External links
- Saad Abdulameer vs Brazil Olympics 2016
- 1992 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Baghdad
- Iraqi men's footballers
- 21st-century Iraqi sportsmen
- Men's association football midfielders
- Al-Karkh SC players
- Erbil SC players
- Al Qadsiah FC players
- Al-Ahli Saudi FC players
- Al Shabab FC (Riyadh) players
- Al-Shorta SC players
- Iraq Stars League players
- Saudi Pro League players
- Olympic footballers for Iraq
- Iraq men's international footballers
- 2011 AFC Asian Cup players
- Footballers at the 2014 Asian Games
- 2015 AFC Asian Cup players
- Footballers at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Asian Games bronze medalists for Iraq
- Medalists at the 2014 Asian Games
- Iraqi expatriate men's footballers
- Iraqi expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
- Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia
- Asian Games bronze medalists in football