Discover the most prominent names in Iraqi sports.
As they dominate various sporting arenas, find out who are the most popular athletes from Iraq.
Explore how these standout performers have shaped their sports and inspired a nation.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Iraq.
Most popular athletes from Iraq:
- Younis Mahmoud
- Falah Hassan
- Adnan Al-Kaissie
- Ali Adnan
- Dana Hussein
- Karrar Jassim
- Haidar Abdul-Razzaq
- Maher Sabry
- Abbas Jassim
- Rand Al-Mashhadani
- Waheed Abdul-Ridha
Table of Contents
#1 Younis Mahmoud
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2007 AFC Asian Cup Winner
Younis Mahmoud, a legendary figure in Iraqi soccer, captained Iraq’s national football team to the historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory. Known for his exceptional leadership skills and scoring abilities, he inspired a nation through his on-field success.
Younis’ impact goes beyond the soccer field as well, being a symbol of unity and hope to the people of Iraq.
#2 Falah Hassan
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1951
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Two-time Gulf Cup Champion
Falah Hassan, also known as Falah Hassan Al-Zeidi, was a prominent Iraqi soccer player during the 1970s and early 1980s. Contributing to Iraq’s two Gulf Cup Championships in 1979 and 1984, his talent and skills made him an unforgettable figure in the nation’s soccer landscape.
Falah’s tactical awareness and creative flair position him among Iraq’s most celebrated soccer legends.
#3 Adnan Al-Kaissie
- 🏆 Sport(s): Wrestling
- 🎂 Born in: 1939
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Extensive Wrestling Career in WWE and NWA
Adnan Al-Kaissie, a renowned professional wrestler, represented Iraq in the sport for many years. Recognized for his prowess in the ring, he became a household name beyond his home country, competing for prominent wrestling promotions such as the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
Al-Kaissie helped put Iraq on the map in the world of professional wrestling, becoming a symbol of Iraqi determination and resilience.
#4 Ali Adnan
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: AFC Asian Young Footballer of the Year 2013
Ali Adnan, a talented soccer player, has become one of Iraq’s brightest young stars in the sport. Adnan has been a crucial part of the Iraqi national team, playing as their left-back, renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and capacity to create scoring opportunities.
Winning the AFC Asian Young Footballer of the Year in 2013, Adnan represents the promise and potential of a new generation of Iraqi athletes.
#5 Dana Hussein
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Representing Iraq in 2008 and 2012 Olympics
Dana Hussein, Iraq’s notable track and field athlete, made history by representing her country in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Specializing in sprint events, she excelled as the first female sprinter to compete for Iraq on the Olympic stage.
Dana not only broke barriers for women in sports in Iraq but also served as an inspiration for aspiring female athletes nationwide.
#6 Karrar Jassim
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup
Karrar Jassim, a gifted soccer player, played an instrumental role in Iraq’s thrilling 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph. Jassim showcased his versatility as an attacking midfielder, elevating the performance of Iraq’s national team on the world stage.
Karrar Jassim’s undeniable talent and dedication have made him a popular figure among Iraqi soccer fans and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
#7 Haidar Abdul-Razzaq
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1981
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup
Haidar Abdul-Razzaq, a prominent figure in Iraqi soccer, contributed significantly to Iraq’s 2007 AFC Asian Cup victory. Haidar, a skillful left-winger, was known for his speed, agility, and ability to create scoring chances for his teammates.
Abdul-Razzaq’s accomplishments encapsulate the passion and talent driving Iraq’s soccer success, making him an influential figure in the country’s sporting history.
#8 Maher Sabry
- 🏆 Sport(s): Weightlifting
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Representing Iraq in 2008 Olympics
Maher Sabry, a prominent weightlifter, proudly carried the Iraqi flag on the world stage by representing his nation in the 2008 Olympic Games. Sabry’s strength and determination in the weightlifting arena make him an influential figure and role model for young athletes in Iraq.
His participation in the Olympics signals a continued presence of Iraq within the international sporting community.
#9 Abbas Jassim
- 🏆 Sport(s): Boxing
- 🎂 Born in: 1994
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Representing Iraq in 2016 Olympics
Abbas Jassim, a talented boxer, was a source of pride for Iraq when he represented his nation in the 2016 Olympic Games. Jassim’s hard work and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration for young Iraqi athletes pursuing their dreams across various sports.
Abbas Jassim showcased the fighting spirit of Iraq and its athletes on an international stage through his remarkable boxing abilities.
#10 Rand Al-Mashhadani
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Representing Iraq in 2012 Olympics
Rand Al-Mashhadani, Iraq’s esteemed taekwondo athlete, competed in the 2012 Olympic Games. Her participation in the games not only highlighted the talent of Iraqi athletes but also showed their resilience and dedication in pursuing their sporting ambitions.
By competing in the Olympics, Al-Mashhadani also played an instrumental role in breaking barriers and inspiring other female athletes in Iraq.
#11 Waheed Abdul-Ridha
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Iraq National Team Member
Waheed Abdul-Ridha, a skilled soccer player, made a name for himself as a key member of Iraq’s national soccer team. Playing as a central defender, Abdul-Ridha’s tenacity and unyielding spirit showcased the talent and dedication of Iraqi athletes.
His performance on the national team enhanced Iraq’s soccer prowess and inspired countless aspiring athletes to follow in his footsteps.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Iraq?
Ahmed Radhi, a footballer, is considered the greatest athlete in the history of Iraq.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Iraq?
Shirin Gadhban, a sprinter, is the most popular female athlete from Iraq.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Iraq?
Football is the sport with the most popular athletes from Iraq.
Which athlete from Iraq is the most popular internationally?
Younis Mahmoud, a football player, is the most internationally popular athlete from Iraq.
