Aymen Hussein: Goalscoring Prodigy and the Viral Culprit of the Asian Cup

Let’s talk about Aymen Hussein. This Iraqi football sensation has carved a name for himself with his extraordinary goal-scoring skills. As a formidable striker donning the colors of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the Iraqi Premier League and proudly representing the Iraqi national team, Hussein’s story is a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists, stellar performances, and a recent viral moment that shook the Asian Cup.

Club Journey: Rising through Challenges

Hussein’s football journey began in 2009 when his talent was recognized while playing for Al-Alam SC’s youth team. Over the years, he navigated through various clubs, including Duhok, Al Naft, and Al Shorta, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities. His resilience and skill earned him a spot in Tunisian club CS Sfaxien before embarking on an international stint with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. A move to Umm Salal in Qatar and later to Al-Jazira in the UAE added international flavor to his career.

In August 2023, Hussein signed a contract with Moroccan side Raja CA, only to return to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in October 2023 due to limited playing time at Raja.

International Impact: From Bronze to Asian Cup Brilliance

Hussein’s international career kicked off in 2015, and he played a pivotal role in Iraq’s success at the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship, securing a bronze medal. Despite challenges, including injuries that kept him from the Rio Olympics, Hussein continued to make an impact, contributing to Iraq’s qualification for the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship.

Fast forward to the Asian Cup in Qatar in December 2023, where Hussein’s star shone brightly. In a crucial match against Japan on January 19, 2024, he scored a brace, securing a historic 2-1 victory and marking Iraq’s first win against Japan since 1982.

With six goals, he currently leads the goal-scoring chart for this edition of the Asian Cup. Although this standing may alter with Iraq now out of the competition, his performance is certainly deserving of celebration.

The Viral Moment: Celebration Turns Controversial

However, it was a round of 16 match against Jordan that turned Hussein into a viral sensation. After scoring a goal that put Iraq 2-1 ahead, Hussein did a bizarre ‘grass-eating’ celebration’ . This unconventional act led to a second yellow card and a subsequent red, forcing Hussein to leave the pitch. Jordan capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring two late goals to eliminate Iraq with a shocking 3-2 defeat.

The controversial red card sparked outrage, with Iraq’s manager, Jesus Casas, criticizing the referee’s decision, claiming it changed the course of the game. Despite the unfortunate end, Hussein’s overall performance in the Asian Cup, with six goals in four matches, solidified his reputation as an exceptional striker and a key figure in Iraq’s football landscape.

Aymen Hussein’s journey continues, marked by triumphs, challenges, and an unforgettable moment that resonated far beyond the football pitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9kHt9LLWk&pp=ygUNYXltZW4gaHVzc2Vpbg%3D%3D