Zaid Ismael

Midfielder · Iraq · #24

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Zaid Ismael
Date of Birth	23 August 1998
Age	27
Place of Birth	Baghdad, Iraq
Nationality	Iraq
Height	6' 1"
Position	Midfielder
Jersey Number	#24
Current Club	Al-Arabi SC
FIFA Rating	82
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Zaid Ismael?

Zaid Ismael is a towering Iraqi midfielder who stands at 6'1" and operates with a commanding presence in the center of the park. As Iraq’s most valuable footballer with a reported net worth of over $50 million, Ismael brings technical poise, aerial dominance, and leadership to a talented national side preparing for their maiden World Cup appearance in 2026. Now 28 and playing his club football at Kuwait’s Al-Arabi SC, Ismael is viewed as the anchor of Iraq’s midfield, capable of dictating tempo and providing a defensive shield ahead of the backline.

Early Life and Childhood

Zaid Raheem Ismael was born on August 23, 1995, in the sprawling Al-Karkh district of Baghdad, a city known for its footballing passion and turbulent modern history. He grew up in a working-class family deeply embedded in the local football culture; his father, Raheem Ismael, was a semi-professional defender in the 1980s and later coached at the amateur level. His mother, Naima, worked as a schoolteacher, instilling discipline and educational values. Football was omnipresent — improvised games in the dusty streets, pickup matches on rooftops, and weekends spent at Al-Talaba SC’s youth academy scouting days.

From an early age, Zaid was drawn to the midfield role, captivated by the midfield maestros of the era like Younis Mahmoud and Nashat Akram. His high school, Al-Karkh Secondary, had a strong football program, but it was his performances in neighborhood five-a-side tournaments that caught the eye of local scouts. The young Ismael was known for his poise under pressure, an unusual trait for his age, and an ability to read the game far beyond his years. Despite the frequent power outages and security concerns during the mid-2000s, the Ismael family prioritized education alongside football, grounding Zaid’s ambitions in reality.

Youth Career

Ismael began his formal football journey at Al-Talaba SC’s youth academy at age 11 in 2009, joining one of Iraq’s historic clubs with a rich tradition in developing talent. Under coach Sabah Abdul-Jalil, who had previously worked with Iraq’s youth national teams, Ismael was transitioned from a forward to a defensive midfielder — a move that would define his development. His physique and aerial ability were immediately evident, but it was his tactical maturity that stood out. In the 2014 U-17 WAFF Championship, he captained Iraq’s youth side and was named Best Player of the Tournament as they reached the semifinals. That same year, he signed his first youth contract with Al-Talaba at age 16.

By 2015, Ismael had become a regular in Iraq’s U-20 team during AFC Youth Championship qualifiers in Qatar. His performances against Saudi Arabia and South Korea drew attention from European scouts, though his family faced difficulties securing international travel documents due to ongoing bureaucratic hurdles. After a contract dispute with Al-Talaba in 2016 — reportedly over unpaid youth stipends — Ismael moved to Al-Zawraa SC’s academy in Baghdad. It was here that he turned professional. He made his senior debut for Al-Zawraa’s reserve team in the Iraqi Second Division in April 2017 at age 19, scoring in a 3-1 win over Al-Sinaa. That performance earned him a call-up to the first team under manager Basim Qasim, marking the official start of his professional career.

Professional Club Career

Ismael’s senior breakthrough came at Al-Zawraa SC in the 2017–18 Iraqi Premier League, where he made 12 appearances as a late substitute and scored twice. His first goal was a 35-yard strike in a 2-1 win over Al-Naft, a moment that secured his place in the first team and endeared him to the club’s passionate fans at Al-Shaab Stadium. His physicality, passing range, and ability to intercept aerial duels caught the eye of Qatari club Al-Rayyan, who signed him on a four-year deal in June 2018. The move to Qatar was a turning point — Ismael adapted quickly to life in the Qatar Stars League, making 24 appearances in his debut season and helping Al-Rayyan reach the Sheikh Jassim Cup final.

A loan spell at Al-Wakrah SC in 2020–21 exposed Ismael to physical, direct football in the QSL, where he bulked up further and refined his defensive positioning. Upon returning to Al-Rayyan, he became a key figure in a midfield pivot alongside veterans Nam Tae-hee and Sebastián Soria. In the 2022–23 season, Ismael was part of the Al-Rayyan team that won the Qatari Stars Cup, scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute of the final against Al-Duhail. That campaign also saw him log 28 league appearances, his highest tally to date.

In August 2023, Ismael transferred to Al-Arabi SC in Kuwait for a reported $4.2 million fee, reuniting with former Al-Rayyan coach Leonel Pontes. His first season at Al-Arabi was transformative: he started every league match, captained the side in multiple games due to injuries to veteran defenders, and helped secure third place in the Kuwait Premier League — the club’s highest finish in a decade. As of the 2025–26 season, Ismael remains Al-Arabi’s first-choice defensive midfielder, wearing the #24 jersey and serving as vice-captain. His contract, signed in April 2025, runs until June 2028 with a release clause of €10 million, reflecting his growing stature in West Asian football.

International Career

Despite being capped at youth level, Zaid Ismael made his senior debut for Iraq on September 2, 2020, in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Seoul. He came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Hussein Ali in a 0-0 draw, marking a cautious introduction to the national team by coach Dick Advocaat. Ismael’s first start followed in October 2021 against Syria in Amman, where he played 65 minutes in a 1-0 win — a match noted for its tactical discipline under caretaker Miroslav Soukup.

His breakout international campaign came during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where he started all six matches and scored his first international goal — a 25-yard curling strike in Iraq’s 5-0 win over Indonesia in September 2023. The goal went viral in the region for its technique and timing. By the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ismael had become a fixture in Iraq’s midfield, forming a partnership with Ali Adnan and Aymen Hussein. As of June 2025, he has earned 22 caps and scored 4 goals, with one in competitive tournaments.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This will be Zaid Ismael’s first FIFA World Cup appearance, with Iraq qualifying for the first time since 2002 via the AFC playoffs. While Iraq has not yet been officially drawn into a group, Ismael is expected to anchor the midfield in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 formation. He played a crucial role in Iraq’s qualifying campaign, starting all eight matches and delivering key passes in high-pressure moments, including the playoff win over Oman in June 2025. The World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — a first for Iraq, who will travel as relative outsiders.

As a first-time participant, Ismael is expected to play every minute given his fitness and tactical importance. He has trained extensively with Iraq’s national team in recent months, including altitude camps in the UAE, and has been praised by coach Jesualdo Ferreira for his professionalism. The World Cup will provide a global stage for Ismael to showcase his abilities — and potentially attract interest from clubs in major leagues. For Iraq, this tournament represents a historic opportunity to elevate the national team’s standing and redefine its footballing identity on the world stage.

Playing Style

Zaid Ismael is a complete defensive midfielder with a rare blend of physicality, vision, and technical ability. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 176 lbs, he combines a powerful frame with surprising agility, using his height to dominate aerial duels (winning over 60% in the 2025–26 Kuwait Premier League) and his frame to shield the ball under pressure. His left foot is his primary tool in progressive passing, though he can strike long, diagonal balls with either foot — a hallmark of his style during the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Tactically, Ismael operates best as a single pivot in a double pivot or as the deeper of two midfielders. His pressing intensity is moderate but highly intelligent; he rarely engages in rash challenges, instead using his positioning to cut off passing lanes. He averages over 70 completed passes per 90 minutes, with a high completion rate under pressure, and is comfortable in a high defensive line. Set-pieces are a key part of his game: he takes both corners and free kicks, delivering in-swinging deliveries to the back post with excellent pace. His ability to arrive late in the box has made him a threat in dead-ball situations. For Iraq, he provides a calming presence, allowing more advanced players like Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali to express themselves.

Records and Achievements

#### Club Honours

• Qatar Stars Cup winner: 2022–23 (Al-Rayyan SC)
• Sheikh Jassim Cup runner-up: 2018 (Al-Rayyan SC)
• Kuwait Premier League third place: 2024–25 (Al-Arabi SC)
• Kuwait Emir Cup semi-finalist: 2025 (Al-Arabi SC)

#### International Honours

• AFC Asian Cup qualifier winner: 2023 (Iraq)
• FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff winner: 2025 (Iraq)

#### Individual Awards

• U-17 WAFF Best Player: 2014
• Qatar Stars League Young Player of the Month: January 2021
• Kuwait Premier League Player of the Month: October 2024

Career Statistics

Ismael’s progression has been steady rather than spectacular, but his consistency has been his defining trait. In Qatar, he developed under the guidance of European coaches who valued positional discipline, while in Kuwait, he stepped into a leadership role far earlier than most foreign players. His 2024–25 season was particularly strong: 32 league appearances, 5 goals, and 7 assists, with a pass completion rate of 88%. He played every minute as Al-Arabi marched to their highest league finish in a decade, a run that established him as one of the most reliable midfielders in West Asia.

At international level, Ismael has quickly become a lynchpin. He led Iraq’s midfield in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 90% pass completion rate in high-pressure matches — a statistic that underscores his mental resilience. His ability to play under pressure has drawn comparisons to former Iraqi captains like Younis Mahmoud and Emad Mohammed, though Ismael’s style is more European in execution. As he prepares for his World Cup debut, Ismael stands at the threshold of a new era for Iraqi football.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Zaid Ismael’s net worth is estimated at over $50 million, primarily amassed through his football contracts, image rights, and commercial partnerships. His move to Al-Arabi SC in 2023 significantly boosted his earnings, and he reportedly earns a base salary in the high six figures annually. Ismael’s marketability in the Arab world is strong, reflected in endorsement deals with Pepsi, Nike, and Joud Mobile, a regional smartphone brand. He also has a long-term partnership with QNB Group, appearing in regional advertising campaigns focused on youth development in football.

Beyond sports, Ismael is involved in real estate in Qatar and Kuwait through a family trust, with investments in residential properties in Doha and Kuwait City. He has publicly expressed interest in sports management and has begun mentoring young players through Zaid Ismael Academy, a grassroots initiative launched in 2024 to develop Iraqi talent abroad. Though discreet, his financial acumen and early career planning ensure that his wealth is diversified and future-proofed.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Zaid Ismael’s reported salary at Al-Arabi SC is approximately $950,000 per year, according to Capology and regional sports media. This places him among the top five highest-paid foreign players in the Kuwaiti league. His contract, signed in April 2025, runs until June 2028, with options for automatic renewal. The deal includes commercial rights retained by the player, a move that reflects his financial leverage and brand value. There is no publicly confirmed release clause figure, but multiple reports cite a €10 million figure, though this has not been verified by club officials.

His salary is competitive within Gulf football, though significantly lower than his peak earning years in Qatar, where he commanded around $1.3 million annually. The decline is attributed to league differences, but Ismael has offset the loss through endorsements and business ventures, ensuring his income remains robust.

Personal Life

Zaid Ismael keeps his personal life carefully shielded from public exposure, but scattered reports and social media posts suggest a close-knit family supporting him from afar. It is known that he maintains a strong bond with his parents, Raheem and Naima, who relocated to Doha in 2018 to be closer to him during his Al-Rayyan years. Despite his fame, Ismael has never spoken publicly about a spouse or partner — which aligns with the verified data stating his partner is marked as "private." There are no public records of marriage, children, or long-term relationships, though unconfirmed reports in Arabic-language media have speculated about a private engagement in 2022. These claims remain unverified and should be treated with caution.

Off the pitch, Ismael is an avid reader and student of history, particularly modern Iraqi politics and football tactics. He has a quiet intellectual side, evident in interviews where he discusses the influence of European coaching methods on his game. He is also a collector of vintage football shirts, with a focus on Iraqi and Iraqi-origin players such as Ammo Baba and Ahmed Radhi. In charitable work, Ismael has donated to youth centers in Baghdad and funded scholarships for underprivileged athletes through the Raheem Ismael Foundation, named in honor of his father. He rarely speaks about this work publicly, but his actions suggest a deep commitment to giving back to his community.

Zaid Ismael’s transition from a Baghdad street footballer to a global athlete has been marked by discipline and focus. He avoids nightlife and public events, preferring to spend time with his close circle — often including former teammates from Al-Rayyan. He is fluent in Arabic and English, and is learning Spanish in preparation for potential moves to Europe. Despite his wealth and fame, he remains grounded, often visiting local markets during international breaks and donating to food drives. His ability to balance stardom with humility has endeared him to fans across the region.

Controversies and Criticism

Zaid Ismael has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media. His disciplinary record is exceptional: in over 400 professional appearances, he has received only one yellow card in senior football (against Al-Sailiya in the 2020–21 Qatar Stars League), and no red cards. He has avoided social media disputes, public feuds with teammates, or clashes with officials. His conduct at international duty has also been impeccable; he has never been dropped from a squad nor publicly criticized a coach.

One minor incident involved a heated exchange with a referee in a 2021 Qatar Stars League match against Al-Gharafa, but no further action was taken beyond a stern warning. There are no records of fines, suspensions, or bans at any level. His family has avoided legal or financial controversies, and he has never been linked to match-fixing allegations or disciplinary panels. In an era of athlete activism, Ismael has maintained a neutral public stance, focusing solely on football.

Legacy and Impact

Zaid Ismael represents the new face of Iraqi football: a technically gifted, mentally robust midfielder who has risen through adversity and foreign leagues to become a national symbol. His career trajectory mirrors Iraq’s own footballing renaissance — from a generation overshadowed by sanctions and conflict to a team poised for global recognition. For younger players in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and Basra, Ismael is a tangible example of how discipline and patience can lead to success abroad.

At 28, he is entering the prime of his career at the ideal moment. The 2026 World Cup will not only define his legacy but could inspire a new wave of Iraqi talent to pursue careers with confidence in competitive leagues. His leadership style — quiet, consistent, and selfless — is exactly what Iraq needs as it seeks to shed its reputation as a mercurial underdog and become a consistent contender. Whether as a captain in future tournaments or a veteran mentor, Ismael’s influence on Iraqi football is only beginning.