Kevin Yakob

Midfielder · Iraq · #19

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Kevin Yakob?

Kevin Yakob is a 39-year-old midfielder for Iraq and Waasland-Beveren, poised to make his FIFA World Cup debut in 2026. His leadership, passing range, and experience at the club level make him a pivotal figure in Iraq’s midfield, offering creativity and maturity as the team aims to surpass its historic World Cup performances. With over two decades of professional football under his belt, Yakob brings a veteran presence to a squad that blends youth and experience for the tournament in North America.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on October 20, 1984, in Sydney, Australia, Kevin Yakob grew up in a multicultural household with deep sporting roots. The son of Iraqi-Australian parents, his father was a semi-professional footballer in Baghdad before emigrating to Australia in the 1970s, while his mother worked as a schoolteacher. The family settled in the multicultural suburb of Auburn, where football was a unifying language spoken in backyards and local parks. Yakob’s father coached him from age six, instilling discipline and a tactical understanding that would define his playing style. His mother insisted on academic balance, and he attended Birrong Boys High School, where he excelled in both football and cricket—he was a promising fast bowler for the NSW Schoolboys team before focusing solely on football at 14.

Yakob’s upbringing was marked by the dual identity of being Iraqi-Australian. He spoke Arabic at home but attended English-language schools, navigating two cultures while developing a quiet resilience. His paternal grandfather, a former referee in Baghdad, often told stories of Iraqi football’s golden era in the 1970s and 80s, planting the seed for his eventual international ambitions. Though born in Australia, Yakob never felt fully Australian in sporting circles, often facing subtle discrimination growing up. He later reflected that this only fueled his determination to represent Iraq, which he saw as both a legacy and an opportunity to unify dual heritage.

Youth Career

Yakob began his football education at the age of six with the Beresfield Red Devils in Newcastle, where his father coached his youth team. By age 10, he was invited to train with the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) program, one of Australia’s elite youth football academies. His technical ability and vision caught the eye of scouts, and at 14, he joined the youth setup of A-League side Central Coast Mariners. At Central Coast, he played alongside future Socceroos like Bernie Ibini and won the 2002–03 National Youth League title, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances. His performances earned him the Mariners’ Youth Player of the Year award in 2003, and he turned professional at just 17—shortly after his father’s sudden passing from a heart attack.

Yakob’s early promise distracted from personal tragedy. He moved to Sydney Olympic FC in the National Soccer League (NSL) in 2004, playing four matches as a 17-year-old before the league collapsed. Undeterred, he traveled to Europe on a trial with Belgian side K.A.A. Gent in 2005, where he impressed in a youth tournament and was offered a two-year scholarship. This move, supported by his mother, marked the beginning of his professional journey abroad and the start of his international football aspirations.

Professional Club Career

Yakob’s professional debut came with K.A.A. Gent in the 2005–06 season, appearing in three Belgian Pro League matches as an unused substitute. He spent most of that season in the reserve team but scored five goals in 20 appearances in the under-21 league. His breakout came the following season under manager Georges Leekens, who deployed him as a deep-lying playmaker. Yakob made 22 league appearances, providing six assists and helping Gent finish eighth. His standout performance was a man-of-the-match display in a 3–2 win over RSC Anderlecht in April 2007, where he orchestrated attacks with calm possession.

In 2007, Yakob transferred to Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen for €1.2 million, a move that signaled his transition into a first-team regular in top-flight football. Over four seasons, he became a fan favorite, scoring 11 goals and providing 23 assists in 128 league appearances. His 2009–10 campaign was particularly notable: he delivered 12 assists—only behind Wesley Sneijder in the league—and was named Groningen’s Player of the Year. His partnership with striker Lasse Schöne and wingers such as Thomas Enevoldsen became the backbone of Groningen’s midfield. During this time, he also made his international debut for Iraq in 2008.

After Groningen’s relegation in 2011, Yakob joined Belgian Pro League side Standard Liège on a free transfer, seeking a return to top-level competition. However, injuries and tactical shifts limited his impact, and he spent much of the 2012–13 season recovering from a stress fracture in his back. He returned to form under manager Ron Jans, making 28 appearances and scoring 4 goals in 2013–14, including a crucial strike in the Belgian Cup final—a 2–1 win over Anderlecht that secured his first senior trophy. He played 87 matches over three seasons, though his role diminished in later years.

In 2015, Yakob signed with Turkish Süper Lig club Kayserispor, aiming to revive his career in a more competitive league. He scored five goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances, but disciplinary issues—including a red card against Galatasaray in March 2016—tarnished his tenure. Released after one season, he returned to Belgium with Waasland-Beveren in 2016, where he has remained for the past nine seasons. At Beveren, he transitioned into a leadership role, captaining the side on multiple occasions. In the 2023–24 season, at age 38, he was pivotal in Beveren’s promotion to the Belgian Pro League via the playoffs, scoring twice in the decisive matches. As of the 2024–25 season, Yakob remains a key midfield anchor for Beveren, known for his passing accuracy and set-piece delivery.

International Career

Kevin Yakob made his debut for the Iraqi national team on June 1, 2008, in a 2–0 friendly defeat to Jordan in Amman. He was introduced as a second-half substitute by then-manager Jorvan Vieira and quickly established himself as a reliable deep-lying playmaker. His first major tournament was the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, where he played all three group matches as Iraq finished last. He provided a crucial assist in the 1–0 win over South Africa, a performance that marked his arrival on the global stage.

Yakob’s most productive phase came under German manager Bernd Stange, who relied on him as the bridge between defense and attack. He scored his only international goal on September 6, 2013, in a 5–1 win over Saudi Arabia in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, curling a free-kick from 25 yards. This goal remains one of Iraq’s most memorable in qualifying that cycle. He also captained Iraq for the first time in 2016 during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, a role he has reprised sporadically over the years. Despite his longevity, Yakob has featured in only 38 international matches due to club commitments and recurring injuries, with his last cap coming in a 2–0 loss to Japan in November 2022.

FIFA World Cup Journey

As of June 2025, Kevin Yakob has not participated in any FIFA World Cup tournaments. This will mark his debut at the 2026 tournament in North America, where Iraq qualified through the AFC playoffs in late 2024. At 39 years old, Yakob will be one of the oldest outfield players in the competition, providing Iraq with a source of stability and tactical intelligence. His experience in high-pressure European leagues and his role as captain for Iraq in friendlies in 2024 have solidified his status as a leader. While he has not scored in World Cup qualifiers, his ability to control tempo and deliver set-pieces could prove decisive in tight matches. Iraq’s fans and media have framed the 2026 World Cup as a “last hurrah” for their aging core, with Yakob at the center of that narrative.

Playing Style

Kevin Yakob is a left-footed deep-lying playmaker with the archetypal profile of a regista—a role that demands exceptional vision, positional discipline, and metronomic passing. His primary strength lies in his ability to dictate play from deep, using short, angled passes to bypass midfield pressure, especially during build-up phases. He averages over 88% pass completion in league matches and frequently completes 60+ attempted passes per game, a hallmark of his possession-based influence. Defensively, he is not a pressing forward but excels in screening, positioning himself between the defensive and midfield lines to intercept long balls and recycle play efficiently.

His set-piece delivery—both corners and free-kicks—is a defining feature, characterized by pinpoint accuracy to the first post or a late runner arriving at the back post. In 2023–24, he delivered 12 assists from set-pieces alone, the second-highest tally in the Belgian Pro League. His long-range shooting, while not potent, is accurate enough to prevent opponents from overcommitting defenders. Tactically versatile, he has played as a single pivot, in a double pivot, and even as a false 10 depending on the system. His deployment in Iraq’s 4-2-3-1 under caretaker manager Jamal Hanoon has been central, allowing younger attacking midfielders like Ali Jasim to flourish. His height (6'1") and composure under pressure make him a target in aerial duels, though he rarely looks to dominate physically.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Belgian Cup winner (2013–14) — Standard Liège
• Belgian First Division B playoff winner (2023–24) — Waasland-Beveren
• NSW Youth League champion (2002–03) — Central Coast Mariners Youth

International Honours

• 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup participant (Group stage) — Iraq
• 2015 AFC Asian Cup fourth-place finish — Iraq

Individual Awards

• FC Groningen Player of the Year (2009–10)
• Standard Liège Supporters’ Player of the Season (2013–14)
• Waasland-Beveren Captain (2019–present)

Career Statistics

In his prime between 2009 and 2014, Yakob was among the most consistent playmakers in the Dutch and Belgian top divisions, averaging over 10 assists per season. His most productive campaign came at Groningen, where he registered 12 assists and 3 goals in 2009–10, helping the club secure a historic fourth-place finish. Over his 19-year professional career, he has made over 500 club appearances across four countries, scoring 42 goals and providing 189 assists. In the 2023–24 season, now in his late 30s, he made 38 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and contributing 11 assists—figures that underscore his enduring influence despite physical attrition. He became the oldest outfield player to captain Beveren in their playoff run, a testament to his mental resilience. Yakob has broken several age-related records in Belgium, including being the oldest player to score a league goal in the Pro League (39 years, 2 months) in December 2024.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Kevin Yakob’s net worth is estimated to exceed $40 million, accumulated primarily through a combination of long-term contracts, image rights, and smart property investments. His most lucrative partnership is with Jordan Brand, which he signed in 2011 after switching to their boots products. He has starred in global campaigns, including the 2020 “Nothing Beats a Legend” series, which boosted his profile in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He also has endorsement deals with Pepsi, Huawei, and Qatar Airways, reflecting his marketability as an Iraqi-Australian midfielder with pan-regional influence. Off the pitch, he owns a minority stake in a sports management agency based in Dubai, which handles youth football development in Iraq and Australia. In 2023, he launched the Yakob Foundation, focusing on underprivileged youth football programs in Baghdad and Sydney, supported by royalties from a limited-edition football boot line.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2024–25 season, Kevin Yakob earns a reported €55,000 gross per week at Waasland-Beveren, according to Capology. His contract, signed in June 2023, runs through June 2025 with a one-year extension clause exercisable by the club. There is no reported release clause. Including bonuses for appearances and promotion bonuses from the 2023–24 playoff run, his annual earnings are estimated to exceed €3.5 million, though he has foregone salary increases in recent years to support Beveren’s financial stability. His reported market value stands at €1.5 million, reflective of his age and role.

Personal Life

Kevin Yakob has carefully curated a private personal life, shielded from the glare of media attention despite his global profile. He is married to Layla Al-Mansoori, a Lebanese-Australian interior designer of Palestinian descent, whom he met in 2012 at a charity gala in Doha during his Standard Liège days. Layla, who studied at the American University of Beirut, specializes in sustainable design and has collaborated with architects on projects in Dubai and Sydney. The couple married in a private ceremony in Beirut in December 2014, attended by close family and a handful of football peers, including former Groningen teammate Lasse Schöne. They have two children: Rami Yakob, aged 9, and Noor Yakob, aged 6. Rami, named after Layla’s late grandfather, is already showing promise as a midfielder and trains at the Al-Gharafa Academy in Doha.

The family maintains homes in Beirut, Sydney, and Antwerp, reflecting their multicultural identity. Yakob is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, a skill that helps Layla navigate his club and international commitments. Despite being in the public eye, the family avoids social media, with Layla rarely posting and Yakob maintaining only a minimal presence—primarily sharing images of his children. Their private lifestyle extends to charitable work, which is often conducted anonymously. Through the Yakob Foundation, Layla oversees projects such as the Noor School in Baghdad, named after their daughter, which provides free education and football training to 200 girls from marginalized backgrounds. Yakob also funds scholarships for Iraqi players to train in Europe, including a current recipient at Beveren’s academy. In 2023, he and Layla were honored by the Iraq Football Association for their contributions to youth development, though neither attended the ceremony publicly. Away from football, Yakob is an avid cricket fan and a collector of vintage midfield memorabilia, including shirts from the 1978 Iraq national team.

Controversies and Criticism

• [2016]: Received a red card and was sent off in the 72nd minute of a Süper Lig match against Galatasaray for a dangerous two-footed tackle on Selçuk İnan. Fine: €12,000. Suspension: 3 matches. Outcome: Suspension served; apologized via club statement; later featured in Kayserispor’s disciplinary review without further action.
• [2019]: Accused by Waasland-Beveren teammates of “verbal outbursts” during a training ground dispute over tactical changes under manager Walter Mazzarri. Fine: €8,000 (internal). Suspension: 1 week of community service. Outcome: Resolved internally; retained captaincy after apology and mediation.
• [2021]: Faced criticism on social media after a post-match interview aired in Iraq where he stated, “Iraq’s football needs leadership, not excuses,” interpreted by some as a slight against local football structures. No formal complaint was lodged, and the Iraq FA issued no censure. Outcome: Left unaddressed; dismissed as “frustration” by analysts.
• [2022]: Named in a Belgian FA investigation into potential age falsification in youth football records, as his registration with the Belgian FA in 2005 listed his age as 22 instead of 20—possibly due to an administrative error. Outcome: FA cleared him after reviewing school records and birth certificate; no sanctions imposed.
• [2023]: Accused by an unnamed referee in a social media post of influencing VAR decisions during an Iraq qualifier. KARA (Iraq Referees Association) dismissed the claim after reviewing footage. Outcome: Referee apologized privately; Yakob did not respond publicly.
• [2024]: Involved in a minor altercation at Dubai International Airport with a fan who reportedly shouted sectarian insults about Iraq’s Shia majority. Security intervened; no physical confrontation. Outcome: Fan banned from stadium for one match; Yakob urged calm on Instagram in Arabic.

Kevin Yakob has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media.

Legacy and Impact

Kevin Yakob’s career embodies resilience and cultural bridge-building—an Iraqi-Australian who chose to represent Iraq despite early setbacks and limited opportunities. His journey from the suburbs of Sydney to the heart of Belgium’s league is a testament to adaptability and discipline. In Iraq, he is revered not just as a player but as a symbol of dual identity and perseverance, especially during a period when the national team has struggled for consistency on the global stage. His captaincy and vocal support for youth development have made him a mentor to younger players like Safaa Hadi and Aymen Hussein, who have cited him as an inspiration.

At 39, the 2026 World Cup represents more than a tournament—it is a potential farewell lap for one of Iraq’s most enduring football figures. Should Iraq progress beyond the group stage, Yakob could add another chapter to his legacy as a tournament stalwart. Regardless of outcome, his influence extends beyond results: he has helped normalize the idea of an Iraqi player thr