Biography
Younis Mahmoud, born on February 3, 1983, in Erbil, Iraq, is a retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He began his career with Al-Talaba SC in 1999, where he demonstrated his scoring abilities and quickly gained recognition in Iraqi football. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Al-Gharafa SC in Qatar, where he further honed his skills and established himself as a prolific goal-scorer.
Mahmoud is best known for his contributions to the Iraqi national team, particularly during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where he captained the squad to a historic victory. Under his leadership, Iraq secured its first major international trophy, defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final, and Mahmoud's pivotal goal in the semi-finals against South Korea solidified his status as a national hero. Over his international career, he earned more than 150 caps and scored 57 goals, becoming one of the top scorers in the history of Iraqi football.
After a successful club career that included stints in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Mahmoud retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of Iraq’s most celebrated athletes. His contributions to football have made a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of players in Iraq and the region. In recognition of his achievements, he remains a prominent figure in Iraqi sports, celebrated for both his individual skill and his role in unifying the nation through football.