The current season of the Iraqi Stars League has witnessed a notable presence of Egyptian players and coaches, highlighting the growing influence of Egyptian football talents abroad.
The Iraqi league has a rich history of welcoming Egyptian talent, with numerous Egyptian players and coaches having plied their trade in the country over the years.
Here is a rundown of some of the prominent Egyptian figures currently active in the Iraqi league this season:
Hossam El-Badry
Former Egyptian national team coach Hossam El-Badry made headlines when he joined Iraqi club Al-Zawraa as head coach last July.
El-Badry’s appointment followed his stint with Tunisia’s Club Sportif Sfaxien.
Under El-Badry’s guidance, Al-Zawraa, which finished third last season with 68 points, currently occupies the same position after 12 rounds, amassing 23 points. They trail the second-placed Police Club by 5 points and league leaders Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya by 7 points.
Mohamed Atwa
Defender Mohamed Atwa made a move to Iraqi club Amanat Baghdad in mid-last month after parting ways with Egypt’s Al-Dakhleya.
Atwa, 33, who had a solitary professional stint outside Egypt with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Raed in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons, finds himself at Amanat Baghdad, currently positioned 17th in the Iraqi Stars League with 11 points.
Haitham Shaaban and Saleh Gomaa
The Karbala-based club Al-Karkh, currently in 16th place in the league, boasts the presence of Egyptian coach Haitham Shaaban and midfielder Saleh Gomaa.
In the latter part of January, Al-Karkh secured the services of Haitham Shaaban after his departure from Egypt’s Al-Dakhleya.
Shaaban, 44, prioritized the signing of Saleh Gomaa during the recent winter transfer window.
Saleh Gomaa terminated his contract with Egypt’s Al-Ismaily earlier this month by mutual consent, facilitating his move to the Iraqi Stars League through Al-Karkh.
The influx of Egyptian talent in the Iraqi league not only adds depth and quality to the competition but also underscores the increasingly globalized nature of football, where borders are no longer barriers for players and coaches seeking new challenges and opportunities.
