Growing up a long distance away from his hometown in Iraq, it was posters of Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez that adorned the walls of Ali Al-Hamadi’s home in Liverpool.
However, the youngster always had a deep affinity for Iraq; Younis Mahmoud and Nashat Akram were as much his heroes as the Anfield icons.
“The United Kingdom gave me a home, education, a place to flourish and showcase my abilities. But at the end of the day, I am an Iraqi. That’s where I was born and that’s my country,” said Al-Hamadi who made his debut for Iraq as a 19-year-old in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers third round tie against Syria in 2021.
Al-Hamadi’s parents were forced to flee their country amidst armed conflicts that erupted after the United States-led coalition invaded the Middle East nation. His father, Ibrahim, imprisoned for protesting against the Saddam Hussein regime decided it was safer for his wife and one-year-old son to seek refuge abroad.
His mother Asseel Mohssen took the toddler to Jordan before the family reunited in Toxteth, Liverpool. But, despite escaping the war-ravaged Maysan, childhood in the English port city wasn’t any less challenging for Al-Hamadi who was thrust into the deep end of a rough neighbourhood leading to a “difficult upbringing.”
“Growing up, I was racially abused in school and got into a lot of fights. In football too, during some academy games, I got called certain hurtful names. I have had these experiences quite a lot when I was younger,” shared Al-Hamadi who joined Tranmere Rovers academy in 2015 before moving to Swansea City three years later.
“But as a Muslim, my faith guided me through these situations. You just smile, be polite and stand up for yourself. Call it out and be honest – sometimes that’s all you can do. I have accepted that I can’t change other people’s perceptions. Instead, I’ve always focused on how I can help myself and control my path.”
It was football that Al-Hamadi most often turned to for “drive and motivation.” One of the most poignant moments of his childhood came when he was five years old as war-torn Iraq emerged as Asian champions defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup final.
Al-Hamadi watched on television at his Merseyside home as captain Mahmoud scored the only goal of that historic final to give Iraq their first-ever continental title – at a time when violence was raging through the nation.
“I have pictures from that day of me with the Iraq national flag painted on my cheeks,” recalled Al-Hamadi.
“I go back and watch highlights and documentaries about that win from time to time for inspiration. Mahmoud was one of my heroes growing up and I have always looked up to him.”
But little did the young Al-Hamadi know then that he would follow in the footsteps of his childhood icon and don the Iraqi jersey.
“It was an incredible feeling to play my first game for Iraq. My family was there and it meant a lot to me. Every time I go out onto the pitch for my country, I feel proud and privileged,” the striker said.
“I was also lucky to meet Mahmoud (who is now the second vice-president of the Iraq Football Association). He and his teammates made history in 2007, but we need to make new memories and we’ve got a great team to try and do just that. I think it’s time Iraq won another Asian Cup.”
Al-Hamadi’s time with the Lions of Mesopotamia has taken him to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran and most recently Russia to face the country’s national team which was suspended by UEFA and FIFA following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine – a trip which the 21-year-old striker described “felt a bit weird.”
“My job is to represent my country and I was focused on that. I don’t want to get too political, but I come from Iraq – a country that has been persecuted by the United States, the UK and many other countries,” Al-Hamadi said.
“Did any country consider refusing to play against the US because of what they did in Iraq? While I deeply sympathise with the people of Ukraine, the truth is that such events have been a daily reality in my country for the past couple of decades. I feel like people are indifferent as far as it happens in Iraq, Syria or Palestine!”
A striker who is not afraid to take on defenders and with excellent aerial and finishing abilities, Al-Hamadi’s match-winning displays with the Dons have reportedly attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League and Championship.
But his focus currently is to help AFC Wimbledon earn promotion to League One, England’s third division. Having signed for the Dons from Wycombe Wanderers in January, the Iraq international scored 10 goals and bagged an assist last season leaving a great impression on manager Johnnie Jackson.
“He’s been an excellent addition on the pitch and off it. He’s a hard worker with a great work ethic and he’s not afraid of speaking his mind if needed. He is a leader in that sense and someone who will play a big part in what we do going forward,” Jackson told The Asian Game.
Al-Hamadi wants to find the net even more frequently during the new season and remain in Iraq head coach Jesus Casas’ plans during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup slated for the start of next year.
“The target is to get 15 to 20 goals for Wimbledon and have that momentum going into the Asian Cup with Iraq,” said Al-Hamadi.
But the competition for places in Casas’ squad will be high with players like Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein and Alaa Abbas vying for a starting spot.
“They have played more football than me and are more used to the style as many of them play in the Middle East,” Al-Hamadi said.
“This is something I have to deal with every time I go away to Iraq. Also, international football is much slower, but the quality of the players is so high and you can’t afford to make even the simplest of mistakes. But I think I have done well so far to prove to the manager that I can do a good job.”
Amidst all the challenges, Al-Hamadi remains determined to write more chapters in his whirlwind tale by making his mark at Wimbledon and with the Iraq national team.
“I love my country and I hope we get back to where we deserve to be soon. I see the people of Iraq and they are so strong and always with a smile on their face. And my wish is to bring more happiness to my people by giving them more success with the national team,” he said.
Photo: Facebook/alikalhamadi
