Iraqi Football Hero Carries Scars of War: Brother Still Missing After IS Attack

Aymen Hussein, a celebrated figure in Iraqi football, carries the weight of a deeply personal tragedy as he leads his national team. His life story is marked by profound loss, with his father killed by al-Qaeda and his brother abducted by the Islamic State (IS) in 2014. The whereabouts of his brother remain unknown to this day.

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No one knows the details, what actually happened. This is not the first story of terrorism in my family, and probably not the last.

"No one knows the details, what actually happened. This is not the first story of terrorism in my family, and probably not the last," Hussein told AP, reflecting on his brother's disappearance. The abduction occurred after IS invaded his hometown of Hawija. Despite these immense personal hardships, Hussein finds solace and purpose in football.

Sarmed Saify, who works as a player developer in Norway and closely follows the Iraqi national team, notes Hussein's unique background. "He is someone who has experienced much more than many others," Saify said. "Compared to many others on the Iraqi team who fled at a very young age and grew up in, for example, Scandinavia, Aymen had a different upbringing. He plays with a different passion than everyone else. Football has been important for him and an escape from war."

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He is someone who has experienced much more than many others. Compared to many others on the Iraqi team who fled at a very young age and grew up in, for example, Scandinavia, Aymen had a different upbringing. He plays with a different passion than everyone else. Football has been important for him and an escape from war.

René Meulensteen, assistant coach for the Iraqi national team and former assistant at Manchester United, emphasizes Hussein's importance to the squad. "He is important, first and foremost because he is a good striker and goal scorer. He has scored some important goals for us and has been here for many, many years. He is also a leader, a good captain, and an important player for us in this championship," Meulensteen stated.

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He is important, first and foremost because he is a good striker and goal scorer. He has scored some important goals for us and has been here for many, many years. He is also a leader, a good captain and an important player for us in this championship.

Football holds a special significance in Iraq, serving as a rare respite from decades of dictatorship, occupation, and war. As Muntadhar al-Zaidi, known for throwing a shoe at George W. Bush, explained, "Iraqis have been passionate about football for decades. This is because football has been the only breathing room in a time characterized by dictatorship, occupation, and wars." Hussein's journey embodies this deep connection, with football offering a beacon of hope and a platform for national pride amidst ongoing adversity.

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Iraqis have been passionate about football for decades. This is because football has been the only breathing room in a time characterized by dictatorship, occupation, and wars.