Nashat Akram

Nashat Akram
نشأت أكرم

Personal information
Full name	Nashat Akram Abid Ali
Date of birth	12 September 1984 (1984-09-12)
Place of birth	Al Hillah, Iraq
Height	1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Al-Wakrah
Number	55
Youth career
1996–1999	Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
1998–1999	Al-Zawraa
2000	Salahaddin
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2000–2003	Al-Shorta
2003–2004	Al-Nassr
2004–2007	Al-Shabab
2007–2008	Al Ain
2008–2009	Al-Gharafa	22	(7)
2009–2010	Twente	10	(3)
2010–2011	Al-Wakrah	11	(2)
2011	Lekhwiya	8	(1)
2012-	Al-Wakrah	5	(1)
National team‡
2001–	Iraq	104	(15)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17 February 2012. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 February 2012

Nashat Akram Abid Ali (Arabic: نشأت أكرم عبد علي ‎, born 12 September 1984 in Al Hillah) is an Iraqi professional footballer who currently plays for Qatari side Al-Wakrah. He is an Iraqi international. He usually plays as a midfielder. Nashat was one of Iraq's promising young prospects, and has been linked with Manchester City and Sunderland. In 2009, the International Football Awards chose Nashat Akram as the best Asian footballer of the year.

Biography

While many footballers are admired for their footwork or dominance in the air, Nashat Akram impresses with his cunning. After steering Iraq to their maiden success at the AFC Asian Cup 2007 with his intelligent midfield prompting, the cool-headed playmaker instantly became a popular figure across the continent. However, long before he made a name for himself at the senior level, Akram attracted attention across Asia when his creativity helped Iraq win the AFC Youth Championship 2000. That same year, the 17-year-old made it into the first team of Iraqi giants Al-Shorta. After a series of brilliant performances, which included helping the team to glory in the Umm Al-Marek Cup and reaching the Iraq FA Cup final in 2002, the midfield prodigy began to be heralded as one of Asia's most promising talents.

And it did not take Akram long to live up to these sizeable expectations. Though still a teenager, he was instrumental in Iraq's qualification for both the Asian Cup 2004 and the Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004. His excellent vision and defence-piercing passes – skills rarely seen in players his age – captivated national coach Adnan Hamad, who appointed Akram captain, despite being one of the youngest players on the senior team.

Akram did not let his coach down and impressed throughout Iraq's campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2004. He also revealed his goalscoring ability when he was on target in the 2–1 win over Saudi Arabia in the final group match, a result which sent them through to the last eight at the Saudis' expense.

It was not the first goal that he scored for the national team, nor has it been the last. He hit the mark again in Iraq's memorable 3–1 win over Australia in a group match in the AFC Asian Cup 2007, before slamming home to seal a 2–1 victory over hosts China in a qualifier for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Despite winning the continental title, Iraq's disappointing qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has left Akram and his team-mates with the feeling that they still have something to prove. After making his national team debut against Saudi Arabia in a qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the 24-year-old also figured in Iraq's more recent qualifying campaigns, both times with little success. Iraq failed to progress to Asia's final round of qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany and they suffered a similar fate four years later when they failed to book their passage to South Africa.

Club career

Al-Shorta

In 2000, at age of 16 Nashat Akram made it into Al-Shorta's first team, and from the first sight the analysts believed that Iraq would produce one of the most promising players in Asia. In 2002, he became a regular starter with his team leading them to win the Umm Al-Marek Cup and reaching the Iraq FA Cup final; unfortunately for the young star they finished 2nd. After his great performance with Al-Shorta, Nashat Akram was called up to the Iraq Youth Team and later nominated for Asian Young Footballer of the Year.

Al-Nassr

In 2003, he signed for Al-Nassr after their newly appointed coach Yugoslav Ljubiša Tumbaković was in awe of Nashat’s performance in the Emir Faisal Abdullah Friendship Cup in Abha in the 5–1 demolition of his side. Nashat has since seen three of his coaches at Al-Nassr replaced, Ljubiša Tumbaković, the Romanian Mircea Rednic, and the Egyptian Mohsen Saleh after less than a year at the club. He left the Saudi club due to wranglings over unpaid wages owed to him.

Al-Shabab

In 2004, Nashat signed with the giant club Al-Shabab; in his first season, the team won the Saudi Premier League, and won the title again in 2006, where Akram also won the League's Player of the Year and Foreign Player of the Year awards.

Al-Ain and moving to England controversy

On 1 August 2007, Nashat Akram signed a 1 year contract with the club Al-Ain from UAE for 1 million dollars, he was also been linked to England with Sunderland. During the current transfer window (January 2008), Akram agreed a deal to sign for Sven-Göran Eriksson's Manchester City side following a successful trial spell. Described by the Swede as an "elegant footballer," Akram was however refused the necessary work permit due to Iraq's FIFA ranking being outside the world's top 70 at the time. Nashat Akram is still keen to play in England despite being refused a work permit by the UK government.

Al-Gharafa

In April 2008, Nashat signed with the Qatari League champions Al-Gharafa for one season. He made his debut on 27. April against Al-Arabi Sports Club in the Qatar Crown Prince Cup. They won 4:3 and Nashat assisted two goals. He completed his archivement with Al-Gharafa when he won the Qatari League 2008–09 and 2009 Emir of Qatar Cup. Nashat scored 10 goals with Al-Gharafa.

Nashat Akram vs. Real Madrid

On 15 May 2008. Although Nashat Akram signed for Al-Gharafa, Akram has received an invitation from Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia to participate in a testimonial honouring club legend Majed Abdullah on the 20 May against the Stars of Real Madrid C.F.. On 20 May 2008, Nashat Akram played with Al-Nassr against Real Madrid for 75 minutes, in the 53rd minute Nashat Akram assisted the first goal and scored the 2nd goal in the 55th minute. The match finished 4–1 for Al-Nassr.

FC Twente

On 19 May 2009 the Iraqi international midfielder signed a 3 year contract with FC Twente in the Netherlands, he comes on a free transfer until 2012 and previously played for Qatari club Al-Gharrafa. FC Twente won the Dutch league in 2009/10. On 10 June 2010 Nashat was released and canceled his 2-year contract remaining with Dutch champions FC Twente. Nashat has been linked with Esteghlal in Iran (One of the popular football club in Asia).

Al-Wakrah

In November 2010 Akram signed with Al-Wakrah.

Lekhwiya

In July 2011, Akram signed with Lekhwiya, the league title holder in the Qatar Stars League. He was later released from his contract during the winter transfer window.

Return to Al-Wakrah

On January 3rd, shortly after being released by Lekhwiya, Nashat signed with his former club Al-Wakrah. He joined alongside national team mates Younis Mahmoud, Alaa Abdul-Zahra, and Ali Rehema.

International career

Youth team

Nashat Akram made his name as the star player in Iraq’s U-17s managed by Ammo Baba, who finished 2nd in their Asian Cup qualifiers group in July 2000. He was later called up by Adnan Hamad into the Iraq Under-19s. He was instrumental in the 6–0 demolition of Pakistan, setting up 2 goals in 6 minutes. He was a regular until he was replaced at half time against Korea Republic due to a tactical change; he later made appearances late on in games and created openings with his inspirational play. In part due to his efforts, Iraq won the AFC Youth Championship 2000 and qualified to the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina. Later he was nominated the Asian Young Footballer of the Year.

Iraq national team

He made his international debut on 5 October 2001 in a World Cup qualification match against Saudi Arabia in Amman at the age of only 17 years and 23 days. In 15 June 2008 Nashat Akram scored a goal against China in China, to make an important 2 – 1 win for Iraq and gave a hope for qualifying to the next stage.

Iraqi Olympic team

After the 2003 war, even though he was one of the youngest players in the squad, he was named the Iraqi Olympic team captain by Adnan Hamad and impressed during the Emir Faisal Abdullah Friendship Cup in Abha, In 2004 Nashat Akram helped his team to qualify to the 2004 Olympic Games and he was part of the team in the finals, Iraq Olympic team reached the 4th place losing to Italy 0–1

The 2007 Asian Cup

Nashat Akram was a major factor in the team, his great vision and mentality helped the team to win the 2007 Asian Cup; Nashat Akram was part of almost all Iraq's goals in the Asian Cup. He scored the opening goal against the 3–1 victory over Australia in the 23rd minute, and also made the assist for the 2nd goal by Hawar, and was part of the third goal. Nashat Akram won the Most Valuable Player award in 2 matches, the first against Australia and the 2nd against Saudi Arabia in the final. In 2007 Nashat Akram was Asian Footballer of the Year 2nd runner-up.

International goals

Scores and results list Iraq's goal tally first.

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	July 26, 2004	Sichuan Longquanyi Stadium, Chengdu, China	Saudi Arabia	1–0	2–1	2004 AFC Asian Cup
2.	November 16, 2004	Al-Gharafa Stadium, Doha, Qatar	Palestine	4–0	4–1	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
3.	December 3, 2004	Al-Maktoum Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates	Yemen	1–0	3–1	Friendly
4.	December 13, 2004	Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar	Qatar	2–2	3–3	2004 Gulf Cup of Nations
5.	July 13, 2007	Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand	Australia	1–0	3–1	2007 AFC Asian Cup
6.	October 22, 2007	Punjab Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan	Pakistan	1–0	7–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
7.	June 15, 2008	Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, Tianjin, China	China PR	1–0	2–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
8.	September 16, 2010	Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan	Jordan	1–2	1–4	Friendly
9.	September 21, 2010	As-Salt Field, Salt, Jordan	Oman	2–1	3–2	Friendly
10.	September 29, 2010	King Abdullah Stadium, Amman, Jordan	Palestine	3–0	3–0	2010 WAFF Championship
11.	May 25, 2011	Bangkok, Thailand	Thailand	1–2	1–2	Friendly
12.	August 26, 2011	Franso Hariri Stadium, Arbil, Iraq	Uganda	1–1	2–2	Friendly
13.	November 15, 2011	Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan	Jordan	1–1	3–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
14.	November 15, 2011	Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan	Jordan	3–1	3–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
15.	February 29, 2012	Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar	Singapore	4–1	7–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)

Honours

Country

• 2000: AFC Youth Champions.
• 2001: Qualified to the World Youth Championship in Argentina.
• 2002: 2002 West Asian Football Federation Championship Champions.
• 2003–2004: Qualified with the Iraqi Olympic team to Athens Olympic.
• 2004: Qualified to the Asian Cup in China, but lost in the quarterfinals.
• 2004: Took 4th place in Athens Olympics.
• 2005: 2005 West Asian Games Gold medallist.
• 2005–2006: Qualified to the Asian Nations Cup 2007.
• 2006: Won the gold medal in the Third West Asian Football Federation in Doha.
• 2007: Took 2nd place in the West Asian Football Federation.
• 2007: Won the Asian Cup against three-time champions Saudi Arabia.
• 2007: Nominated AFC Player of the Year and finished as 2nd Runner-up

Club

• 1994: Won the Iraqi Premier League with Ashbal Al Qowa El Jaweya
• 1995: Won the Iraqi league and the Iraqi Cup with Al-Zawraa U-17
• 1996: Took the 2nd place in the Iraqi league with Youth Al Qowa El Jaweya
• 2001: Took the 3rd place in the Iraqi league with Al-Shurta
• 2002: Won the Iraqi Cub with Al-Shurta
• 2003: Participated with Al-Shurta Club in the Arab club league in Cairo
• 2005: Took 2nd place with Al-Shabab in the Saudi Premier league
• 2006: Earned the Championship with Al-Shabab
• 2008–09: Won the Qatari League 2008–09 with Al Gharrafa.
• 2008–09: Won the 2009 Emir of Qatar Cup with Al Gharrafa.
• 2009–10: Won the 2009–10 Eredivisie with FC Twente.

Individual

• Best foreign player – Saudi Premier League 2005–2006.
• Iraqi player of the year 2006, 2008
• Best player – Asian Cup 2007 Final.
• Receive third best player in Asia of the year 2007.
• Fifa midfielder of the year award in 2007
• International Football Awards (2009 Asian player of the year)

Statistics

Correct as of 24 December 2009

Club	Season	League		Cup		League Cup		International		Other		Total
		Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Al-Shorta	2000–01					–		–		–
	2001–02					–		–		–
	2002–03					–		–		–
	Total					–		–		–
Al-Nasr	2003–04					–		–		–
	Total					–		–		–
Al-Shabab	2004–05		0			–				–
	2005–06	20	4			–				–
	2006–07	11	3			–			0	–
	Total		7			–				–
Al-Ain	2007–08		0			–		–		–
	Total		0			–		–		–
Al-Gharafa	2008–09	22	7			–		3	1	–
	Total	22	7			–		3	1	–
FC Twente	2009–10	10	0	3	2	–		4	0	–		17	2
	Total	10	0	3	2	–		4	0	–		17	2
Career total						–				–

Personal life

Nashats parents are from Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq . Nashat is the second child after his oldest brother Haider Akram and before his youngest brother Hassan Akram. In the year 2009 Hassan was kidnapped by a terrorist group in Iraq but was freed by the Iraqi police. Nashat is currently single. His father died when he was a little child.

External links

• Nashat Akram at National-Football-Teams.com
• Official Website (Arabic) (English)
• Profile on Iraqsport
• Player's Forum

Awards
Preceded by {{{before}}}	International Football Awards (Asian Player of the year) 2009	Succeeded by Incumbent
Preceded by Younis Mahmoud	Iraqi player of the Year 2008	Succeeded by Incumbent
Preceded by Bader Al-Mutwa	2nd Runner-up AFC player of the Year 2007	Succeeded by Sebastian Soria
Preceded by Hawar M. Mohammed	Iraqi player of the Year 2006	Succeeded by Younis Mahmoud