From tragedy to joy… Iraqi footballer who suffered at hands of terrorists sends team to Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Aymen Hussein lost his father, brother and home, but brought great happiness to his football-mad nation
Hussein celebrates the goal that qualified Iraq for the Olympic Games (AFC)
When he scored the goal that earned Iraq a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament last month, few people knew Aymen Hussein’s tragic backstory. The 23-year-old striker who brought great joy and pride to his nation has suffered personally from the violence and war that has blighted his nation.
His brother, a policeman, was abducted by Islamic State, the terrorist group who forced Hussein and his family to flee their village near the city of Kirkuk in 2014. “No one really knows the story of exactly what happened to him,” Hussein told the Associated Press, adding that he still has hope that his brother is alive.
Hussein has been told that his family’s home was demolished, and his mother and siblings have found refuge with extended family in Kirkuk, while the footballer lives with his team in Baghdad. It was second tragedy to hit his family. His father was killed in a 2008 attack in Baghdad claimed by al-Qaida.
“This is not my family's first story of terrorism and it probably won’t be our last”
Yet he remains grateful for what he has, saying: “I still thank God for my situation. I have walls around me… many of the displaced Iraqis are living in tents.”
Check out Iraq’s moment of footballing glory:
Hussein’s extra-time goal that earned Iraq a 2-1 win over hosts Qatar and third place in the Asian Under-23 Championship – and more importantly, a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games – made him a national celebrity and sent his football-mad nation into delirium.
“I never thought that one goal would cause this much happiness”
Hussein and team-mate Amjad Kadhim celebrate their decisive victory over hosts Qatar (Photo: AFC)
Now Hussein is excited about playing in the Olympic Games in Brazil, where Iraq will be among 12 teams going for glory. “I’ve never even left Iraq except for trips with the football team,” he said. “I only know about Brazil from YouTube and TV. They say that it’s famous for beaches and women,” he added with a shy laugh.
