Regionwide support surges across Kurdistan as leaders, clubs, and communities back Zakho SC fans after their teddy bear donation to children with cancer.
Zakho SC fans have been shortlisted for FIFA’s Best Fan Award, earning global recognition for their humanitarian gesture during a May Iraq Premier League match. Before kickoff, thousands of supporters threw nearly 30,000 stuffed teddy bears onto the pitch, which were later donated to children battling illness in hospitals across the region. FIFA praised the act as “a powerful example of community spirit,” highlighting how the fans turned an ordinary matchday into a large-scale charitable initiative. The nomination places Zakho among the world’s top three fanbases for the 2025 award.
The announcement quickly drew widespread support across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Kurdish diaspora. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, speaking at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum in Duhok, urged, “I hope that you will all support Zakho’s club and the sports clubs of all of Kurdistan and Iraq.” President Nechirvan Barzani encouraged Kurds worldwide to vote, saying, “Through online voting, I supported Zakho Sports Club fans so that they can win the title of best fans in the world.” President Masoud Barzani praised the supporters, describing their act as “a proud example of the spirit and generosity of our people,” and urged Kurds everywhere to back the nomination. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also joined the call, encouraging Iraqi sports enthusiasts to support the fan club. Voting continues online until December 3, allowing fans to select first-, second-, and third-place choices.
Support quickly spread to clubs and communities beyond the region. In North and West Kurdistan, football teams, associations, and supporter groups rallied behind Zakho SC. Amedspor, a Kurdish club in Diyarbakir, called on its supporters to vote for “our Zaxospor brothers and sisters,” while the Rojava Football Association urged its followers to back Zakho, declaring that “Zakho’s gesture belongs to all Kurds.” Sweden’s Dalkurd FF joined the campaign, writing, “Let’s all show the world the pride, encouragement and passion among Zakho fans.” One Amedspor supporter posted online, “These fans didn’t just support a team—they supported thousands of children. That is true football culture.” Even the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Erbil expressed support for the team.
Local institutions in Zakho and Duhok mobilized to promote voting. Universities, youth organizations, and civic groups organized forums, student gatherings, and awareness campaigns. Hiva Salih, a student representative at the University of Zakho, said, “This nomination goes beyond sport. It is about showing the world that our communities stand for compassion, dignity, and hope.” Shops, cafés, and community centers displayed posters and QR codes for online voting, turning the campaign into a shared civic effort.
Analysts say the nomination represents more than a sporting milestone—it has become a symbol of unity across Kurdish communities and a showcase of positive stories from the region. Local journalist Baran Ali noted, “Zakho’s fans transformed a simple gesture into a movement that connected people across borders. It reminded everyone that football can still be a force for good.”
Founded in 1987, Zakho SC is based in the northern city of Zakho in Duhok province. Other nominees for the FIFA award include the late Spanish football icon Manuel Caceres and Argentine superfan Alejandro Ciganotto, highlighting the global prestige of the recognition.
As the FIFA Best Fan Award decision approaches, excitement continues to rise. For supporters, leaders, and communities across Kurdistan, the nomination alone represents meaningful international acknowledgment. One Zakho fan said during a recent gathering, “Win or lose, we’ve shown the world what our people stand for.”