In the history of Erbil Sports Club, few figures have left a legacy as deep and lasting as Mohammed Mohammed Amin, widely known as Mohammed Khoshnaw. Born in 1970, he rose from Erbil to become the club’s historic top scorer and one of its most respected symbols of loyalty and leadership.
Khoshnaw began his senior career on 24 November 1989 in a match against Al-Talaba, marking the start of a long career almost entirely dedicated to his hometown club. Over the years, he played as a forward for Erbil across 11 seasons, with brief spells at other clubs including Brati, Erbil Police, Turkmen, Brusik, Hersh, an Iranian side, and a fourth-division German club. Despite these experiences, he remained most strongly associated with Erbil.
His goal-scoring record firmly established his reputation. He scored his first goal for Erbil in 1991 against Salahaddin, where he also netted twice in a 3–1 victory. Over time, he reached a total of 105 goals for the club, making him Erbil’s all-time leading scorer. His goals were spread across multiple seasons, with particularly strong performances in the late 1990s, including 22 goals in the 1998–1999 season.
Among his milestones, his 100th goal—scored against Asu SC on 14 September 2000—is often remembered as a defining moment in his career. His final goal came in the 2000–2001 season against Karbala, contributing to a 2–0 win for Erbil.
Khoshnaw’s final appearance for the club came on 11 May 2006 in a 3–0 victory over Mina, before he officially retired from playing. His shirt number, 17, remains closely associated with his identity at the club.
Beyond his playing career, Khoshnaw contributed significantly to Erbil Sports Club in administrative and technical roles. He served on the club’s board for seven years and later worked as a coach for youth and junior teams, helping develop emerging talent and guiding them to championship titles in Kurdish competitions. He also supervised youth and senior squads in Iraqi football competitions.
In addition to his club contributions, he served also as Secretary of the Kurdistan Football Association, continuing his involvement in the development of the sport in the region.
Khoshnaw’s legacy reflects both sporting excellence and long-term commitment. As a player, he delivered goals and decisive performances; as an administrator and coach, he helped shape future generations. For Erbil, he remains a defining figure in its football history, bridging the club’s past achievements with its continuing ambitions.
