Kurdish athletes claimed several major honors at Iraq’s Star Soccer Awards on Tuesday, highlighting the growing prominence of Kurdish talent in Iraqi football and sports.
The ceremony brought together football officials, sports figures, former and current players, coaches, analysts, and other prominent figures to recognize outstanding performances and contributions during 2026.
Kurdish national team star Akam Hashim, who recently joined Zakho SC, shared the award for Iraq’s Best Player of 2026 with Duhok player Peter Gwargis. Hashim was also named Iraq’s Best Defender, making him one of the ceremony’s biggest winners.
Kurdish defender Merchas Doski, who plays for Czech club Viktoria Plzeň, was named Iraq’s Best Professional Player Playing Abroad, recognizing his performances in European football and his growing international profile.
Meanwhile, Mustafa Qabil of Erbil SC was named Iraq’s Best Young Player, while Kurdish player Haroon Ahmed received the award for Most Improved Player.
Other major awards went to Ahmed Basil as Best Goalkeeper, Saad Abdulameer as Best Midfielder, and Mohammed Jawad as Best Forward. Former Iraq international Noor Sabri was named Best Analyst, while Rashid Jaber received the Best Coach award.
The award for Best Professional Player in the Iraqi League went to Erbil striker Timur Kapadze, who has since signed with Zakho SC for the new season.
The recognition of Kurdish talent extended beyond football. Shokhan Noreddin, a Kurdish athlete from Erbil, was named Iraq’s Best Female Athlete, adding another major honor to the achievements of Kurdish sports figures in 2026.
Akam Hashim: “This honor is a great responsibility”
After receiving the awards for Best Player and Best Defender, Akam Hashim expressed his gratitude to the organizers and those who supported him.
“I am immensely proud of this honor. I view it as a significant responsibility and a driving force to always give my best,” Hashim said.
He added that the recognition would motivate him to deliver even stronger performances in the future.
A special celebration for Merchas Doski
Doski received news of his award while training with Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech Republic, creating a memorable moment with his coach and teammates.
The coach gathered the players and announced the news, prompting applause and cheers from the team.
“Big congratulations! Great recognition of your work. Stay like you are, keep it up, and help your team,” the coach told Doski.
Doski credited his teammates and coaching staff for the achievement.
“Without you guys, I wouldn’t have achieved this award. You have all the credit,” Doski said.
The achievements of Hashim, Doski, Qabil, Ahmed, and Noreddin underline the growing presence of Kurdish athletes at the highest levels of Iraqi sports and their increasing success on the international stage.
