AFC Asian Cup
Hussein’s international career with Iraq can be looked at in three separate blocks with a slow start to his first 30 matches for his country before showing upward trajectory in his next two blocks of games.
Factfile:
Age: 30
Caps: 96
Goals: 33
Club: Pakhtakor (UZB)
He made his international bow at the age of 19 against Lebanon in a friendly but there was to be no flowers on his debut with his first goal coming only in the ninth match two years later, scoring in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates.
That was one of only two goals Hussein managed in his first 30 matches for Iraq but better things were to come as the Kirkuk-born leaned on the ever-growing experience he gained.
He was 27 years old by the time he completed his next 30 international matches and within this set, he scored 13 goals and started to become a key figure in the Iraqi side.
Trivia
Aymen Hussein scored three headed goals in AFC Asian Cup 2023, the joint most by any player in a single edition since the start of 2007 alongside teammate Younis Mahmoud (in 2007); in fact, only Mahmoud (5) has scored more such goals during this timeframe in the competition than Hussein (3).
When the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ came around, Hussein was in his element, scoring in every one of the four matches Iraq played in the tournament.
Starting with a goal against Indonesia, he followed that up with a brace against Japan as Iraq upset the formbook before another double against Vietnam helped them top Group D to advance to the Round of 16.
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In arguably one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, Hussein scored against Jordan in the Round of 16 but was later shown a second yellow for excessive celebration before Iraq fell 3-2.
His progression, however, was undeniable as he added another 18 goals for his country within this batch of 36 matches - culminating in the qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 where he also scored the only Iraqi goal of the tournament in a 4-1 loss to Norway.
A journeyman in his club career, Hussein is with his 14th club having joined Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the recent transfer window and having already opened his accounts in the Superliga.
As Saudi Arabia 2027 approaches, Hussein will be motivated to add to his six goals from 2023 as he looks to power Iraq to a second title.
