Ali Abdul-Jabbar

Ali Abdul-Jabbar

Personal information
Date of birth	(1985-01-01) 1 January 1985 (age 40)
Place of birth	Iraq
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Retired
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2017	Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
2017–2018	Al-Talaba
International career
2007–2016	Iraq
Managerial career
2022–2023	Al-Qasim
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ali Abdul-Jabbar (born January 1, 1985) is a former Iraqi footballer and coach. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent defenders in Iraqi football over the past two decades. He represented the national team for nine years and led the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya defense with great efficiency, before moving to Al-Talaba, retiring from playing, and beginning his coaching career with Al-Qasim in the Iraqi Premier League, until announcing his retirement from coaching in 2023.

Personal life

Ali Abdul-Jabbar was born in Iraq in 1985. He was known for his tactical discipline and commitment on the field, and he gained recognition for his leadership qualities, serving as the long-time captain of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. ^{[1] [2]}

Club career

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2007–2017)

He joined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 2007 and contributed to several domestic and continental titles. He was named team captain in 2014 and played a key role in winning the AFC Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

Al-Talaba (2017–2018)

In the summer of 2017, he transferred to Al-Talaba for a single season before announcing his retirement from professional football in the fall of 2018, ending an 11-year club career. ^[6]

International career

Between 2007 and 2016, he earned over 40 caps for the Iraq national team, participating in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and various Gulf Cup tournaments. ^{[7] [1]}

Playing style

Abdul-Jabbar was known for his organized defensive style, emphasizing anticipation, positioning, and aerial duels, particularly excelling in intercepting crosses and set pieces. ^{[8] [2]}

Coaching career

Al-Qasim (2022–2023)

In August 2022, Abdul-Jabbar was appointed head coach of Al-Qasim in the Iraqi Premier League, aiming to rebuild the squad. ^{[9] [8]}

Following tensions between management and players, and a series of inconsistent results, the Iraqi FA’s Disciplinary Committee banned him from attending matches in February 2023. He officially resigned later that month. ^{[10] [11]}

Career statistics

• **Club career (domestic leagues only):** ^[12]
• **International appearances:** Over 40 caps.

_Statistics are based on available sources and may vary depending on inclusion of friendlies and official matches._

Honours

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya

• **AFC Cup:** 2016, 2017 ^{[3] [4]}
• **Iraqi Premier League:** 2016–17 ^[5]
• **Iraq FA Cup:** 2015–16

References

1. "The Defensive Man in Iraq's National Team". Al-Arab London.
2. "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Determined to Represent Iraq in Asia". Alsumaria.
3. "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Wins 2016 AFC Cup". Kooora.
4. "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Retains AFC Cup Title in 2017". Kooora.
5. "Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Wins 2016–17 Iraqi Premier League". IQ-Pro.
6. "Ali Abdul-Jabbar Announces Retirement". Shafaq News.
7. "Iraq Strengthens Defense with Ali Abdul-Jabbar". NINA.
8. "Ali Abdul-Jabbar Appointed as Al-Qasim Coach". Al-Khaleej.
9. "Ali Abdul-Jabbar Takes Over as Al-Qasim Coach". Kooora.
10. "Disciplinary Committee Bans Al-Qasim Coach from Matches". Baghdad Today.
11. "Abdul-Jabbar Resigns from Al-Qasim". Al-Khaleej.
12. "Ali Abdul-Jabbar – Arabic Wikipedia". Wikipedia Arabic.