Profile of Nashat Akram
Biography:
Akram was born September 12, 1984 in Baghdad, Iraq. He is an Iraqi football player who represents Iraq National Football Team and currently plays for Al Gharafa Club in Qatar. His usual position is midfielder, he is known as the playmaker every where he plays in. Akram is one of Iraq’s promising prospects, and was previously linked with Manchester City.
Manchester City Controversy:
During the current transfer window (January 2008), Akram agreed a deal to sign for Manchester City side following a successful journey with Iraq’s National Team during the 2007 Asian Cup. Akram was described as an "elegant footballer," by the Swedish Sven Goran Eriksson. Akram was however refused the necessary work permit due to Iraq's FIFA ranking being outside the world's top 70 at the time. Nashat Akram is still keen to play in England despite being refused a work permit by the UK government.
Profile:
• Name: Nashat Akram Abid Ali
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1984
• Birthplace: Baghdad, Iraq
• Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs.)
• Position: Midfielder (playmaker)
Represented Sport Clubs:
- 1993-1995: Ashbal Al Qowa El Jaweya (Iraq)
- 1995-1996: Al-Zawraa U-17 (Iraq)
- 1996-1998: Youth Al Qowa El Jaweya (Iraq)
- 1998-1999: Salah-Al-Deen Club (Iraq)
- 1999- 2003: Al-Shurta Club (Iraq)
- 2003-2004: Al-Nasr Club (Saudi Arabia)
- 2004-2007: Al-Shabab Club (Saudi Arabia)
- 2007-2008: Al-Ain Club (UAE)
- 2008-2009: Al- Gharafa Club (Qatar)
- Present: FC Twente (Holland)
Achievements with Represented Sport Clubs
- 1994: Won the Iraqi league with Ashbal Al Qowa El Jaweya
- 1995: Won the Iraqi league and the Iraqi Cup with Al Zawraa U-17
- 1996: Took the 2nd place in the Iraqi league with Al Qowa El Jaweya Youth Team.
- 2001: Took the 3rd place in the Iraqi league with Al-Shurta Club.
- 2002: Won the Iraqi Cub with Al-Shurta Club.
- 2003: Participated with Al-Shurta Club in the Arab club league in Cairo.
- 2005: Took 2nd place with Al-Shabab Club in the Saudi Premier league.
- 2006: Earned the Championship with Al-Shabab Club and received the best professional/ foreign player in the league.
- 2009: Won QSL (Qatar Stars League) title with Al Gharafa.
- 2009:Won the 2009 Emir of Qatar Cup with Al Gharrafa.
National Achievements
- 2000: AFCYouth Champions.
- 2001: Qualified to the World Youth Championship in Argentina.
- 2002: Second West Asian Football Federation Champions.
- 2003-2004: Qualified with the Iraqi Olympic team to Athens Olympic.
- 2004: Qualified to the Asian Cup in China, but lost in the quarterfinals.
- 2004: Took 4th place in Athens Olympics.
- 2006: Won the gold medal in the Third West Asian Football Federation in Doha.
- 2005-2006: Qualified to the Asian Nations Cup 2007.
- 2007: Took 2nd place in the West Asian Football Federation.
- 2007: Won the Asian Cup against three-time champions Saudi Arabia.
Personal Achievements
- 2005-2006: Best Foreign Player Award - Saudi Premier League.
- 2007: Nominated AFC Player of the Year and finished as 2nd Runner-up.
- 2009: International Football Awards (2009 Asian player of the year)
