Haroun Al-Zubaydi's Inspiring Journey: From Sanaa Streets to Representing Yemen

The defender for the Yemeni national team and Iraq's Erbil SC, Haroun Al-Zubaydi, discussed his inspiring football journey, which started with playing barefoot in the streets of Sanaa, included working in a US food store, and led him to represent his country in the qualifiers for the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar.

Milestones in Al-Zubaydi's Career

• Early Life: Al-Zubaydi moved to the US at age 10, where he balanced school, football, and working in his family's food store. He said: "These small tasks made me who I am today."

• Career Evolution: His professional stops began in England and Spain before he moved to Erbil SC and joined the Yemeni national squad.

• Position Change: He transitioned from an attacking position (forward/left winger) to a Center Back in 2023, a decision made by Czech coach Miroslav Soukup.

• Yemeni Pride: He recalls his childhood: "In Yemen, we played without shoes and came back covered in dirt. I will never forget those days, they shaped who we are now."

Yemeni National Team Ambitions

• Impressive Form: The Yemeni team is having a notable period, undefeated in official matches in 2025, with a recent 7-1 victory over Bhutan bringing them closer to qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

• Goal: Al-Zubaydi emphasized that the players are determined to present a positive image of Yemen and place it on the football map.

• Personal Dream: He believes ambition should be limitless, stating his dream is to become a professional in Europe and adding: "Soon we will be able to enter the top 100 in the FIFA rankings."