PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marko Jabbar Hussein Farji |
| Date of Birth | 16 March 2004 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Grimstad, Norway |
| Nationality | Iraqi (sporting) / Norwegian (birth) |
| Height | 1.82–1.84 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 76–78 kg / 168–172 lbs |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #11 (Iraq), #11 (Venezia) |
| Current Club | Venezia FC |
| Previous Clubs | FK Jerv, Strømsgodset |
| International Caps | 9–10 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €1.7M |
The Frozen Moment
The Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, hummed with anticipation. June 16, 2026. Iraq and Norway, locked in a World Cup Group I opener. For Marko Farji, the moment carried the weight of a life defined by displacement, identity, and an unbreakable family bond.
As he stepped onto the pitch in the 74th minute, he was not just making his World Cup debut. He was representing a nation his parents had fled—and facing the country where he was born and raised. “I was born there, they contacted me in 2021 to play for their national team but I refused,” he had said of Norway’s approach. “It was a case of either you want me immediately, or not at all – but in any event, it was impossible for me not to choose Iraq.”
The match ended 1-0 to Norway, but Farji’s 16 minutes on the pitch represented something far greater. The boy from Grimstad whose parents had fled Saddam Hussein’s regime, who had trialled with Manchester City at age 11, who had been told he “wasn’t quite good enough,” was now competing against the country of his birth on football’s greatest stage.
“I am a Norwegian too—I was born and raised here—so it is a strange experience,” he reflected. The boy who carries two passports, two flags, and two homelands had taken his place in history.
Origins
Marko Jabbar Hussein Farji was born on March 16, 2004, in Grimstad, Norway. His parents, Iraqi Kurds from Sulaymaniyah, had fled Iraq over twenty years ago because of Saddam Hussein’s regime. His father, an engineer, and his mother built a new life in Norway, where Marko grew up speaking both Norwegian and Kurdish.
His footballing journey began in the youth academy of FK Jerv in his hometown. In the summer of 2020, his family moved to Gulskogen, and he joined Strømsgodset’s academy. At age eleven, he had a trial at Manchester City’s Academy, but was deemed not ready for that level. “It went well, but eventually they told me I wasn’t quite good enough,” he recalled.
His international career is a story of a difficult choice. He represented Norway at youth level and dreamed of playing for Norway “like all Norwegian children dream of.” But when Iraq came calling, he could not refuse. “The Iraqi national team means a lot to my mother and father, so when they asked me to play for them, I chose this path. I am very happy and grateful for that decision.”
The European Forge
FK Jerv (2019):
Farji began his senior career with FK Jerv’s reserve team, making 11 appearances in the 4. divisjon.
Strømsgodset (2020-2026):
Farji joined Strømsgodset in the summer of 2020 and developed through the club’s reserve teams before making his senior breakthrough. He made his senior debut in 2022 in the Norwegian Cup quarter-final against Sandnes Ulf. In January 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the Eliteserien side. His first Eliteserien goal came on November 5, 2023, in a 1-0 win against Tromsø.
Across his time at Strømsgodset, he made 122 appearances, scoring 29 goals and providing 6 assists across league and cup competitions. His total club statistics include 11 games and 0 goals for Jerv 2, 54 appearances and 21 goals for Strømsgodset 2, and 63 appearances and 10 goals for Strømsgodset’s first team.
Venezia FC (2026-Present):
On January 8, 2026, Farji signed a contract with Serie A club Venezia FC until June 2030. The transfer fee was reported at €1.3 million. The move was driven by a “cool project” and the trust shown by the club. “I chose Venezia because from the very beginning I sensed a solid, ambitious club with excellent facilities,” he said. “Representing an extraordinary city like Venice is a real honour.”
His debut season in Italy was disrupted by injury, with only 21 minutes of playing time across two matches. However, Venezia won the Serie B title in the 2025-26 season, earning promotion to Serie A.
The International Stage
Iraq U23 (2023-2024):
Farji represented Iraq at the U23 level, making seven appearances. He won the WAFF U23 Championship with the side in 2022-23.
Iraq Senior Debut (2024):
Farji was called up to Iraq’s senior squad in May 2024 for World Cup qualifiers, though he did not play. He made his senior debut in December 2024 in the Arabian Gulf Cup against Yemen, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win. His first start came in June 2025 against Jordan.
World Cup Qualification (2026):
Farji made a crucial contribution to Iraq’s qualification campaign. On April 1, 2026, he provided the decisive assist to Aymen Hussein in the intercontinental play-off against Bolivia, sending Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986. He made one appearance in World Cup qualifying, providing 1 assist.
World Cup Campaign (2026):
Farji was selected for Iraq’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his World Cup debut on June 16, 2026, coming off the bench in the 74th minute against Norway. He appeared in two World Cup matches, accumulating 54 minutes of tournament football. He recorded a 70% pass completion rate and a 6.22 average rating across his appearances.
International Record:
Farji has earned 8-10 caps for Iraq, with no goals scored. He has represented Iraq in World Cup qualification, the Arabian Gulf Cup, and the 2026 World Cup finals. He has also represented Iraq U23.
The Anatomy of His Game
Marko Farji is a winger and forward defined by his technical ability, pace, and versatility. Standing at 1.82-1.84 meters and weighing 76-78 kg, he combines physical presence with technical quality.
In Possession:
Farji is a creative presence in the final third. His career statistics at Strømsgodset reflect his productivity: 122 appearances, 29 goals, and 6 assists. He is a right-footed player capable of playing on either wing or through the center. In the 2026 World Cup, his passing accuracy was recorded at 70%.
Out of Possession:
Farji’s defensive contributions are developing. He recorded 5 tackles won in the 2026 World Cup. His physical attributes give him the ability to compete in duels.
Psychological Edge:
Farji’s mental resilience is his defining quality. His journey from a Manchester City trial rejection to the World Cup stage reflects a player who has consistently overcome adversity. His decision to represent Iraq over Norway—despite being born and raised in Norway—demonstrates his deep connection to his heritage. His comments before the Norway match reveal a player with perspective: “It’s more than just a football match. In our squad, we have players born in Sweden, England, and Germany – we are the children of the diaspora.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2026 World Cup)
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 54 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Completion | 70% |
| Tackles Won | 5 |
| Rating | 6.22 |
TABLE B: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venezia (Serie B) | 2 | 0 | 0 |
TABLE C: Career Overview
| Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerv 2 | 11 | 0 | — |
| Strømsgodset 2 | 54 | 21 | — |
| Strømsgodset | 63 | 10 | — |
| Venezia | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 130 | 31 | 6 |
TABLE D: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arabian Gulf Cup | — | — | — |
| WAFF U23 Championship | — | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Iraq U23 | 7 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 10 | 0 | 1 |
TABLE E: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Manchester City Trial | Aged 11, rejected |
| 2019 | Senior Debut | Jerv 2, 4. divisjon |
| 2020 | Strømsgodset Move | Joined Norwegian club |
| 2023 | Professional Contract | Signed with Strømsgodset |
| 2023 | First Eliteserien Goal | vs Tromsø |
| 2024 | Iraq Debut | vs Yemen, Arabian Gulf Cup |
| 2026 | Venezia Move | Signed for Serie A club |
| 2026 | World Cup Qualification | Provided winning assist vs Bolivia |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Iraq squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Norway |
The Present Tense
Marko Farji is 22 years old and at the beginning of his professional career. He is Venezia FC’s forward, an Iraqi international, and a World Cup participant.
The Venezia Story:
Farji joined Venezia on January 8, 2026, on a contract until 2030. He has made two appearances for the club, totaling 21 minutes of playing time. Venezia won the Serie B title in the 2025-26 season and will compete in Serie A in the 2026-27 campaign. He is under contract until 2030.
The World Cup Campaign:
Farji was selected for Iraq’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his World Cup debut on June 16, 2026, against Norway. He appeared in two World Cup matches, accumulating 54 minutes of tournament football. Iraq was eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Farji has earned 8-10 caps for Iraq, with no goals scored. He has represented Iraq in the Arabian Gulf Cup, World Cup qualification, and the 2026 World Cup finals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Marko Farji is defined by his complex identity and the journey of his family. He was born in Norway to Kurdish parents from Sulaymaniyah. His parents fled Iraq because of Saddam Hussein’s regime over twenty years ago. Some of his father’s relatives were killed; “it wasn’t an easy time.”
His international choice was deeply personal. “It was always a dream to play for Norway, like all Norwegian children dream of,” he said. But when Iraq came calling, he could not refuse. “The Iraqi national team means a lot to my mother and father… I am very happy and grateful for that decision.”
His comments before the Norway match reflected his unique perspective: “I am a Norwegian too—I was born and raised here—so it is a strange experience.” He wore the Iraqi flag on the pitch, but his connection to Norway remains. “I grew up looking at images of Martin Ødegaard at Strømsgodset. It would be an honour to swap shirts with him after the match.”
His World Cup campaign has been dedicated to his family and his heritage. “In our squad, we have players born in Sweden, England, and Germany – we are the children of the diaspora,” he said. “We will be playing for those who are no longer with us, and for our families.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Marko Farji, on representing Iraq:
“I was born there, they contacted me in 2021 to play for their national team but I refused. It was a case of either you want me immediately, or not at all – but in any event, it was impossible for me not to choose Iraq.”
Marko Farji, on facing Norway:
“I am a Norwegian too—I was born and raised here—so it is a strange experience. Perhaps even more so for my family, who will watch the game from home.”
Marko Farji, on the meaning of the World Cup:
“It’s more than just a football match. During the war, millions of Iraqis were forced to leave their homes because they had nowhere else to go… We will be playing for those who are no longer with us, and for our families.”
Marko Farji, on his Manchester City trial:
“I had a trial for a couple of days, and it went well. However, they eventually told me I wasn’t quite good enough for that level.”
Marko Farji, on joining Venezia:
“Joining Venezia FC is a source of great excitement and pride for me. I chose Venezia because from the very beginning I sensed a solid, ambitious club with excellent facilities. Representing an extraordinary city like Venice is a real honour.”
Where Next?
Marko Farji is 22 years old and at the beginning of his professional career. He is under contract with Venezia FC until 2030.
For Iraq, he is a key player for the future. His World Cup experience—two appearances, 54 minutes—will be invaluable for his development. With 8-10 caps, he will be a valuable squad member for future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign.
For Venezia, he is a promising young forward with a long-term contract. His time in Italy has been limited by injury, but with the club promoted to Serie A, he has the opportunity to establish himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. His market value is estimated at €1.7M.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from the Norwegian Eliteserien to Serie A, from a Manchester City trial rejection to the World Cup stage. He has earned his place through talent, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his heritage.
The boy from Grimstad who carries two passports has become a Venezia forward, an Iraqi international, and a World Cup participant. Marko Farji’s journey is a story of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
