PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akam Hashim Rahman |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1998 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Erbil, Iraq |
| Nationality | Iraqi (Kurdish) |
| Height | 1.84–1.86 m / 6 ft 0 in–6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 81 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back / Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | #8 |
| Current Club | Zakho FC |
| Previous Clubs | Erbil SC, Al-Shorta, Al-Zawraa |
| International Caps | 17+ |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 (One-year deal) |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America was the stage on which Akam Hashim announced himself to the world. The 27-year-old centre-back from Erbil started all three of Iraq’s matches—against Norway, France, and Senegal—accumulating 270 minutes of tournament football and earning widespread recognition. Despite Iraq’s three defeats, Hashim delivered a “solid and consistent performance.” His display against France was particularly notable. His three World Cup starts, 270 minutes, one shot, two tackles won, and three fouls suffered, brought him to the attention of European and Gulf clubs.
After the tournament, Iraqi media reported that Hashim had received official interest from Portuguese giants Benfica and Porto, as well as Turkish clubs. Hashim had a difficult start—Iraq conceded 12 goals across the three matches—but his individual performances were strong enough to attract interest from clubs across Europe.
Origins
Akam Hashim was born on 16 August 1998 in Erbil, Iraq. He is a product of his local team Erbil SC’s youth academy and was promoted to the first team in 2017. He made his senior debut in 2024.
The Professional Forge
Erbil SC (2017-2024):
Hashim spent seven seasons with his boyhood club, Erbil SC, where he developed into one of Iraq’s most promising defenders. He then spent one season at Al-Shorta, making 33 league appearances.
Al-Shorta (2024-2025):
Hashim joined Al-Shorta for the 2024-25 season, making 33 league appearances.
Al-Zawraa (2025-2026):
In 2025, Hashim moved to Al-Zawraa, making 22 league appearances and scoring 2 goals. His contract expired on 1 July 2026.
Zakho FC (2026-Present):
After a public transfer saga involving offers from Erbil, Zakho, and Al-Zawraa, Hashim signed a one-year deal with Zakho FC on 4 August 2026. The contract was valued at 1.7 billion Iraqi dinars (approx. $1.3 million) and included an 800 million dinar upfront payment.
International Career
Senior Debut:
Hashim was called up to the Iraq national team in January 2024 for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He made his senior debut on 11 June 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Vietnam.
International Goals:
Hashim has scored one international goal—a 20 March 2025 strike against Kuwait in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Hashim started all three of Iraq’s World Cup group-stage matches, playing 270 minutes. He recorded one shot, two tackles won, three fouls suffered, and no cards. His performances attracted interest from clubs across Europe and the Gulf.
International Record:
Hashim has earned more than 17 caps for Iraq and scored one international goal.
The Anatomy of His Game
Hashim is a centre-back defined by his physical strength, composure on the ball, and leadership. At 1.84–1.86 metres, he provides a commanding presence. He can also operate as a midfielder.
In Possession:
Hashim is comfortable on the ball and contributes to build-up play. In the 2025-26 season, he scored 2 goals in 22 league appearances for Al-Zawraa. At the World Cup, he recorded one shot.
Out of Possession:
Hashim is a physically strong and defensively solid player, known for his positioning and ability to lead the backline. At the World Cup, he recorded two tackles won.
Psychological Edge:
His career is defined by resilience. His contract negotiations in 2026 were conducted publicly. His selection for the World Cup and the subsequent interest from European clubs reflect his standing as one of Iraq’s top defenders.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Shots | Tackles Won | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 3 | 270 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
TABLE B: 2026 World Cup Match Log
| Date | Opponent | Start | Minutes | Shots | Tackles Won | Fouls Suffered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 June | Norway | Y | 90 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 22 June | France | Y | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 June | Senegal | Y | 90 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
TABLE C: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erbil SC | 2017-2024 | — | — |
| Al-Shorta | 2024-2025 | 33 | 0 |
| Al-Zawraa | 2025-2026 | 22 | 2 |
| Zakho FC | 2026-Present | — | — |
| TOTAL | — | 55+ | 2 |
TABLE D: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq Senior Career | 17+ | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 |
TABLE E: Transfer Details (2026)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Previous Club | Al-Zawraa |
| New Club | Zakho FC |
| Transfer Type | Free transfer (contract expired) |
| Contract Length | One season |
| Total Value | 1.7 billion Iraqi dinars (~€1.1M) |
| Upfront Payment | 800 million Iraqi dinars (~€510K) |
| Date Announced | 4 August 2026 |
Beyond the Touchline
His 2026 contract negotiations were a public saga. Reports suggested he set three conditions: 800 million dinars upfront, a luxury villa, and a luxury car. Zakho showed flexibility, while Erbil issued a statement demanding the cancellation of his contract.
The Verdict from the Camp
Yalla Shoot:
“Hashim delivered a solid and consistent performance in defense. His display against heavyweight teams caught the eyes of scouts from European and Gulf clubs.”
Transfermarkt:
Confirmed Benfica had made an official offer for Hashim.
Where Next?
Akam Hashim is 27 years old and has signed a one-year deal with Zakho FC. His future depends on whether European clubs follow through on interest after his World Cup performances. For Iraq, Hashim is a key defender, and at 27, he is entering his prime years.
From Erbil to Al-Shorta, from Al-Zawraa to the World Cup, Akam Hashim’s journey is a story of steady progression and rising ambition. The boy from Erbil who started at his local club is now a World Cup player and one of Iraq’s most coveted defenders.
