PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manaf Younis Hashim Al-Tekreeti |
| Date of Birth | 16/11/1996 (Age: 29) |
| Place of Birth | Tikrit, Iraq |
| Nationality | Iraqi |
| Height | 1.90 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 83 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #4 (Al-Shorta) |
| Current Club | Duhok SC |
| Previous Clubs | Salahaddin, Al-Karkh, Al-Shorta (loan & permanent) |
| International Caps | 31 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €400K |
The Frozen Moment
The 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final. January 19, 2023. Iraq and Oman were locked in a tense battle, with the trophy on the line. In the 123rd minute of stoppage time, a centre-back rose highest to meet the ball and sent it into the back of the net. The stadium erupted.
Manaf Younis had scored the winning goal in extra time of the Gulf Cup final, handing Iraq the trophy and etching his name into the nation’s footballing folklore. It was his first international goal, and it came at the most dramatic moment imaginable.
Three years later, Younis was selected for Iraq’s 2026 World Cup squad—the nation’s first appearance on the global stage in decades. He featured in the tournament, playing 74 minutes in the group-stage match against Senegal. For the defender who had grown up in Tikrit, lost his father at age eight, and fought his way through the Iraqi football system, the World Cup was the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, loyalty, and a knack for delivering on the biggest occasions.
Origins
Born on November 16, 1996, in Tikrit, in the Saladin Governorate of Iraq, Manaf Younis experienced tragedy at a young age when his father passed away when he was just eight years old. He was raised by his mother and older brother, a period that forged his resilience and determination.
Younis began his career at his hometown club, Salahaddin SC. His strength and aerial ability were evident from the start, and he was often deployed as a striker. He made his debut in the first round of the 2016–17 Iraq FA Cup, scoring after just 46 seconds against Al-Mohandessin SC. After spending two and a half seasons with Salahaddin, he moved to Al-Karkh in January 2019.
The European Forge
Al-Karkh (2019-2022):
Younis joined Al-Karkh in January 2019 and helped the club finish an impressive 6th position in the league in his first season. In March 2020, he signed for Al-Shorta on loan until the end of the season, though that campaign was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, he scored his first goal for Al-Karkh, rescuing a point in a 2-2 draw with Al-Mina’a SC. He helped the team win the 2021–22 Iraq FA Cup, starting the final as Al-Karkh beat Al-Kahrabaa to win their first-ever title.
Al-Shorta (2022-2026):
Ahead of the 2022–2023 season, Younis returned to Al-Shorta in a deal worth 360 Million Iraqi Dinars. In December 2022, he scored a winning goal in the 93rd minute against his former club Al-Karkh to win the match 3-2. He played 31 league matches in his first season with the club en route to winning the Iraqi league title.
Younis renewed his contract ahead of the 2023–2024 season. Despite suffering a hand injury in November that required surgery, he returned and was a crucial figure as the club won both the league and the cup, playing in 28 matches throughout the season. He was part of a squad that achieved a national treble: the league title, the Super Cup, and the cup.
In the 2025/26 season, Younis made 23 league appearances, played 2,070 minutes, and kept 10 clean sheets, scoring one goal. He also featured in the AFC Champions League Elite. Overall at Al-Shorta, he made 78 league appearances and scored 3 goals.
Duhok SC (2026-Present):
Following the 2026 World Cup, Younis’s contract with Al-Shorta was not renewed. He entered the market as a free agent. On July 10, 2026, Duhok SC announced the official signing of Younis. He was described as a key figure in Al-Shorta’s defense in recent years, known for his strength in aerial duels, good positioning, and leadership.
Iraq National Team (2021-Present):
Younis made his debut for Iraq in the starting line-up of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, in the opening match against Oman on November 21, 2021. He scored his first international goal in the 123rd minute of the 2023 Gulf Cup final, securing Iraq’s victory over Oman. He was called up to the squad for the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup and played a significant role in their victory. He has earned 31 caps for Iraq and scored 1 goal.
He was named in Iraq’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made one appearance at the tournament, playing 74 minutes in the 5-0 loss to Senegal.
The Anatomy of His Game
Manaf Younis is a commanding centre-back known for his aerial dominance, defensive solidity, and leadership at the back. Standing at 190 cm, he is a formidable presence in the box.
In Possession:
Younis is a reliable passer from the back. In the 2025/26 season, he completed 87.3% of his passes and recorded 13 accurate long balls. He contributed one goal in the league during the season.
Out of Possession:
Younis’s defensive work is his primary asset. In the 2025/26 season, he kept 10 clean sheets in 23 league appearances, conceding 16 goals. He recorded 29 clearances, 3 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 blocked shots. He also won 75% of his aerial duels.
Psychological Edge:
Younis’s career has been defined by resilience and leadership. He overcame the loss of his father at a young age. His ability to score the winning goal in a major international final demonstrates his composure in high-pressure situations. His leadership at the back has been a key feature of his club and international career.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2026 World Cup)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 (0/1) | 74 | 0 | 0 | 6.4 |
TABLE B: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraqi Premier League | 23 | 10 | 16 | 1Y 0R |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Gulf Cup of Nations 2023 | — | 1 | Winner |
| FIFA Arab Cup 2021 | — | 0 | — |
| Iraq Senior Career | 31 | 1 | Gulf Cup Winner |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Senior Debut | Salahaddin SC |
| 2019 | Al-Karkh Signing | Joined Baghdad club |
| 2022 | Al-Shorta Signing | Returned on permanent deal |
| 2023 | Gulf Cup Winner | Scored 123rd-minute winner in final |
| 2023 | Iraqi League Winner | Al-Shorta |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | Played 74 minutes vs Senegal |
| 2026 | Duhok Transfer | Joined Kurdish club as free agent |
What these figures reveal is a player of solid consistency and international pedigree. Younis has accumulated over 68 professional appearances and kept numerous clean sheets. His 31 caps for Iraq and his role in the Gulf Cup victory and World Cup squad demonstrate his importance to the national team. The 2025/26 season—10 clean sheets in 23 appearances—was a standout campaign.
The Present Tense
Manaf Younis is 29 years old and has moved to Duhok SC after a successful spell at Al-Shorta.
The Duhok Move:
Younis joined Duhok SC in July 2026 following the expiry of his contract with Al-Shorta. He was described as a key addition to strengthen the club’s defense for the upcoming season.
The Al-Shorta Departure:
Younis left Al-Shorta after the club decided not to renew his contract. His departure followed a period of defensive reinforcements at the club, with the signing of Venezuelan defender Ruben Ramirez and Mutham Jabbar. He won a national treble with Al-Shorta—the league title, the Super Cup, and the cup.
The World Cup Campaign:
Younis was named in Iraq’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made one appearance at the tournament, playing 74 minutes in the 5-0 loss to Senegal.
International Record:
Younis has earned 31 caps for Iraq and scored 1 goal. He was the hero of the 2023 Gulf Cup final, scoring the winning goal in the 123rd minute.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Manaf Younis is a symbol of resilience. He overcame the loss of his father at a young age and rose through the ranks of Iraqi football to become a national hero.
His goal in the 2023 Gulf Cup final was a moment of national significance—a dramatic winner in stoppage time of extra time that handed Iraq the trophy. His selection for the World Cup was a testament to his consistent performances at the club level.
Younis is known for his strength in aerial duels, his positioning, and his leadership in defense. His move to Duhok SC represents a new chapter in his career.
The Verdict from the Camp
Wikipedia:
“Younis scored the winner in the 123rd minute of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup final, handing Iraq the trophy over Oman.”
Yalla Shoot:
Younis was described as a key figure in Al-Shorta’s defense in recent years, known for his strength in aerial duels, good positioning, and leadership.
Statistic:
Younis has 31 caps for Iraq and scored the winning goal in the 2023 Gulf Cup final.
Statistic:
Younis kept 10 clean sheets in 23 appearances for Al-Shorta in the 2025/26 season.
Statistic:
Younis played 74 minutes in Iraq’s World Cup match against Senegal.
Where Next?
Manaf Younis is 29 years old and has joined Duhok SC for the 2026/27 season. His move represents a fresh start after his departure from Al-Shorta. He will be expected to bring his experience and leadership to his new club’s defense.
For Iraq, Younis remains a key squad player. With 31 caps and a World Cup appearance under his belt, he brings international experience to the national team. The next chapter of his career, at Duhok, will determine whether he can continue to represent Iraq in future tournaments.
From Tikrit to the World Cup, Manaf Younis’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and heroism on the biggest stage. The defender who scored a dramatic Gulf Cup winner and represented his country at the World Cup has proven that he belongs among Iraq’s footballing elite—and his story is far from over.
