PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nizar Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Rashdan |
| Date of Birth | 23 March 1999 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Irbid, Jordan |
| Nationality | Jordanian |
| Height | 1.83–1.85 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 76 kg / 168 lbs |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder / Central Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #21 (Jordan) |
| Current Club | Wydad Casablanca |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Hussein, Al-Faisaly, Newroz (loan), Emirates (loan), Al-Khaldiya, Al-Zawraa, Qatar SC |
| International Caps | 50 |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 (with extension option) |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nizar Al-Rashdan, the 27-year-old defensive midfielder from Irbid, was named in Jordan’s historic first-ever World Cup squad. The boy who had risen through Al-Hussein’s and Al-Faisaly’s ranks, who had scored the dramatic injury-time winner against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup quarter-finals, had achieved the ultimate dream.
The tournament would see Jordan face Austria, Algeria, and Argentina in Group B. Al-Rashdan started all three matches as the captain of Jordan’s midfield, playing 90 minutes against Austria, 90 minutes against Algeria, and 75 minutes against Argentina. It was his performance against Algeria that would etch his name into Jordanian football history. With his side trailing, he struck a powerful shot from distance to score Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Jordan fell to defeat in all three group stage matches, but Al-Rashdan’s goal ensured the nation would have a historic moment to cherish forever. The boy from Irbid who had shared a dressing room with World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta at Emirates Club had now scored on football’s greatest stage. “I am living a beautiful experience, made even more special by my presence alongside international stars like Andrés Iniesta,” he had said during his time in the UAE. Now he was starring alongside the world’s best.
Origins
Nizar Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Rashdan was born on March 23, 1999, in Irbid, Jordan. He stands at 1.83–1.85 meters and plays primarily as a defensive or central midfielder.
His footballing journey began in the youth system of Al-Hussein in the Jordanian Pro League, where he made his senior debut in 2019. On January 4, 2021, he transferred to Al-Faisaly on a two-year contract, later extending for two more seasons after helping the club win the 2022 Jordanian Pro League, the 2021 Jordan FA Cup, and the 2022 Jordan Shield Cup.
His international career began with his first senior call-up to the Jordan national team on September 4, 2021, in a 2-0 friendly win over Haiti. He has since earned 50 caps for Jordan, scoring 5 international goals.
The Forge
Al-Hussein (2019–2021):
Al-Rashdan began his senior career at Al-Hussein in the Jordanian Pro League in 2019, establishing himself as a promising defensive midfielder.
Al-Faisaly (2021–2024):
On January 4, 2021, Al-Rashdan transferred to Al-Faisaly. He extended his contract on January 11, 2024, after helping the club win the 2022 Jordanian Pro League, the 2021 Jordan FA Cup, and the 2022 Jordan Shield Cup. During his time at Al-Faisaly, he played in the AFC Champions League Two, making 13 appearances, scoring 1 goal, and accumulating over 1,000 minutes.
Newroz (Loan, 2023):
On January 14, 2023, Al-Rashdan went on a half-season loan to Iraq Stars League club Newroz.
Emirates (Loan, 2024):
In 2024, Al-Rashdan was loaned to Emirates Club in the UAE. During this spell, he shared a dressing room with World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta, an experience he described as “a beautiful experience, made even more special by my presence alongside international stars like Andrés Iniesta and Paco Alcácer.” He made 13 league appearances, scoring 1 goal.
Al-Khaldiya (2024–2025):
On July 31, 2024, Al-Rashdan signed with Bahraini Premier League side Al-Khaldiya on a permanent transfer for approximately $200,000.
Al-Zawraa (2025–2026):
On July 28, 2025, Al-Rashdan returned to Iraq to join Al-Zawraa for one season, with an option for an additional season. He made 6 league appearances, scoring 1 goal. He also played in the AFC Champions League Elite, making 5 appearances.
Qatar SC (2026):
On January 8, 2026, Qatar SC announced the signing of Al-Rashdan for half a season. He made 11 league appearances, playing 966 minutes and providing 2 assists. His average FotMob rating of 7.45 reflected his quality. He helped Qatar SC secure 6th place in the Qatar Stars League.
Wydad Casablanca (2026–Present):
On August 12, 2026, Wydad Casablanca officially announced the signing of Al-Rashdan on a one-season contract with an option for renewal. The move to one of Morocco’s top clubs represents the latest chapter in his international career.
International Career:
Al-Rashdan has been a regular for the Jordan national team since his debut in 2021. He has earned 50 caps and scored 5 international goals. His most notable goal came on January 29, 2024, when he scored a dramatic injury-time winner against Iraq in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, securing a 3-2 victory and qualification to the semi-finals. He also scored in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Al-Rashdan started all three of Jordan’s group matches: against Austria (90 minutes), Algeria (90 minutes), and Argentina (75 minutes). He scored Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal against Algeria, a long-range strike. Across his World Cup campaign, he recorded 1 goal, 5 tackles won, and 2 interceptions.
The Anatomy of His Game
Nizar Al-Rashdan is a 27-year-old defensive midfielder defined by his tactical discipline, work rate, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Standing at 1.83–1.85 meters, he is a physical presence in the centre of the pitch.
In Possession:
Al-Rashdan is a composed passer with reliable distribution. In the 2025/2026 Qatar Stars League season, he provided 2 assists in 11 appearances. He is capable of carrying the ball forward into advanced positions and possesses a dangerous long-range shot. At the World Cup, he took 2 shots, with 1 on target.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Al-Rashdan is a hard-working presence. In his World Cup appearances, he recorded 5 tackles won, 2 interceptions, and won 40 duels. His work rate and defensive contributions are noted as key strengths, making him an “incansável no trabalho defensivo” (tireless in defensive work). He is also capable in the air, winning 3 aerial duels at the World Cup. He committed 5 fouls across the tournament and received no yellow cards.
Psychological Edge:
Al-Rashdan’s mental resilience is his defining quality. He has played across multiple countries—Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and now Morocco—adapting to new cultures and leagues at every step. His dramatic injury-time goal against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup and his historic World Cup goal against Algeria demonstrate his ability to perform on the biggest occasions. His experience sharing a dressing room with Andrés Iniesta at Emirates Club gave him valuable insight into the mentality of a world champion.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season & World Cup)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Stars League | 11 | 11 | 966 | 0 | 2 | 7.45 |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 5 | 4 | 293 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 3 | 255 | 1 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 19 | 18 | 1,514 | 1 | 2 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | Al-Hussein | Jordanian Pro League | — | — |
| 2021–2024 | Al-Faisaly | Jordanian Pro League | — | — |
| 2023 | Newroz (loan) | Iraq Stars League | — | — |
| 2024 | Emirates (loan) | UAE Pro League | 13 | 1 |
| 2024–2025 | Al-Khaldiya | Bahraini Premier League | — | — |
| 2025–2026 | Al-Zawraa | Iraq Stars League | 6 | 1 |
| 2026 | Qatar SC | Qatar Stars League | 11 | 0 |
| 2026–Present | Wydad Casablanca | Botola | 0 | 0 |
TABLE C: International Record (2021–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 20 | 2 | — |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 14 | 0 | — |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Arab Cup 2025 | 5 | 1 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 50 | 5 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Born | Irbid, Jordan |
| 2019 | Senior Debut | Al-Hussein, Jordanian Pro League |
| 2021 | Jordan Debut | vs Haiti, friendly |
| 2021 | Al-Faisaly Move | Transferred to Jordanian giants |
| 2022 | League & Cup Winner | With Al-Faisaly |
| 2023 | Newroz Loan | Iraq Stars League |
| 2024 | Emirates Loan | Shared dressing room with Andrés Iniesta |
| 2024 | Asian Cup Hero | Scored injury-time winner vs Iraq |
| 2024–2025 | Al-Khaldiya Move | Bahraini Premier League |
| 2025–2026 | Al-Zawraa Move | Iraq Stars League |
| 2026 | Qatar SC Move | Qatar Stars League |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Jordan’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | Historic Goal | Jordan’s first World Cup goal vs Algeria |
| 2026 | Wydad Casablanca Move | Signed for Moroccan giants |
What these figures reveal is a player of consistent progression and significant experience. Al-Rashdan has played across six different countries and established himself as one of Jordan’s most important players. His 50 international caps and 5 international goals reflect his importance to the national team. His World Cup performance—starting all three matches and scoring Jordan’s historic first goal—cemented his legacy.
The Present Tense
Nizar Al-Rashdan is 27 years old, entering the prime of his career. He has joined Wydad Casablanca, a Jordanian international with 50 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Wydad Casablanca Story:
On August 12, 2026, Al-Rashdan signed with Wydad Casablanca on a one-year contract with an option for renewal. The move to one of Morocco’s top clubs represents the latest chapter in his career. He joins after his stint with Qatar SC, where he made 11 appearances and provided 2 assists.
The World Cup Campaign:
Al-Rashdan started all three of Jordan’s World Cup group matches: against Austria (90 minutes), Algeria (90 minutes), and Argentina (75 minutes). He scored Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal in the match against Algeria. Jordan were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Al-Rashdan has earned 50 caps for Jordan since his debut in 2021, scoring 5 international goals. He has represented Jordan in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Nizar Al-Rashdan is defined by his journey from Irbid to the World Cup and his experience sharing a dressing room with one of football’s legends.
His career has been marked by adaptability. From Al-Hussein to Al-Faisaly, from Newroz to Al-Zawraa, from Al-Khaldiya to Qatar SC to Wydad Casablanca, he has played in six different countries. His ability to adapt to new cultures and leagues has been remarkable.
His time at Emirates Club in 2024 was a highlight. Sharing a dressing room with World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta was “a beautiful experience, made even more special by my presence alongside international stars like Andrés Iniesta and Paco Alcácer.” The experience gave him valuable insight into the mentality of a world champion.
His goal against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup quarter-finals made him a national hero. On January 29, 2024, he scored a dramatic injury-time winner that secured Jordan’s qualification to the semi-finals. The goal remains one of the most significant moments in Jordanian football history.
His historic World Cup goal against Algeria ensured his name would forever be etched in Jordanian football history—the first Jordanian player to score at a World Cup.
The Verdict from the Camp
A Bola
, on Al-Rashdan’s playing style:
Al-Rashdan is “incansável no trabalho defensivo, capaz de transportar a bola para zonas adiantadas e dono de um remate perigoso de longa distância.”
A Bola
, on his time with Iniesta:
Al-Rashdan described sharing a dressing room with Iniesta as “uma experiência belíssima, que se tornou ainda mais especial pela minha presença ao lado de estrelas internacionais.”
Wikipedia
, on his Asian Cup heroics:
Al-Rashdan scored the winning goal in a 3–2 victory over Iraq in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, which qualified his country to the tournament’s semi-final.
FBref.com
, on Al-Rashdan’s World Cup performance:
Al-Rashdan started all three of Jordan’s World Cup matches, scoring against Algeria, and recording 5 tackles won and 2 interceptions.
Qatar News Agency
, on his Qatar SC departure:
Al-Rashdan helped Qatar SC secure 6th place in the Qatar Stars League before departing the club.
Where Next?
Nizar Al-Rashdan is 27 years old and entering the prime of his career. He has joined Wydad Casablanca, a Jordanian international with 50 caps, and a World Cup goalscorer.
For Jordan
, Al-Rashdan is a key player for the future. At 27, he has already earned 50 caps and scored a historic World Cup goal. He will be expected to continue contributing to the national team in future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His experience at the World Cup will be invaluable.
For Wydad Casablanca
, Al-Rashdan is a valuable signing. He brings international experience and World Cup pedigree to one of Morocco’s top clubs. His experience across six different countries will be an asset to the squad.
His career trajectory is one of adaptability and persistence—from Al-Hussein to Al-Faisaly, from Iraq to Bahrain to the UAE to Qatar to Morocco, from his debut in 2021 to a World Cup goalscorer. He has overcome the challenges of adapting to new countries and leagues at every step and has established himself as one of Jordan’s most important players.
The boy from Irbid who scored the winning goal against Iraq in the Asian Cup, who shared a dressing room with Iniesta, who scored Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal—Nizar Al-Rashdan’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
