PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Youssef Wali Faeq Amyn |
| Date of Birth | 21/08/2003 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Essen, Germany |
| Nationality | Iraqi / German |
| Height | 1.72–1.75 m / 5 ft 8 in–5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 68–69 kg |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #20 (AEK Larnaca), #7 (Iraq) |
| Current Club | AEK Larnaca |
| Previous Clubs | Viktoria Köln, Feyenoord U21, Eintracht Braunschweig, Al Wehda |
| International Caps | 28 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | €405K–€550K |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America was a milestone for Iraqi football. For Youssef Amyn, the 22-year-old winger from Essen, the tournament was the culmination of a journey that had taken him from the youth academies of Borussia Dortmund to the global stage.
Amyn was part of Graham Arnold’s 26-man Iraq squad for the World Cup, a testament to his rapid rise through European and Middle Eastern football. He made his World Cup debut against Norway in the group stage, playing 18 minutes off the bench. He also featured in the intercontinental playoff against Bolivia, where he played 52 minutes and received a 6.5 rating.
But his tournament was overshadowed by an extraordinary off-pitch development. Just hours before Iraq’s World Cup opener, Amyn’s photo was posted by Brazilian entertainment account @alfinetei, and the response was immediate. Within minutes, he became a viral sensation—Brazilian fans flooded his social media with comments, and the young winger was dubbed a “crush” of the tournament. His sudden fame was a testament to the global reach of the World Cup and the power of social media.
For the player who had been born in Germany to Kurdish parents from Iraq, who had represented Germany at U19 level and Iraq at senior level, the attention was surreal. “It feels pretty cool to put a smile on their faces,” he had said. Now, millions were smiling at him.
Origins
Born on August 21, 2003, in Essen, Germany, Youssef Amyn is of Kurdish descent, with his parents hailing from Darbandikhan in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He grew up in the German football system, starting his youth career at TuS Querenburg before moving to VfL Bochum in 2012. In 2015, he joined the prestigious Borussia Dortmund academy, where he spent five years.
Amyn’s international career is a story of dual identity. He represented Germany at the U19 level, making 10 appearances and scoring 2 goals. However, he was eligible to play for Iraq through his parents’ heritage. In 2023, he made the decision to represent Iraq at senior level, a choice that has defined his international career. He has since earned 28 caps and scored 2 goals for the Iraqi national team.
The European Forge
Viktoria Köln (2020-2022):
In 2020, Amyn left the Dortmund academy to join Viktoria Köln’s youth side. He made his professional debut on March 13, 2021, in a 3-1 league win against MSV Duisburg, becoming the youngest player to appear in a professional match for the club in its history. He scored his first goal on the opening matchday of the 2021-22 season. Over the course of the season, he made 35 appearances and scored 6 goals, showcasing his potential.
Feyenoord (2022-2023):
On September 1, 2022, Amyn joined the under-21 team of Eredivisie club Feyenoord. He made 17 appearances for Feyenoord’s U21 side in the U21 Divisie 1, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. However, he never made a senior appearance for the Dutch club.
Eintracht Braunschweig (2023-2024):
On July 18, 2023, Amyn signed for Eintracht Braunschweig in the 2. Bundesliga on a two-year contract. His time at the club was challenging—he struggled for gametime as his team battled relegation and only made nine appearances, failing to score or assist.
Al Wehda (2024-2025):
On August 28, 2024, Amyn moved to Al Wehda in Saudi Arabia. The transfer was valued at €350,000. In the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season, he made 29 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
AEK Larnaca (2025-Present):
On July 29, 2025, Amyn joined Cypriot club AEK Larnaca on a two-year contract. In the 2025/26 Cypriot First Division season, he made 14 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing no assists in 724 minutes of football. He also featured in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, making 2 appearances.
The Anatomy of His Game
Youssef Amyn is a dynamic, right-footed winger capable of operating on either flank or through the centre. Standing at 172-175 cm, he is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and flair. He has been described as “without doubt one of the Saudi Pro League’s premier young talents” and among the league’s best ballers.
In Possession:
Amyn is a creative force in the final third. In the 2025/26 Cypriot First Division season, he scored 2 goals in 14 appearances, averaging 0.25 goals per 90 minutes. His dribbling and technical ability are his standout attributes, allowing him to beat defenders and create chances. He has a strong penalty record, having converted 11 of 14 career penalties. Across his career, he has accumulated 13 goals and 6 assists in 132 professional appearances.
Out of Possession:
Amyn contributes to the team’s pressing structure. He recorded 2 yellow cards in the 2025/26 season.
Psychological Edge:
Amyn’s decision to represent Iraq over Germany, despite his German upbringing, speaks to his strong sense of identity and connection to his heritage. His ability to handle the sudden viral fame at the World Cup demonstrates a level of composure beyond his years. He has spoken of his pride in representing his parents’ homeland and his ambition to make his family proud.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cypriot First Division | 14 (7/7) | 724 | 2 | 0 | — |
| UEFA Europa League Qual. | 2 (0/2) | 26 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 (0/1) | 18 | 0 | 0 | 6.1 |
| Intercontinental Playoffs | 1 (1/0) | 52 | 0 | 0 | 6.5 |
| TOTAL | 18 | 820 | 2 | 0 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | Viktoria Köln | 3. Liga | 35 | 5 |
| 2022/23 | Feyenoord U21 | U21 Divisie 1 | 17 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | Eintracht Braunschweig | 2. Bundesliga | 9 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Al Wehda | Saudi Pro League | 29 | 4 |
| 2025/26 | AEK Larnaca | Cypriot First Division | 14 | 2 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 104 | 12 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
| World Cup Qualifying / Playoffs | 12 | 2 | Qualified |
| Friendlies | 15 | 0 | — |
| Iraq Senior Career | 28 | 2 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Professional Debut | Viktoria Köln, youngest in club history |
| 2022 | Feyenoord Transfer | Joined Dutch club’s U21 setup |
| 2023 | Eintracht Braunschweig Transfer | Signed for 2. Bundesliga club |
| 2024 | Al Wehda Transfer | Moved to Saudi Pro League |
| 2025 | AEK Larnaca Transfer | Joined Cypriot club |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Iraq squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Norway |
| 2026 | Viral Sensation | Became a global social media phenomenon |
What these figures reveal is a player of significant promise and growing experience. Amyn has accumulated over 100 professional appearances across Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus. His 28 caps for Iraq and his World Cup selection at age 22 demonstrate his importance to the national team. His career trajectory—from the German lower divisions to the Saudi Pro League and Cypriot First Division—reflects a player seeking consistent gametime and development.
The Present Tense
Youssef Amyn is 22 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is an AEK Larnaca player and a member of Iraq’s World Cup squad, having become a global viral sensation during the tournament.
The AEK Larnaca Story:
Amyn joined AEK Larnaca in July 2025 on a two-year contract. In the 2025/26 Cypriot First Division season, he made 14 appearances, scoring 2 goals. He also featured in UEFA Europa League qualifiers. His market value is estimated at €405K-€550K. He wears the number 20 shirt for the Cypriot club.
The World Cup Campaign:
Amyn was named in Iraq’s 26-man World Cup squad, selected by head coach Graham Arnold. He made his World Cup debut in the group-stage match against Norway, playing 18 minutes. He also featured in the intercontinental playoff against Bolivia, playing 52 minutes. His performance in the World Cup qualifiers, where he contributed 2 goals and 1 assist in 11 appearances, was instrumental in Iraq’s qualification.
The Viral Sensation:
Just hours before Iraq’s World Cup match against Norway, a Brazilian entertainment account posted a photo of Amyn, and he quickly became a viral sensation. Brazilian fans flooded his social media with comments, and he was dubbed one of the most attractive players of the tournament. His sudden fame brought a new dimension to his World Cup experience.
International Record:
Amyn has earned 28 caps for Iraq and scored 2 international goals. He made his senior debut in 2023 and has been a regular in the national team setup since.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Youssef Amyn is a symbol of the Iraqi diaspora. Born in Germany to Kurdish parents from Iraq, he chose to represent his ancestral homeland over the country of his birth. He has spoken about his pride in representing Iraq and his connection to his Middle Eastern heritage.
Amyn is known for his engaging personality and his willingness to adapt to new cultures. He spoke positively of his time in Saudi Arabia, describing the hospitality of the people and the passion of the fans. He also spoke of his excitement at coming face-to-face with Cristiano Ronaldo, a childhood idol.
His sudden viral fame at the World Cup has elevated his profile significantly. As one article noted, he was elected by Brazilian fans as one of the most beautiful athletes of the tournament. However, his footballing qualities remain his primary asset.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sporting News Brasil:
“O sucesso repentino começou após o perfil de entretenimento @alfinetei publicar uma foto do atleta no Instagram, chamando a atenção para a beleza do jogador. A postagem rapidamente acumulou curtidas e elogios do público brasileiro, elegendo o atacante como um dos atletas mais bonitos da competição.”
“Sua formação no futebol aconteceu em solo europeu e conta com passagens por divisões de base de grandes clubes do continente.”
Youssef Amyn, Iraq winger:
“I was ready for a new experience like in Saudi Arabia… because my parents are Kurdish from Iraq, I have this Middle East mentality. So it was maybe a two-day decision.”
Saudi Pro League:
“He can rightfully claim to be among the RSL’s best ballers: check out his skills, his ability to beat a man or to conjure something from nothing.”
Statistic:
Amyn has 28 caps for Iraq and scored 2 international goals.
Statistic:
Amyn made his World Cup debut at the age of 22, playing 18 minutes against Norway.
Statistic:
Amyn has made over 100 professional appearances and scored 12 career goals.
Where Next?
Youssef Amyn is 22 years old and has a promising future ahead of him. He is under contract with AEK Larnaca until 2027, but his World Cup performances and viral fame have raised his profile significantly. A move to a bigger league could be on the horizon if he continues to develop his game and deliver consistent performances.
For Iraq, Amyn is one of the most exciting young talents in the squad. With 28 caps already and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he is expected to be a key figure for the national team for years to come. His pace, dribbling ability, and flair make him a valuable asset for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
From Essen to the World Cup, Youssef Amyn’s journey is one of dual identity, rapid progression, and the power of the World Cup to create global sensations. The winger who represented Germany at youth level chose Iraq and has become a symbol of the nation’s footballing ambition—and his story is only beginning.
