Neshat Akram: The 2007 Asian Player of the Year Snub Iraqis Still Talk About

The 2007 Asian Player of the Year Snub

Neshat Akram, a legendary figure in Iraqi football, says he was denied the 2007 Asian Player of the Year award despite clearly having the numbers to back the claim.

In 2007, Yasser Al-Qahtani of Saudi Arabia took the prize, with Akram finishing second and his fellow Iraqi Younis Mahmoud third.

Akram told television outlets that the prize was taken despite his superior statistics and performances across the season.

He added that he was the continent’s standout, delivering in two Asian Cup matches, including the final, and starring in four AFC Champions League games.

He said the Iraqi team were the best in Asia, earning the fair play award while the top scorer honor was shared by Mahmoud and Al-Qahtani.

Iraq had won the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 2007, beating Saudi Arabia in the final with Younis Mahmoud scoring the winner.

Regarding his club career, Akram noted he was named best professional in the Saudi league and helped Al-Shabab lift the title.

He insisted that his numbers were outstanding, but he had no influence with the AFC, and even if Lionel Messi held Iraqi citizenship today, he would not win the prize.

He also conceded that he was not upset by Al-Qahtani’s victory and congratulated him on stage, acknowledging that the award deservedly went to a worthy player.

He concluded that, based on the numbers, he and Younis Mahmoud deserved to win.

Punchline 1: If life were a penalty shootout, I would miss left and right and still call it a close call.

Punchline 2: They say football is a team sport; apparently the trophy hides behind the referee's whistle when I look for it.