Mohanad Ali
Mohanad Ali Kadhim Al-Shammari (born 20 June 2000), commonly known as Mimi, is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Dibba Al-Fujairah in the UAE Pro League and the Iraq national team.[1][2] Ali made his senior debut for Al-Shorta in 2014 and spent the 2016–17 season on loan at Al-Kahrabaa, before helping Al-Shorta secure the Iraqi Premier League title in the 2018–19 season.[3] During his second stint at Al-Shorta (2023–2025), he became the league's top scorer in 2024–25 with 27 goals.[1] In 2019, he transferred to Qatari club Al-Duhail, contributing to their Qatari Stars League victory in 2019–20, and later played for Al-Sailiya (winning the Qatari Stars Cup in 2020–21) and on loan at Portuguese side Portimonense.[3] After returning to Al-Shorta for a brief stint, he joined Dibba Al-Fujairah in August 2025 on a contract until June 2026.[1] Internationally, Ali made his debut for the Iraq senior team in 2017 and has since accumulated 61 caps with 23 goals as of November 2025, including participation in the AFC Asian Cup tournaments in 2019 and 2023.[4] In his youth career, he was the top scorer with five goals at the 2015 WAFF U-16 Championship, leading Iraq to the title.[3] Standing at 1.83 meters tall, Ali is recognized for his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence as a forward.[1]Early life and background
Early life
Mohanad Ali Kadhim Al-Shammari was born on 20 June 2000 in Baghdad, Iraq.[1] He grew up during the turbulent years following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, a period characterized by widespread insecurity, sectarian violence, and infrastructure challenges that severely limited organized sports and youth development programs across the country.[5][6] Despite these constraints, Ali developed an early passion for football through local community play, joining the youth ranks of Timsah Al-Amin, a Baghdad-based club, in 2005 at the age of five.[1] In 2006, at age six, he enrolled in the Ammo Baba Football School, a prominent academy in Iraq named after the legendary footballer Ammo Baba.[1]Family
Mohanad Ali was born in Baghdad, Iraq, into a family with strong ties to football. He has a brother, Haidar Ali, who plays as a youth footballer for Al-Karkh SC U19 as of 2025.[1] He also has a brother named Hassan Ali, under whose name he played during his early youth career in the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons. Additionally, Ali is the cousin of Ali Salah, a retired Iraqi footballer.[1] At five years old, he began training at Timsah Al-Amin club in 2005. The following year, in 2006, he enrolled at the prestigious Ammo Baba Football School in Baghdad, a renowned academy named after the legendary Iraqi player and coach Ammo Baba Dawud, where he honed his skills until 2010. This institution, established to foster young talent amid Iraq's rich football tradition, provided structured training that prioritized technical proficiency and physical conditioning for aspiring players.[7]Club career
Youth career
Mohanad Ali began his youth career at Timsah Al-Amin in 2005 before joining the Ammo Baba Football School in Baghdad in 2006, at the age of six, where he focused on developing fundamental skills such as ball control, passing, and basic tactical awareness over the next four years.[1][8] The school, renowned for nurturing young talents in Iraq, provided a rigorous environment that emphasized technical proficiency and physical conditioning, laying the groundwork for his progression as a forward.[8] In 2010, Ali moved to the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya youth academy, where he spent three years refining his attacking abilities, including positioning, finishing, and movement off the ball.[1] During this period, he represented the academy in the Al-Zawraa Youth Championship and emerged as the top scorer in two local domestic tournaments, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess and earning early recognition within Iraqi youth football circles.[8] Ali joined the Al-Shorta youth setup in 2013, signing a five-year contract and featuring prominently in U-17 and U-19 matches, where he continued to showcase his forward skills in competitive domestic settings.[1][8] His performances at this stage led to his first national youth recognition, as he was called up by the Iraq Football Association for under-14 training sessions, highlighting his potential before transitioning to senior levels.[8]Al-Shorta (2014–2019)
Mohanad Ali joined Al-Shorta in 2014 at the age of 14 and made his professional debut in the Iraqi Premier League that year, marking him as one of the youngest players to appear in the competition.[9] During the 2015–16 season, he scored his first goal for the club against Al-Sinaah on 20 September 2015. His early contributions were limited as he developed, but he showed promise in limited appearances, building on his youth experience at the club. In the 2016–17 season, Ali was loaned to Al-Kahrabaa, where he emerged as the team's top scorer with 12 goals in 31 league matches. He returned to Al-Shorta ahead of the 2017–18 campaign, renewing his contract in October 2017 for three years and adopting the number 18 shirt. That season marked his breakthrough, as he netted multiple goals, including a brace in a key match against Al-Sinaah on 25 November 2017, contributing significantly to the team's push in the league standings. His performances earned him recognition as a rising talent, with reports of interest from European clubs like Juventus amid his growing goal tally. The 2018–19 season solidified Ali's status at Al-Shorta, where he became a central figure in the attack, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists across 31 appearances to help the team secure the Iraqi Premier League title—their first since 2003.[10] His prolific form, including standout contributions in decisive matches, drew widespread attention from clubs across Asia and Europe. In July 2019, following the league triumph, Al-Shorta transferred Ali to Qatari side Al-Duhail for a reported €1.8 million, ending his formative five-year stint with the Baghdad club where he had scored 36 goals in 77 appearances overall.[11]Al-Duhail and loans (2019–2023)
In July 2019, Mohanad Ali transferred to Al-Duhail from Al-Shorta for a reported fee of €1.8 million, signing a long-term contract amid high expectations following his breakout performances in Iraq.[12] Despite the promise, Ali struggled to secure a regular starting role in Al-Duhail's competitive squad, which featured established stars like Almoez Ali, leading to limited first-team opportunities; he appeared in 13 matches across all competitions, scoring just one goal during his tenure before subsequent loans.[13] To aid his development and provide more playing time, Ali was loaned to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Portimonense in January 2020 for the second half of the 2019–20 season. This marked his first exposure to European football, where he made 6 appearances without scoring, navigating challenges such as adapting to a faster-paced league and cultural differences in Portugal amid the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon returning to Al-Duhail in summer 2020, he was immediately loaned again to Qatari Stars League side Al-Sailiya from August 2020 to June 2021, a move that allowed him to rebuild confidence in a familiar environment; there, Ali excelled, netting 12 goals in 25 appearances and contributing significantly to the team's attacking output, including key strikes in league fixtures.[14] Seeking further international experience, Ali joined Greek Super League club Aris Thessaloniki on a one-year loan in August 2021, complete with an option to buy. His stint proved challenging, however, as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in October 2021 sidelined him for 213 days, restricting him to only 3 appearances and no goals, though the exposure to physical, tactical European play honed his defensive awareness and positioning.[15] After returning to Al-Duhail in summer 2022, Ali embarked on another loan to Al-Sailiya for the 2022–23 season, where ongoing recovery from his prior injury limited him to 2 appearances and 1 goal.[15][16] These successive loans from Al-Duhail were instrumental in Ali's growth, broadening his experience across three leagues and fostering versatility in his forward role by improving his aerial ability, hold-up play, and adaptability to varying tactical systems; this period helped sustain his market value between €1 million and €2 million, positioning him as a promising export-ready talent despite the setbacks.Return to Al-Shorta (2023–2025)
In September 2023, following the end of his loan spell with Al-Sailiya in Qatar, Mohanad Ali returned to Al-Shorta on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract until June 2025.[17][1] During the 2023–24 Iraq Stars League season, Ali quickly reintegrated into the squad as vice-captain, contributing 15 goals in 30 appearances and playing a pivotal role in Al-Shorta's successful title defense, securing their third consecutive league championship.[18] His scoring output, including a notable goal against Al-Qasim in May 2024, helped maintain the team's attacking momentum under coach Moamen Soliman, who had taken over mid-season.[19] Discussions around full captaincy emerged due to his experience and leadership, though he retained the vice role throughout the campaign.[20] In the 2024–25 season, Ali elevated his performance, leading Al-Shorta with 27 league goals in 34 appearances to become the Iraq Stars League's top scorer and instrumental in clinching a fourth straight title in June 2025.[18][21] He assumed greater leadership responsibilities on the pitch, mentoring younger forwards while delivering consistent scoring, such as his early goal in a 1-0 AFC Champions League Elite victory over Persepolis in December 2024, which highlighted his clinical finishing and aerial prowess.[22] Drawing lessons from his prior loans in Qatar, Ali focused on adapting his movement and hold-up play to Al-Shorta's high-pressing system, enhancing the team's overall fluidity.[14] Ali's tenure concluded in July 2025 when his contract expired, leading him to depart Al-Shorta in pursuit of opportunities abroad, having amassed 42 goals across both seasons and solidified his status as a key figure in the club's dominant era.[1][17]Dibba FC (2025–present)
In August 2025, Mohanad Ali joined Dibba Al-Fujairah of the UAE Pro League on a free transfer from Al-Shorta, signing a one-year contract until June 2026.[1] Ali quickly adapted to the demands of the UAE Pro League, establishing himself as the team's primary centre-forward and contributing significantly to their attacking strategy with his pace and finishing ability.[14] By early November 2025, he had made 7 appearances in the league, starting all of them and playing 627 minutes, during which he scored 4 goals. His goals came in matches against Al-Jazira on 23 August, Ajman on 12 September, Baniyas on 26 September, and Al-Wasl on 31 October, helping Dibba secure points in competitive fixtures. Additionally, he featured in 1 UAE President's Cup match, playing the full 120 minutes without scoring.[16] As Dibba's leading scorer with 4 goals by mid-season, Ali's hold-up play and movement off the ball have been pivotal in transitioning the team from defense to attack, aiding their mid-table position in the 2025–26 UAE Pro League standings. This move represents a fresh start abroad following his resurgence at Al-Shorta, where he regained form as Iraq's top scorer.[1] Looking ahead, Ali's contract runs through the end of the 2025–26 season, with potential for extension or interest from higher-tier Gulf clubs depending on Dibba's performance and his continued goal-scoring output.[1]International career
Youth international career
Ali made his debut for the Iraq U-14 national team in 2013 at the age of 13, marking the beginning of a promising youth international career. He quickly showcased his talent at the 2013 Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, where he scored six goals to share the top scorer award.[23] The following year, Ali starred in the inaugural AFC U-14 Championship held in Iran, netting six goals overall and earning the top scorer honor. His contributions were instrumental in Iraq's title win, including a brace in the final match against Vietnam, which ended 4-1 in Iraq's favor.[24][25] Ali progressed to the Iraq U-16 team in 2015, leading the side to victory in the WAFF U-16 Championship with five goals, securing the top scorer accolade. His performances across youth levels, including involvement in U-19 qualifiers for the AFC U-19 Championship from 2017 to 2018, highlighted his scoring ability and tactical development. Between 2019 and 2021, Ali featured for the U-23 team in Olympic qualifiers, contributing to Iraq's preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics while building experience parallel to his emerging senior role.Senior international career
Mohanad Ali made his senior debut for the Iraq national team on 23 December 2017, aged 17 years and 186 days, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against Bahrain in Dubai. He impressed early in his international career, scoring his first two goals for Iraq just two months later in a 4–1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia on 28 February 2018, with strikes in the 50th and 76th minutes that highlighted his clinical finishing and movement off the ball. Ali's breakthrough came at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where he was included in the squad despite his youth. He scored Iraq's opener in a 3–2 group stage victory over Vietnam on 8 January 2019, latching onto a loose ball to fire home from close range, and added a stunning solo goal—dribbling past three defenders before chipping the keeper—in the 3–0 win against Yemen on 12 January, securing advancement to the round of 16 as group runners-up.[26] Iraq exited the tournament with a 1–0 loss to Iran in the knockout stage, but Ali's performances earned him recognition as one of Asia's emerging talents. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Ali became a regular starter and key attacking outlet for Iraq under coach Srecko Katanec. He netted crucial goals, including the opener in a 2–1 away victory over Iran on 15 November 2019, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot past Alireza Beiranvand, and another in a 3–0 rout of Cambodia on 7 June 2021.[27][28] Despite Iraq finishing third in their third-round group and missing direct qualification, they won their fourth-round group before losing 1–0 to Saudi Arabia in the AFC play-off, failing to advance to the intercontinental playoffs. Ali's 4 goals across 10 appearances underscored his growing importance to the team's offensive strategy.[29] Ali featured prominently in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup hosted in Qatar, starting in all three group matches as Iraq topped their section with wins over Thailand (2–0) and Oman (1–0), before a 1–0 semifinal loss to Tunisia ended their campaign. At the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, Ali again proved vital, scoring Iraq's opening goal in a 3–1 group stage win over Indonesia on 15 January 2024. Iraq advanced as runners-up in Group D after drawing 0–0 with Vietnam and losing 0–2 to Japan, but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Jordan, losing 1–3 after extra time. In 2025, Ali continued to shine on the international stage, leading Iraq to victory in the King's Cup in Thailand. He scored a brace in the 2–1 semifinal win over [Hong Kong](/page/Hong Kong) on 4 September, equalizing in the 73rd minute before sealing the result eight minutes later with a composed finish.[30] In the final on 7 September, Ali netted the decisive header in the 75th minute from a corner, securing a 1–0 triumph over hosts Thailand and clinching the title amid a tense match that saw post-game scuffles.[31] His three goals across the tournament exemplified his aerial prowess and leadership as Iraq's primary striker. As of November 2025, Ali has accumulated 63 caps and 24 goals for Iraq, solidifying his role as the national team's leading forward and a pivotal figure in their attacking line.[16]Playing style
Strengths and attributes
Mohanad Ali stands at 1.83 meters tall, providing him with a strong physical presence as a centre-forward that aids in holding up play and competing in physical duels. His height contributes to solid aerial ability, with a reported 61.5% success rate in aerial duels won during recent matches. Additionally, Ali demonstrates good stamina, enabling him to maintain high-intensity pressing throughout games, as evidenced by his consistent minute logs in league and international fixtures post-recovery. Following a major cruciate ligament tear in 2021 that sidelined him for over 200 days, Ali showed notable injury resilience by returning to playing in the 2022/23 season and maintaining a robust playing schedule without major setbacks since.[1][14][15] Ali's heading ability is a key strength, characterized by excellent timing and positioning in the penalty area, allowing him to convert crosses effectively. He has scored multiple header goals across domestic and international competitions, including a last-gasp header in a 2023 World Cup qualifier against Vietnam and another in the 2025 King's Cup final. This aerial prowess is particularly evident in set-piece situations and counter-attacks from wide areas, where his leap and balance enable him to outmaneuver defenders.[32][33] In terms of shooting and finishing, Ali possesses accuracy and power from various ranges, often placing shots precisely into corners to beat goalkeepers. He maintains a solid shots-on-target conversion rate of around 48% in recent seasons, demonstrating composure under pressure. While right-footed, Ali comfortably uses his left foot for finishes, adding versatility to his goal-scoring threat inside the box and from the edge of the area.[14][32][4] Ali excels in dribbling with quick acceleration and close ball control, making him effective in one-on-one situations during transitions and counter-attacks. His ability to beat multiple defenders in tight spaces, as seen in a notable solo run against Yemen in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup where he evaded five opponents before scoring, highlights his confidence and skill on the ball. This speed and agility allow him to exploit spaces rapidly, contributing to his role in fast breaks.[33][32]Comparisons and development
Mohanad Ali's development trajectory traces from a precocious youth prospect to a seasoned centre-forward, marked by strategic club moves and international exposure. Emerging from Al-Shorta's academy, he debuted for the senior team at age 14 in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a goal-scoring talent in the Iraqi Premier League. His 2019 transfer to Al-Duhail in Qatar elevated him to Asian club football's elite level, but loans to Portimonense (2020), Aris Thessaloniki (2021–2022), and Al-Sailiya (2020–2021 and 2022–2023) provided essential minutes to refine his movement and decision-making under pressure. These experiences, combined with over 60 senior caps for Iraq since 2017, transformed him from a raw finisher into a more tactical striker capable of leading attacks in continental tournaments. By his 2023 return to Al-Shorta and subsequent 2025 move to Dibba FC in the UAE, Ali had evolved into a versatile forward adept at adapting to varied league demands.[1][34] In comparisons to other players, Ali is often viewed as a spiritual successor to Iraqi icon Younis Mahmoud, mirroring the veteran's role as a young, goal-oriented striker anchoring the national team during pivotal AFC Asian Cup campaigns—Mahmoud in 2007 and Ali in 2019 and 2023, both at comparable career stages. His energetic, hard-hitting approach as a lively forward evokes parallels to agile international strikers who excel through sharp positioning and clinical finishing rather than physical dominance. Core strengths like heading and first-time shots, honed over his career, underpin these likenesses.[34][35][36] Coaching influences have been instrumental in Ali's growth, particularly at Al-Shorta under Hakeem Shaker, who nurtured his early attacking instincts and positional awareness during the 2015–2019 stint. In Qatar, Al-Duhail's staff, including tactics from the Stars League environment, enhanced his adaptability and pressing game during his initial professional years. Internationally, mentors like Jesús Casas emphasized reintegration and form recovery post-injury, though challenges persisted in fully optimizing his output. These figures shaped Ali from a youthful poacher into a more complete team player.[37] As of 2025, key areas for Ali's improvement include bolstering his defensive work rate, rated low in performance profiles, to better contribute to pressing and transitions, and achieving greater consistency in top-tier leagues amid fluctuating form. These aspects remain focal points for his maturation into Iraq's premier striker.[38][37]Personal life
Nickname and public image
Mohanad Ali is commonly known in Iraq by the nickname "Mimi," a moniker that has been used extensively in local and regional media coverage of his career.[33][39] Ali's public image solidified as a national hero following his breakout performances at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where the then-18-year-old forward scored two goals, including one against Yemen and the equalizer in a 3-2 comeback victory over Vietnam, helping Iraq advance to the round of 16.[40][41] This tournament elevated him to the status of Iraq's "great hope" in football, drawing widespread admiration from fans and sparking interest from European clubs.[40] His popularity extends to a strong social media presence, where he engages with supporters through posts about his matches and personal life, fostering close fan relations in Iraq and the Arab world.[42] In 2025, media profiles continued to highlight his prolific scoring form, such as netting multiple goals for Al-Shorta before his move to Dibba FC, reinforcing his role as a key figure in Iraqi football.[1]Off-field activities
Mohanad Ali has been involved in philanthropy efforts supporting Iraqi youth football programs, particularly following his team's successes in 2025. Ali maintains a disciplined lifestyle, balancing rigorous training regimens with family time. He suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the 2021–22 season, which sidelined him for several months.[15]Career statistics
Club statistics
Mohanad Ali has accumulated 107 club appearances, 46 goals, and 4 assists across various domestic leagues, cups, and continental competitions as of November 11, 2025.[43] His career includes stints at multiple clubs, with notable contributions in the Iraqi Stars League and Qatari Stars League, encompassing loans to European sides Aris Thessaloniki and Portimonense, as well as early years with Al-Kahrabaa and Al-Shorta.[43]Breakdown by Season and Competition
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Dibba SCC | UAE Pro League | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Dibba SCC | UAE President's Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Al-Shorta SC | Iraqi Stars League | 34 | 27 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Al-Shorta SC | AFC Champions League Elite | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Al-Shorta SC | Iraqi FA Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Al-Shorta SC | Iraqi Stars League | 15 | 10 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Al-Sailiya SC | Qatari Stars League | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | Aris Thessaloniki | Super League Greece | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | Al-Sailiya SC | Qatari Stars League | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | Al-Sailiya SC | Qatar Cup | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | Al-Sailiya SC | Amir Cup | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | Al-Sailiya SC | Qatar FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019/20 | Portimonense SAD | Liga Portugal | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | Al-Duhail SC | Qatari Stars League | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | Al-Duhail SC | AFC Champions League | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | Al-Duhail SC | Sheikh Jassim Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | Al-Duhail SC | Qatar Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | Al-Shorta SC | Iraqi Stars League | 22 | 13 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | Al-Shorta SC | Iraqi Stars League | 15 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016/17 | Al-Kahrabaa SC | Iraqi Stars League | 12 | 3 | 0 |
- Domestic Leagues: 107 appearances, 46 goals, 4 assists.[44]
- Domestic Cups: 12 appearances, 5 goals, 1 assist.[44]
- Continental (AFC Champions League): 10 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists.[44]
International statistics
Mohanad Ali made his senior international debut for Iraq in 2017 and has since become one of the team's most prolific forwards. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 61 caps and 23 goals for the senior national team.[4] The following table summarizes his senior international appearances and goals by major competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup qualifiers | 24 | 7 |
| International friendlies | 21 | 10 |
| Arabian Gulf Cup | 8 | 2 |
| AFC Asian Cup | 7 | 3 |
| King's Cup | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 61 | 23 |
| Youth Level | Approximate Caps | Approximate Goals | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-14 to U-23 | 30 | 15 | Top scorer in multiple regional youth tournaments; limited U-23 play (2 caps, 0 goals) |