Hubbry Logo
Safaa HadiSafaa HadiMain
Open search
Safaa Hadi
Community hub
Safaa Hadi
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Safaa Hadi
Safaa Hadi
from Wikipedia

Safaa Hadi Abdullah Al-Furaiji (Arabic: صَفَاء هَادِي عَبْد الله الْفُرَيْجِيّ, born 14 October 1998) is an Iraqi footballer who plays as a Defensive midfielder for club Duhok SC.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Youth career

[edit]

Safaa Hadi started in the youth system of the prestigious Ammo Baba School in Baghdad which has seen many of its graduates represent the Iraqi national team.[1] Later, he joined Amanat Baghdad's youth team.

Amanat Baghdad / Al-Minaa

[edit]

He was promoted to Amanat Baghdad the first team in 2015, representing the first team in the Iraqi Premier League in the 2015/2016 season. He scored his first league goal for Amanat Baghdad on 29 February 2016 against Al-Najaf.[2] In June 2016, he moved to Al-Minaa where he spent the following season.[3]

Al-Zawraa

[edit]

In January 2017, Safaa signed for Iraqi giants Al-Zawraa,[4] the most successful Iraqi club in history, where he would remain for the next two and a half seasons and establish himself as a star for the team as well as cementing himself as a first-choice midfielder for the Iraqi national team.

He won the Iraqi FA Cup in his first season with the club before winning the Iraqi Super Cup a few months later. Al-Zawraa went on to dominate the Iraqi Premier League in 2017–18 with Hadi being a key player for the team, eventually winning the 2017–2018 Iraqi Premier League title.

In 2018–2019 Safaa played in the AFC Champions League for the first time in his career as Al-Zawraa came third in their group behind Iranian club Zob Ahan and Saudi club Al-Nassr. He won the Iraqi FA Cup for the second time in his career at the end of that season, scoring the winning goal in the final which was his last game for the club.

Al-Shorta

[edit]

The summer of 2019 saw Safaa heavily linked to Russian giants Zenit before eventually signing for defending Iraqi Premier League champions Al-Shorta. His debut for the club came in the 2019–20 Arab Club Champions Cup against Al-Kuwait. His next match was against his former side Al-Zawraa in the 2019 Iraqi Super Cup which Safaa won with his new club. Al-Shorta would go on to reach the quarter-finals of the Arab Club Champions Cup, the first Iraqi club to reach that stage of the competition since 2013, and Safaa also played three Iraqi Premier League games for Al-Shorta before the league was postponed. On 23 January 2020, he was allowed to leave the club and went to Turkey.[5]

Krylia Sovetov Samara

[edit]

The 2020 winter transfer window once again saw Safaa strongly linked to Russia and Zenit. On 21 February 2020, he moved to Russian Premier League side Krylia Sovetov Samara on a 2+12–year contract, making him the first Iraqi in history to play in the Russian Premier League.[6][7]

He made his debut for Krylia Sovetov on 16 March 2020 in a game against FC Tambov, substituting Artyom Timofeyev in the 86th minute.[8] Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian Premier League was suspended the following day, initially until 10 April[9] before increased cases in Russia saw the season restart further delayed until 31 May.[10] On 15 May 2020, it was announced that the league would restart in mid-June with the fixtures and full schedule to be released at a later date.[11] On 2 June 2020, the full calendar for the remainder of the season, including the semi-finals and the final of the 2019-20 Russian Cup which Krylia Sovetov were knocked out of by Torpedo Moscow at the Round of 32 stage,[12] was announced with the first match back after the restart to be held in Samara on 19 June as Krylia Sovetov would host Akhmat Grozny.[13]

Safaa was an unused substitute in the season restart as his side lost 4–2 to their relegation rivals Akhmat Grozny at home,[14] putting them at the bottom of the league table. Krylia's next match the following weekend was away against league leaders Zenit in Saint Petersburg. Safaa once again started on the bench and came on in the 79th minute, again replacing Timofeyev, to make his second appearance for the club but was unable to prevent his team from losing to the defending champions 2–1.[15] Following the defeat to Zenit leaving Krylia Sovetov firmly at the bottom of the table, Andrei Talalayev was brought in as the new manager in an attempt to prevent relegation.[16] Talalaev's first match in charge would be against Russian Super Cup holders, second-placed Lokomotiv Moscow in the capital city on 30 June. Safaa made his second successive appearance, coming on for Krylia Sovetov captain Taras Burlak in the 56th minute but lasted less than 20 minutes as he was sent off for receiving two yellow cards in the space of two minutes. His team would go on to draw 1–1 against the Moscow side, keeping them in the relegation zone with 5 matches to go.[17]

On 12 September 2021, his contract with Krylia Sovetov was terminated by mutual consent.[18]

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya

[edit]

On the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window, defending Iraqi Premier League champions Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya announced the signing of Safaa from Krylia Sovetov on a one-year contract. He made his debut as a starter against his former club and bitter rivals Al-Zawraa in the 2021 Iraqi Super Cup.

Tractor

[edit]

On July 7, 2022, Safa joined Tractor S.C. in the Persian Pro League.[19]

International career

[edit]

Youth teams

[edit]

Safaa first represented his country in 2014 when he was called up to the Iraq Under-17s. Over the following four years, he went on to play for the Iraq Under-20s and the Iraq Under-23s.

Senior team

[edit]

On 8 May 2018, Hadi was called up to the senior national team for the first time and made his international debut against Palestine.[20] He has since made 26 caps for the national team, including playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and was part of Iraq's 2019 AFC Asian Cup squad.

Goals for Iraq

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 7 June 2021 Al Muharraq Stadium, Arad, Bahrain  Cambodia 4–1 4–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification

Style of play

[edit]

Safaa is usually deployed as a defensive midfielder.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

Safaa was born in Baghdad in 1998 and comes from Sadr City.[21] His younger brother, Maitham Hadi, is also a professional footballer.[citation needed]

Hadi was sponsored by Puma during his time in Russia.[citation needed]

Career statistics

[edit]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Tractor 2022-23 Persian Gulf Pro League 25 1 1 0 0 0 26 1
2023-24 17 0 0 0 1 0 18 0
Career Total 42 1 1 0 1 0 44 1

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Safaa Hadi Abdullah Al-Furaiji (born 14 October 1998) is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Al-Najaf FC in the Iraq Stars League. Standing at 1.78 meters tall and left-footed, he is known for his versatility, also capable of playing as a central midfielder, and has earned recognition as a key figure in Iraqi football through his domestic and international contributions. Hadi began his youth career at Ammo Baba Football School and Amanat Baghdad SC before breaking into senior football in 2015. His professional journey includes stints with several prominent Iraqi clubs, such as Al-Zawra'a SC (2017–2019), Al-Shorta SC (2019–2020), and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2021–2022 and 2024–2025), contributing to major successes in Iraqi football, including one Iraqi Premier League title and two Iraqi FA Cup wins. A landmark moment came in February 2020 when he transferred to Russian club Krylia Sovetov Samara for €150,000, becoming the first Iraqi player to feature in the Russian Premier League and helping secure the Russian second-tier championship in 2020–21; he made appearances there before returning to Iraq via loans to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Tractor in Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League (2022–2024). In August 2025, he joined Al-Najaf FC on a free transfer, marking his latest move in a career that has seen him compete in continental competitions like the AFC Cup. On the international stage, Hadi debuted for the national team in November 2018 against and has since accumulated 40 caps as of October 2025, scoring one goal—his first against in June 2021. He was part of 's squad for the , where he played four matches, and has featured prominently in qualifiers and campaigns.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Safaa Hadi was born on 14 October 1998 in Sadr City, a district of Baghdad, Iraq. Sadr City, home to nearly 3 million residents as of 2023, is one of the poorest and most overcrowded areas in the country, facing significant socio-economic challenges amid the instability of post-war Iraq. Hadi grew up in this difficult urban environment, where access to opportunities was limited by ongoing conflict and economic hardship following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Despite these hurdles, Hadi developed a passion for football from a young age, influenced by the sport's popularity in local communities. This early interest led him to pursue structured training at the Ammo Baba Football School in Baghdad.

Youth career

Safaa Hadi began his formal youth football development at the Ammo Baba Football School in Baghdad, a prestigious academy established to nurture talented young players in Iraq. This institution, known for producing numerous national team talents, provided Hadi with structured training from an early age, focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning essential for aspiring midfielders. Hadi progressed to the youth teams of , where he honed his abilities as a defensive through participation in local youth leagues and competitive matches. During this period, he gained exposure in age-group competitions—key attributes that defined his early playing style. These experiences at marked a significant step in his skill development, allowing him to compete against higher-caliber opponents and refine his role in midfield orchestration. His standout performances in the youth setup drew scouting interest from club officials, leading to recognition as a promising prospect and ultimately facilitating his transition to senior opportunities by 2015. This progression underscored Hadi's rapid rise within Iraq's youth football ecosystem.

Club career

Early career in Iraq (2015–2020)

Safaa Hadi made his senior professional debut with Amanat Baghdad during the 2015–16 season, marking his transition from the club's youth academy to the first team in the Iraqi Premier League. In 2016, Hadi joined Al-Minaa on a one-year stint, where he began to establish himself as a defensive midfielder, contributing to the team's midfield stability in the Iraqi top flight. Hadi transferred to Al-Zawraa in 2017, a move that elevated his profile amid the club's dominant campaign. During the 2017–18 season, he played a supporting role in Al-Zawraa's winning of the Iraqi Premier League title, their record 14th championship. The following year, Hadi scored the decisive header in the 89th minute of the 2019 Iraq FA Cup final, securing a 1–0 victory over Al-Kahrabaa and Al-Zawraa's record-extending 16th cup triumph. His performances also earned him spots in continental competitions, including group stage appearances in the 2018–19 AFC Cup. In September 2019, Hadi moved to Al-Shorta, where he featured in limited matches during the 2019–20 season, including starts in Arab Club Champions Cup fixtures, helping build momentum ahead of his international transfer. Over this formative period in Iraq, Hadi accumulated experience across multiple clubs, honing his tactical awareness and positioning in midfield.

Krylia Sovetov Samara (2020–2021)

In February 2020, Safaa Hadi transferred from Al-Shorta Baghdad to PFC Krylia Sovetov Samara on a two-and-a-half-year contract, marking him as the first Iraqi player to join the Russian Premier League. The move, completed during the winter transfer window, carried an undisclosed fee but represented a groundbreaking opportunity for an Iraqi talent to compete in European football, building on his defensive midfield experience from Iraqi clubs like Al-Zawraa and Al-Shorta. Hadi made his debut for Krylia Sovetov in March 2020, substituting in for the final minutes during a 0–3 league defeat to FC Tambov, though his early playing time was curtailed by the COVID-19 suspension of Russian football shortly thereafter. Over the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, he made 12 appearances across all competitions for the club, primarily in a defensive midfield role, with no goals or assists. Following Krylia Sovetov's relegation to the Russian Football National League (FNL) at the end of 2019–20, Hadi featured in eight league matches during the 2020–21 campaign, helping the team secure promotion back to the Premier League as champions of the second tier. Adapting to the Russian Premier League presented significant challenges for Hadi, including cultural and linguistic barriers as he navigated life in Samara far from his family in Iraq. He learned basic Russian to communicate with teammates and staff, while daily training during the pandemic quarantine period kept him sharp, even leading to a collaborative video project promoting fitness with a local gymnast. His presence garnered media attention as a trailblazer for Iraqi players seeking opportunities abroad, highlighting the potential for Middle Eastern talents in European leagues. Hadi's contract with Krylia Sovetov expired in September 2021, after which he departed the club to return to Asian football.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Tractor (2021–2025)

Safaa Hadi returned to Iraqi football by joining Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on September 14, 2021, securing a transfer from Krylia Sovetov Samara just two days after becoming a free agent. This move came on the final day of the summer transfer window, reuniting him with the club where he had previously developed in the youth ranks. During the 2021–22 Iraqi Premier League season, Hadi made 15 appearances, primarily as a defensive midfielder, contributing to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's runners-up finish behind champions Al-Shorta. His role emphasized bolstering the team's defensive structure, drawing on the tactical discipline honed during his time in Russia to provide versatility in midfield. Hadi also featured in Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's 2021–22 AFC Champions League campaign, appearing in 6 group stage matches as the team advanced from before exiting in the round of 16. Key performances included starts against Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail, where his interceptions and positional awareness helped maintain competitive showings in continental play. These contributions underscored his adaptation back to familiar surroundings, aiding the club's solid defensive record with only 22 goals conceded in the league. In July 2022, Hadi transferred to in Iran's , signing a one-year deal that positioned him as a key rotational player in midfield. Over two seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24), he accumulated approximately 49 league appearances and 1 goal, scoring his sole strike in the 2022–23 campaign. finished 4th in both seasons, securing AFC Champions League qualification, with Hadi's consistent starts—25 in 2022–23 and 24 in 2023–24—supporting the team's mid-table stability and defensive solidity, conceding 34 and 28 goals respectively. He extended his contract in April 2023, reflecting his growing importance to the squad. Hadi rejoined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on August 12, 2024, via a free transfer from Tractor, marking his second stint with the club. During the 2024–25 season, he made 28 appearances and scored 2 goals in the Iraq Stars League, 1 appearance in the Iraq FA Cup, and 6 appearances in the AFC Champions League Two group phase. His contributions helped bolster the midfield and defensive efforts as Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya competed in domestic and continental competitions.

Al-Najaf (2025–present)

On 24 August 2025, Safaa Hadi joined Al-Najaf on a free transfer from Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, signing a contract of undisclosed duration. The move marked his return to the Iraq Stars League after a stint abroad, positioning him as a key defensive midfielder for the Najaf-based club. As of November 17, 2025, Hadi has made appearances in the 2025–26 Iraq Stars League season for Al-Najaf, focusing on defensive stability and ball distribution from the center. Al-Najaf's position in the standings remains competitive in the ongoing campaign.

International career

Youth international career

Safaa Hadi began his youth international career with the Iraq U-16 team, equivalent to the U-17 level, at the 2014 AFC U-16 Championship held in Thailand. He made his debut in one match during the tournament, receiving a yellow card but contributing to the team's efforts without scoring. Progressing to the U-19 level, which aligns with U-20 development in international football pathways, Hadi represented Iraq in the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers, where he appeared in three matches. He then featured in the finals in Bahrain, playing two matches and accumulating two yellow cards overall at this level, with no goals recorded. Alternative records indicate three appearances in the finals themselves, highlighting his role in midfield during Iraq's campaign. Hadi's involvement extended to the U-23 Olympic team, where he participated in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship in China. He played in all four matches, completing the full 360 minutes as Iraq advanced to the quarter-finals, though the team was eliminated by Australia; Hadi received two yellow cards and did not score. His performances in these youth tournaments underscored his defensive midfield contributions, with a total of approximately 10 appearances across U-19 and U-23 levels documented in regional competitions, all without goals.

Senior international career

Safaa Hadi earned his first senior call-up to the Iraq national team in May 2018, following standout performances with Al-Zawraa in domestic competitions, and made his debut on 8 May 2018 in a friendly match against Palestine under coach Basim Qasim. Hadi was selected for Iraq's squad at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where he featured in all four matches, starting each and playing the full 90 minutes, including in the round of 16 defeat to hosts Qatar on 21 January 2019. He gained prominence during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting multiple matches and scoring his only international goal—a header in stoppage time during a 4–1 victory over Cambodia on 7 June 2021. Hadi maintained his place in the national setup through the early 2020s, contributing to Iraq's campaigns in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he appeared in three matches during the third round as of late 2024, including a start against Palestine on 10 October 2024. His consistent club form, particularly during his stint with Tractor in Iran, supported ongoing selections. As of November 2025, Hadi has accumulated 40 caps and 1 goal for Iraq.

Personal life and playing style

Personal life

Safaa Hadi was born on October 14, 1998, in Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq. He grew up in the Iraqi capital alongside his family, which remained there even after his professional career took him abroad. Hadi's first significant relocation occurred in February 2020, when he moved to Samara, Russia, to join Krylia Sovetov Samara; this marked his initial experience living independently away from his family in Iraq, compounded by challenges in adapting to the local language and culture. He resided in Samara until 2021, including a period of quarantine at the club's hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon returning to Iraq, Hadi was based in Baghdad while playing for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya from 2021 to 2022 and again in 2024. From mid-2022 to 2024, he lived in Tabriz, Iran, after signing with Tractor, where he extended his contract in 2023. In August 2025, Hadi returned to Iraq permanently, settling in Najaf to play for Al-Najaf. Beyond football, Hadi engaged in off-field activities during his time in Russia, such as collaborating with rhythmic gymnast Ksenia Polyakova on a video promoting home exercises amid quarantine restrictions.

Playing style

Safaa Hadi operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, a role in which he anchors the midfield with a focus on breaking up opposition plays and initiating transitions. Standing at 1.78 meters tall and left-footed, he leverages his physical presence and positioning to excel in defensive duties. His strengths lie in tackling, interceptions, and stamina, enabling effective ball recovery and maintaining defensive solidity during high-pressure matches, as demonstrated in his contributions to the Iraq national team. Hadi also demonstrates vision and passing accuracy, particularly in progressive passes that help transition play from defense to attack, reflecting a technically proficient style suited to modern midfield demands. Throughout his career, Hadi has evolved from a more dynamic presence in his early days with Iraqi clubs like Al-Zawraa, where he showed box-to-box tendencies in Football Manager simulations, to a more anchored defensive role in European and Iranian leagues. This adaptation is evident in his brief stint with Krylia Sovetov Samara in Russia's Premier League, where he adjusted to the league's faster pace and physicality despite limited playing time.

Career statistics and honours

Club career statistics

Safaa Hadi's club career statistics encompass appearances, goals, and assists across domestic leagues, cups, and continental competitions, as compiled from reliable tracking sources up to November 2025. The following tables provide season-by-season breakdowns by club, focusing on verified performance metrics including minutes played where available. Data excludes international matches. Domestic league and cup statistics for some Iraqi clubs (e.g., Al-Zawraa, Al-Shorta) are incomplete due to limited tracking.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2016–2019, 2021–2022, 2024–2025)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
16/17AFC Cup50010Not available
17/18AFC Cup61000Not available
18/19AFC Champions League30120Not available
21/22Iraqi Stars League158021Not available
21/22AFC Champions League60020Not available
2021Iraqi Super Cup10010Not available
24/25Iraq Stars League282090Not available
24/25Iraq FA Cup10000Not available
24/25AFC Champions League Two60010Not available
Club Total for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya: 71 appearances, 11 goals, 1 assist, 18 yellow cards, 1 red card.

Al-Zawraa (2017–2019)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
2017Iraqi Super Cup10000Not available
2019Iraqi Super Cup10000Not available
Club Total for Al-Zawraa: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 yellow cards, 0 red cards (domestic league and cup statistics incomplete; aggregate ~15 appearances, 1 goal across stint).

(2019–2020)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
2019Iraqi Super Cup10000Not available
Club Total for Al-Shorta SC: 1 appearance, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 yellow cards, 0 red cards (domestic league and cup statistics incomplete).

Krylia Sovetov Samara (2019–2021)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
19/20Russian Premier League4000155
20/21Russian Cup000000
20/21Russian First Division80020Not available
Club Total for Krylia Sovetov Samara: 12 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 2 yellow cards, 1 red card.

Tractor (2022–2024)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
22/23Persian Gulf Pro League2510401,715
22/23Hazfi Cup10010Not available
23/24Persian Gulf Pro League2300621,519
23/24Hazfi Cup20000Not available
23/24AFC Champions League Qualifying10000Not available
Club Total for Tractor: 52 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists, 11 yellow cards, 2 red cards.

Al-Najaf (2025–present)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played
25/2650020265
Club Total for Al-Najaf: 5 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards (as of November 2025).

Career Totals (Club Level)

As of November 2025, Safaa Hadi has made over 140 appearances in club competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing 1 assist, with 33 yellow cards and 4 red cards across all clubs. Detailed minutes played total approximately 3,534 in tracked matches. These figures reflect verified data from domestic and continental competitions but may exclude some early-season or cup games where records are incomplete, particularly for Iraqi domestic leagues.

International career statistics

Safaa Hadi has represented Iraq at the senior international level since his debut in 2018 against Palestine, accumulating 40 caps and 1 goal as of November 2025. His sole senior international goal came during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Cambodia on June 7, 2021, where Iraq won 4–1.

Senior International Appearances by Competition

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsMinutes Played
131752
International Friendlies120714
50405
Arabian Gulf Cup40298
40360
Total4012,529
Data as of November 2025. Hadi made his senior debut for Iraq on May 8, 2018, in a 0–0 friendly draw against Palestine. In 2025, Hadi featured in one match for the senior team during the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, entering as a substitute and receiving a yellow card.

Youth International Career

Limited detailed statistics are available for Hadi's youth international career, but he represented at U-20 and U-23 levels prior to his senior debut.
Youth LevelAppearancesGoals
Iraq U2060
Iraq U2360
Aggregate youth caps: approximately 12 with no goals.

Club Honours

Safaa Hadi has won several domestic titles during his club career in . With , he contributed to the Iraqi Premier League title in the 2017–18 season. He also secured two Iraqi FA Cup victories with Al-Zawraa, in 2017 and 2019, the latter featuring his winning goal in the final against Al-Kahrabaa. Additionally, Hadi won the Iraqi Super Cup three times: in 2017 with Al-Zawraa SC, in 2019 with Al-Shorta SC, defeating Al-Zawraa on penalties, and in 2021 with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, beating Al-Zawraa 3–1. As of November 2025, Hadi has not won any honours with Al-Najaf FC.

International Honours

Hadi has represented Iraq at youth and senior levels but has not won any major international titles. He participated in youth tournaments such as the , where Iraq reached the quarter-finals. At senior level, his achievements include key contributions to Iraq's successful campaign, though no trophies were secured.

Individual Awards

Hadi has no prominent individual awards, though he earned Man of the Match recognition in select domestic and international matches, such as the 2019 Iraq FA Cup final.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.