The atmosphere at Zakho International Stadium was electric. Though the stadium officially has 20,000 seats, nearly twice that number of fans were packed together to watch their team face Al-Najaf Sports Club. A sea of red and white erupted as Gustavo Henrique scored in the 41st minute. The roar echoed through the mountains, a symbol of Zakho FC’s incredible rise in Iraqi football.

For the fans, this was more than just a goal – it was another step toward cementing Zakho FC’s place among Iraq’s football elite.

As of the end of February, Zakho FC was at the top of the Iraq Stars League, maintaining a strong lead over its competitors.

A river runs through it

Match days in Zakho are nothing short of a festival. Hours before kick-off, the streets fill with supporters chanting and waving flags.

The club claims that between 40,000 and 60,000 fans attend each match – sometimes triple the stadium’s capacity. The passion and energy of Zakho’s fans have drawn comparisons to some of the most dedicated football communities in the world.

Founded in 1987 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Zakho FC is known as ‘The Sons of Khabur,’ named after the Khabur River running through the city. Once a small regional club, it has grown into a powerhouse in Iraqi football.

The man leading this transformation is Talal al-Bloushi, the first-ever Qatari coach in Iraq. Since taking over, he has guided Zakho FC to the top of the Iraq Stars League.

Zakho’s fan dedication is legendary. Just a few months ago, two die-hard supporters walked 65 km to attend an away match against Duhok. Their devotion has deeply impressed al-Bloushi, who turned down international coaching offers to stay in Zakho.

“I’m honored to be Iraq’s first Qatari coach,” he told Kurdistan Chronicle. “The energy in this stadium is unlike anything in Iraqi football.”

Al-Bloushi, a former Qatari national team player, was appointed as Zakho’s head coach in August 2023 on a two-season contract. He has fully embraced the city and its fans. “I feel their love everywhere I go, whether in the market or on the streets. I will fight until the last moment to make these fans happy.”

He admitted receiving two coaching offers from international clubs but chose to stay in Zakho because of the deep bond he has formed with the team and the city. “I decided to stay because I felt great love in my first year. I can’t walk away from this love. I want to achieve something special for this club and this city.”

Iraqi football on the rise

Since arriving in Iraq, al-Bloushi has seen major improvements in the country’s football scene.

“When I first came, the facilities were different from what I was used to in Qatar,” he said. “But I’ve seen great progress. Referees are improving, organization is getting better, and under Federation President Adnan Dirjal, Iraqi football is moving in the right direction.”

He believes the growing number of foreign coaches in the league is helping its development. “This season, we have coaches from different Arab and European countries, which is a good thing. The more diverse ideas we have, the more the league will improve,” al-Bloushi noted.

With Zakho’s rapid rise, every team in the league now sees them as a serious threat.

“The competition is tough. From first to eighth place, the points difference is small. Every team considers beating Zakho a huge achievement,” al-Bloushi said. “The challenges are increasing, but that’s football. The key is to turn pressure into motivation.”

Al-Bloushi’s ambitions go beyond short-term success. Together with Zakho FC Director Ammar Abdul-Hussein, he is working on building a youth development program that could shape the future of Kurdish football.

“We’re not just building a strong first team; we’re creating a legacy,” he said. “Young players need proper training, and we’re laying the foundation for that.”

The club is investing in scouting, training, and infrastructure to ensure Zakho FC remains a strong force for years to come.

Zakho’s rise is about more than just football – it represents the growing football culture in the Kurdistan Region. Fans see the club’s success as a source of pride for their city. One passionate supporter, Himdad Bosali, summed it up best: “We were born to be in high places.”

As for his message to the fans, al-Bloushi was clear: “Zakho fans are number one, and I have great love for them.”

Qassim Khidhir has 15 years of experience in journalism and media development in Iraq. He has contributed to both local and international media outlets.