Jihad Ayoub

Jihad Khaled Ayoub (; born 30 March 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for club Jwaya. Born in Venezuela, he plays for the Lebanon national team.

Club career

Early career Ayoub played at youth level for academies in Venezuela, Argentina, England, and Malta. He played for his university team in Venezuela before moving on to professional clubs. where he played for their under-21 team. helping them lift the league title in 2016–17. He was sent on a one-year loan to Lebanese Second Division side Shabab Sahel for the 2017–18 season, where they finished in first place and were promoted to the Premier League.

Bekaa He moved to Bekaa on a free transfer in summer 2018. On 24 February 2019, Ayoub assisted both of Bekaa's goals against Ansar in a 2–2 draw. He finished the season with two goals in 20 games, and was regarded as one of the club's best-performing players in the 2018–19 season. Ayoub joined Ansar on a two-year contract in May 2019. Having extended his contract in July 2020, Ayoub announced his decision to end his contract in March 2021. He returned to the club the same month, and helped Ansar win the domestic double (league and Lebanese FA Cup) in 2020–21. Ayoub renewed his contract in July 2021.

Safa and Jwaya Ayoub returned to Lebanon on 20 July 2024, joining Lebanese Premier League club Safa.

On 7 August 2025, Ayoub joined newly-promoted side Jwaya.

International career

Ayoub made his international debut for Lebanon on 1 December 2021, as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Egypt at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup. In December 2023, Ayoub was included in the Lebanese squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He scored his first international goal on 4 September 2024 against Tajikistan during the 2024 Merdeka Tournament.

Career statistics International

Scores and results list Lebanon's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ayoub goal.

Honours Ahed Lebanese Premier League: 2016–17

Shabab Sahel Lebanese Second Division: 2017–18

Ansar Lebanese Premier League: 2020–21 Lebanese FA Cup: 2020–21; runner-up: 2021–22 Lebanese Elite Cup: 2019 Lebanese Super Cup: 2021