Rahmat Akbari

Rahmat Akbari (; born 20 June 2000) is an Afghan professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Queensland National Premier Leagues side Gold Coast Knights and the Afghanistan national football team.

Club career Brisbane Roar On 6 October 2017, Akbari made his professional debut in the opening round of the 2017–18 season, replacing Nicholas D'Agostino in the 83rd minute as Brisbane Roar were beaten 2–0 by Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

Melbourne Victory Akbari joined Melbourne Victory on a one-year loan in October 2018. He made his Victory debut on 11 November 2018, replacing James Troisi in the 89th minute as they demolished the Central Coast Mariners 4–1 at home.

Return to Brisbane Roar On 4 June 2019, it was announced that Akbari had returned to Brisbane following the completion of his contract.

Torpedo Kutaisi On 28 June 2023, Georgian top-flight club Torpedo Kutaisi announced it had signed Akbari on a 1.5-year contract.

Gold Coast Knights National Premier Leagues Queensland side Gold Coast Knights announced Akbari's signing on February 14, 2025.

International career Due to his Afghan heritage, Akbari is available to represent Afghanistan national football team. On 7 March 2022, he reportedly accepted a call-up for Afghanistan to play in two hybrid friendly matches.

Akbari was called up to the Afghan side to play Bangladesh in Dhaka in September 2023. He made his debut in their 1–1 draw against Bangladesh at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on 7 September.

Personal life Born in Jaghori, Afghanistan to an ethnic Hazara family, Akbari was raised in Pakistan for the first five years of his life, before his family migrated to south-east Queensland as refugees in 2005. Coming to Australia and playing football with his brothers at the local park. He ended up discovering football at the age of 8. This is where he first played for Beenleigh Lions. He eventually moved onto Logan Lightning and he played with them for several years before joining the Brisbane Strikers

Career statistics

Note - also played for the Brisbane Roar NPL side in 2017 and 2018 seasons however the statistics can no longer be found on the competition website.

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 26 March 2024 Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India 1–1 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours Australia U17

AFF U-16 Youth Championship: 2016 Torpedo Kutaisi Georgian Super Cup: 2024