Zidane Iqbal

Club career Manchester United Iqbal signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in April 2021. He made his first-team debut for Manchester United on 8 December 2021 as an 89th-minute substitute in a UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys. Thus, he became the first British-born South Asian, and the first ever British South Asian to play in the Champions League.

Utrecht On 23 June 2023, Iqbal announced that he would be leaving Manchester United to join a new club, subject to registration and international clearance. His move to Utrecht was announced and finalised on 26 June, on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

International career Iqbal was eligible to represent England, Iraq, and Pakistan at international level.

Youth In May 2021, he received an Iraqi passport, and has represented Iraq at youth international level. In June 2021, he was called up to the Iraq under-20 team for the 2021 Arab Cup U-20. However, Manchester United refused to let him travel, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September 2021, Iqbal received his first call up to the Iraq under-23 team for a training camp in the United Arab Emirates. He made his debut on 4 September, against the UAE under-23 team, making the starting line-up. In October 2021, Iqbal was named as part of the 23-man Iraq under-23 squad for the 2021 WAFF U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia. On 8 October, Iqbal scored his first goal for the under-23 team as the captain of his side.

Senior In January 2022, Iqbal was called up to the Iraq national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Lebanon. He made his debut in a 1–0 loss to Iran on 27 January 2022.

On 26 March 2024, Iqbal scored his first international goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Philippines in a 5–0 away win.

Iqbal was included in Iraq's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Style of play Iqbal is a versatile midfielder who mostly plays in the centre.

Personal life As one of a small number of British Asians in association football, Iqbal was part of an FA content series to support South Asian Heritage Month in 2021.

Iqbal is Muslim, and cites Mesut Özil as an inspiration for him. Iqbal has stated in interviews that he is fluent in English and can speak some Punjabi and Arabic.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Iraq's goal tally first.

Honours Individual Eredivisie Team of the Month: December 2024, March 2025