Teenage Stoke City forward Ali Hayder Ali has made the leap from under-18s football to make his senior international debut for Iraq

Exciting Stoke City teen Ali Hayder Ali has become the second youngest player to make his senior debut for Iraq.

The 18-year-old forward came off the bench in a friendly against Jordan in Jordan last night, which Iraq won 5-3 on penalties after it had finished 2-2 in normal time. Only Ahmed Radhi, considered to be the best Iraq player of all time and 17 when he made his first appearance back in 1982, has represented the country at a younger age.

Hayder, who grew up in Manchester, had been on the bench for a friendly against Qatar on Friday. He has shown glimpses of his potential with Stoke’s under-21s and 18s teams with his skill and creativity mainly from a wide left position. He has scored this season against Everton and Leeds in the u18s Premier League.

Exciting Stoke City teen Ali Hayder Ali has become the second youngest player to make his senior debut for Iraq.

The 18-year-old forward came off the bench in a friendly against Jordan in Jordan last night, which Iraq won 5-3 on penalties after it had finished 2-2 in normal time. Only Ahmed Radhi, considered to be the best Iraq player of all time and 17 when he made his first appearance back in 1982, has represented the country at a younger age.

Hayder, who grew up in Manchester, had been on the bench for a friendly against Qatar on Friday. He has shown glimpses of his potential with Stoke’s under-21s and 18s teams with his skill and creativity mainly from a wide left position. He has scored this season against Everton and Leeds in the u18s Premier League.

He wrote on social media: “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. 17/10/2023 is a day I will never forget. It’s a dream come true to my make my debut for my country, a proud moment for me, family and close friends. History was made today, happy to be the second youngest ever to play for Iraq at 18 years old and 16 days.”