Ibrahim Bayesh

Ibrahim Bayesh is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Al Riyadh SC in the Saudi Pro League and the Iraq national team. Born on May 1, 2000, in Baghdad, he has become one of the most promising young players in Iraqi football, known for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of matches.

Bayesh's rise has been steady and impressive. After establishing himself at Erbil SC in Iraq, he earned the Iraqi Footballer of the Year award in 2023, then moved to Al-Dhafra FC and later to Al Riyadh SC in Saudi Arabia. His performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured prominently for Iraq in Group I, brought him international recognition as one of the tournament's standout young talents.

As of 2026, Bayesh continues to develop his game in the Saudi Pro League, balancing club commitments with international duty. His technical skill and composure on the ball have made him a key figure for both club and country, and fans see him as a cornerstone of Iraq's midfield for years to come. [edit]

Ibrahim Bayesh was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 1, 2000. Growing up in the capital, he developed a passion for football at a young age, spending countless hours playing on local pitches and honing his skills. The streets of Baghdad, where football is a way of life, provided his first education in the game.

His talent was evident early on, and he progressed through the youth ranks of Iraqi football. His first professional club was Erbil SC, based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. At Erbil, Bayesh's midfield performances began to attract attention. He showed a natural ability to read the game, distribute the ball accurately, and dictate the pace of play. These qualities set him apart from his peers and earned him a regular spot in the starting eleven.

His performances at club level did not go unnoticed by national team selectors. Bayesh was called up to Iraq's youth squads, where he continued to impress. In 2020, he was part of the Iraq under-23 team that competed in the AFC U-23 Championship. Iraq reached the semi-finals of that tournament, a run that showcased Bayesh's potential on a bigger stage. This experience proved invaluable, giving him a taste of international competition and preparing him for the senior level.

Before his breakthrough, Bayesh also balanced football with his education, though details of his schooling remain private. His journey from the streets of Baghdad to the national team is a testament to his hard work and determination, qualities that have defined his early career. [edit]

Bayesh's breakthrough came in 2023 when he was named Iraqi Footballer of the Year, a recognition of his outstanding performances for Erbil SC and the national team. That same year, he made the move to Al-Dhafra FC, a club in the United Arab Emirates, marking his first step into regional leagues.

In the 2025–26 season, Bayesh transferred to Al Riyadh SC in the Saudi Pro League, a significant step up in competition. He quickly adapted to the higher level, and on January 25, 2026, he scored a goal for Al Riyadh in a 1–1 draw against Al Hilal, one of the strongest teams in the league. His performances in Saudi Arabia have helped raise his profile further.

Bayesh's biggest stage came in the summer of 2026 when he represented Iraq at the FIFA World Cup, held in North America. He played in Group I matches, including the opening match against Norway on June 16 at Foxborough, Massachusetts, and a crucial game against Senegal on June 26 in Toronto. His displays earned praise from pundits, with some highlighting him as one of the most impressive young players at the tournament. This exposure has made him a more recognizable figure in world football.

As of 2026, Bayesh continues to play for Al Riyadh SC, with his market value listed at €800,000 by Transfermarkt. He has also been featured in EA Sports FC 26 with an overall rating of 68, reflecting his growing reputation. [edit]

Bayesh is portrayed in sports media as a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder with strong vision and passing ability. His style is often described as controlling the tempo of matches from central midfield, a rare quality for a player his age. He is seen as calm and composed under pressure, which has earned him comparisons to more experienced playmakers.

His public profile has risen sharply due to Iraq's participation in the 2026 World Cup. Coverage of the tournament highlighted him as one of the young players to watch, bringing him international attention. Fans of the Iraqi national team view him as a symbol of the country's footballing future, and his performances have generated excitement about the team's potential.

Bayesh does not have an official fandom name or distinctive personal brand, but his growing reputation suggests he is becoming a fan favorite. His social media presence is limited, though an Instagram tag exists for him. He is known for his professionalism and dedication, traits that resonate with supporters who appreciate hard work on the pitch. [edit]

Ibrahim Bayesh's fanbase is not defined by a formal name or organized campaigns; it is the passionate following of Iraq's national team and supporters of his clubs, from Erbil to Al Riyadh. They are the fans who watched him rise from Baghdad's streets to become the face of Iraq's World Cup dream, the ones who packed stadiums in Saudi Arabia to see him face Al Hilal, and the ones who held their breath when he stepped onto the pitch in the 2026 World Cup. There is no documented fandom name, no fan-driven projects, but there is a deep, collective pride in a player who carries a nation's hopes on his shoulders.

In the global fame landscape, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Ibrahim Bayesh, but he currently holds no placement in the published rankings. He does not appear in the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This places him in the vast pool of talented athletes whose recognition, while significant in their sport, has not yet translated into the kind of worldwide fame that these rankings capture. His story, however, is one of rapid ascent, and as he continues to shine on international stages, his fame trajectory is one to watch.[edit]

Bayesh's full name, Ibrahim Bayesh Kamil Al Kaabawi, reveals his father's name is Kamil. He is right-footed and has worn squad number 8 for Iraq, though he previously wore number 29. His EA Sports FC 26 rating is 68 overall, and he is represented by Sportlink Agency. Sources disagree on his exact birthdate: most list May 1, 2000, but FotMob and Bundesliga.com say April 30, 2000. He has also been noted for his versatility, playing as a right winger, left midfielder, or attacking midfielder depending on the system.

One of the most iconic moments of his career came when he scored a goal for Al Riyadh in a draw against Al Hilal, a moment that went viral and showcased his quality against one of Asia's top clubs. His participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics further elevated his status among Iraqi fans, and his performances at the 2026 World Cup earned him recognition as one of the tournament's most impressive young players, even as Iraq went home winless. The story fans tell is of a player who nearly carried his nation to glory, a bright spot in a difficult campaign.[edit]

Very little is publicly known about Bayesh's family. His full name suggests his father is named Kamil, but details about his parents' occupations, siblings, or upbringing are not available in public sources. He tends to keep his personal life private, focusing media attention on his football career. As of 2026, no information about a spouse, children, or household has been reported. [edit]

Bayesh is associated with his current club Al Riyadh SC and the Iraq national team. He has faced opponents like David Moller Wolfe of Norway in the World Cup. He is represented by Sportlink Agency, and his performances have been covered by outlets such as Bundesliga.com and ESPN. [edit]

There is no publicly documented dating history for Ibrahim Bayesh. He has not been linked to any romantic partners in credible sources, and he prefers to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. As of 2026, he is reported to be single, with no known relationships, engagements, or marriages. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Ibrahim Bayesh's net worth at approximately $1 million. His salary is not publicly disclosed, but Saudi Pro League players typically earn competitive wages. Bayesh's wealth has grown over recent years as he moved from Iraqi domestic football to more lucrative leagues. His transfer to Al Riyadh in 2025 marked a significant financial step up. In addition to his club salary, he earns appearance fees and bonuses from international matches with Iraq, including their World Cup campaign. While he is not among the highest-earning footballers, his net worth is expected to increase as his career progresses. For now, his financial situation reflects a young player on the rise in regional football.[edit]

Bayesh has won the Iraqi Footballer of the Year award in 2023, recognizing his outstanding performances for club and country. This is his most notable individual honor to date. [edit]