Mohamed Al-Taay
Mohamed Huseian Reda Khafaji Al Taay is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Iraqi Stars League club Al-Karma. Born in Australia, he plays for the Iraq national team.
Early life
Al-Taay was born in Campbelltown, New South Wales with two older brothers and one younger sister. His parents, who hailed from Iraq, fled to Australia in 1994 due to the conflicts under Saddam Hussein. His father fled Iraq in 1991 to a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia before moving to Australia.Al-Taay began playing football at the age of six with his father and brothers and attended Campbelltown Performing Arts High School growing up. He joined his first football clubs with Blacktown City and Marconi Stallions in their junior age groups.
Despite being born in Australia, Al-Taay developed interest in representing the Iraq national football team. He is a devoted Muslim and frequently participates in Ramadan. Al-Taay is fluent in Arabic and English, having learnt the former first growing up.
Club career
Newcastle Jets
Having come through the Western Sydney Wanderers academy and NPL program, Al-Taay joined Newcastle Jets ahead of the 2021–22 season, in the hope of breaking through for his A-League debut.At the conclusion of the 2022–23 A-League season, Al-Taay departed Newcastle after 29 appearances in all competitions across two seasons.