A physically-gifted and aggressive left back, Ali Adnan joined Whitecaps FC on loan from Serie A side Udinese Calcio in March 2019 before permanently joining the club as a Designated Player in July 2019. The Iraqi international is the first-ever Iraqi-born player in Major League Soccer.
WHITECAPS FCÂ
2020: Adnan was named the VWFC BMO Player of the Year following his second season in Vancouver where he made 20 starts and 22 appearances in league play. He scored two goals, including a stunning direct free kick from more than 30 yards versus San Jose that was selected as the 'Caps Goal of the Year, and also netted league honours as MLS Goal of the Week for Week 20. His five assists was tied for tops on the team, as well as for league-high among defenders. He also led or co-led the team in at least 11 statistical categories, including touches and tackles won, while also landing in the top 20 in MLS in big chances created, duels won, and interceptions. In addition, he also played all 90 minutes in the MLS is Back Tournament Round of 16 match versus Sporting KC. 2019: In his first season in MLS, Adnan scored a goal and co-led Whitecaps FC with five assists in 28 starts and appearances. He also led the club with 219 duels won (ninth in MLS), 56 dribbles completed (tied for 20th in MLS), 63 aerials won, 125 passes played into the box, and 56 tackles. He was named to the MLS Team of the Week four times - Week 8 vs. LAFC, at Orlando City SC (bench), Week 13 at New York Red Bulls, vs. FC Dallas, Week 16 vs. Colorado Rapids, and Week 28 vs. Houston Dynamo. He also started in both of the 'Caps Canadian Championship matches.
EUROPE
2015-18: Adnan arrived in Vancouver having spent over three seasons in the Italian Serie A with Udinese, including a loan stint with Atalanta BC, collecting 49 starts in 68 league appearances, and adding one goal.
ASIA
2011-15: Adnan began his career with his hometown youth club Baghdad FC, playing two seasons with the first team in the Iraqi Premier League. In 2013, Adnan moved to Çaykur Rizespor, where he would score three goals in 41 league appearances in two Turkish Süper Lig seasons, prior to his move to Italy.
INTERNATIONAL
Born in Baghdad, Adnan has over 50 caps for Iraq and was named to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Best XI by Fox Sports Asia. At the youth level, he was named the AFC Asian Young Football of the Year in 2013 after a stellar performance in that year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.
