This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
June 22, 2020, marked a somber day for football fans in Iraq as news of the passing of legendary striker Ahmad Radhi spread.
Radhi, who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Baghdad, had initially shown signs of improvement before his condition took a turn for the worse.
According to reports, Radhi was discharged from the hospital on June 18, only to relapse a few hours later and be readmitted.
Tragically, Radhi passed away in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, due to complications from the novel coronavirus.
Radhi's football career was marked by numerous achievements, including leading Iraq to the 1986 World Cup and scoring the nation's only World Cup finals goal against Belgium.
He was also crowned Asian footballer of the year during the Gulf Cups between 1984 and 1988.
As news of Radhi's passing spread, football fans across Iraq paid tribute to the legendary striker, with some joining his funeral procession in the capital on Sunday morning.
World football governing body, FIFA, also mourned Radhi's passing, highlighting his achievements in a tweet.
