Zidane Iqbal Faces Utrecht Exile Ahead of Betis Showdown

Zidane Iqbal banished from Utrecht squad

Zidane Iqbal’s turbulent time at FC Utrecht has taken a new turn as the former Manchester United midfielder was officially banished from the squad and will not feature in Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash against Real Betis. The decision, announced by Utrecht coach Ron Jans, marks a significant setback for the talented Iraqi international as he continues his bid to establish himself in European football.

Zidane Iqbal’s Struggles at Utrecht Continue

Since joining Utrecht from Manchester United in 2023, Zidane Iqbal has found consistent playing time hard to come by. Despite making 47 appearances across all competitions and scoring just once, Iqbal has struggled to cement his place in the starting eleven. Injuries have also hampered his progress; after recovering from knee surgery, he was gradually reintroduced to the first team, making just five Eredivisie appearances this season. His last outing came against AZ Alkmaar on October 26.

Coach Ron Jans cited poor attitude and lack of dedication as reasons behind Iqbal’s exclusion. Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Jans emphasized, “Zidane then had a bad training week. He has shown little dedication, also around and after the matches. He was in disappointment all the time. You can have that for a day, sometimes for two days, but not longer. It needs to be reset.” The coach has yet to specify when Iqbal might return, but reports suggest his absence could extend beyond the Betis fixture.

Manchester United Frustrations Still Linger

Iqbal’s struggles are not new. During his time at Manchester United, he was a standout in the U-21 squad but was given only a single minute for the senior team—a Champions League cameo against Young Boys. Iqbal himself has spoken about feeling undervalued at Old Trafford under then-manager Erik ten Hag. Reflecting on a missed opportunity in a cup tie, Iqbal recalled, “I got tickets for family and friends to see me. Finally, my chance. Then I got to the stadium, looked at the whiteboard and didn’t see my name. I was gutted… That was the turning point for me. I didn’t feel the manager respected me enough to play me.”

The lack of opportunities prompted his move to Utrecht, where he hoped for more regular first-team football. However, his time in the Netherlands has so far mirrored the frustrations he experienced in England.

Bright Spot with the Iraq National Team

While Zidane Iqbal’s club career has hit rough patches, his international journey with Iraq has been far more positive. Iqbal has already earned 22 caps and is considered a vital asset for his national team, with Iraq having a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through an inter-confederation play-off. Iqbal feels valued by Iraq’s coaching staff, as he explained: “For Iraq, the manager Graeme Arnold and his assistant, Rene Meulensteen, told me of my importance to the team. They told me to be ready, and as soon as we conceded the first goal, the gaffer just pointed at me and said: ‘You’re coming on’.”

The 22-year-old has also spoken candidly about his difficulties recovering from injury during the summer: “Having no pre-season was tough as that’s where you gain your fitness. So I came back and everyone else had a pre-season and rhythm, while I was trying to pick up minutes. It’s tough coming back from injury but I think I’m coming back to myself more.”

What’s Next for Zidane Iqbal at Utrecht?

The immediate future remains uncertain for Zidane Iqbal at Utrecht. Coach Jans’s remarks suggest that Iqbal’s return to the squad will depend on a marked change in attitude and renewed dedication on the training ground. With no official timeline for his reinstatement, Iqbal faces a pivotal phase in his young career. For now, Utrecht will have to do without his services as they travel to Spain for a crucial encounter against Real Betis in the Europa League.

Iqbal’s story underscores the challenges young talents often face when transitioning from youth to senior football at major European clubs. His technical ability and international pedigree are unquestioned, but the need for maturity and resilience at the club level is clear.

For more updates on Zidane Iqbal’s journey and other football stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: Can Iqbal Bounce Back?

Zidane Iqbal’s exile from the Utrecht squad is a reminder that talent alone is rarely enough at the highest level. While his international performances with Iraq prove his quality, his club career is at a crossroads. If he can respond positively to this challenge and demonstrate the work ethic demanded by his coaches, there’s every chance he can turn things around. The next few months will be crucial for one of Asian football’s brightest prospects.