A new and inspiring chapter is being written in the history of Kurdish football as a talented young player from Duhok breaks traditional barriers and takes a major step towards European football.
Hendrin Dawood Khalid, widely known among fans as Hendrin Bani, has turned his dreams into reality through determination and perseverance. The 22-year-old Kurdish footballer has secured a place in the youth ranks of Spain’s Real Valladolid, one of the country’s most respected clubs, where he will compete in the upcoming season.
A versatile player, Hendrin is capable of performing at a high level in both defensive and midfield positions. His football journey began with the Kurdish clubs Peers and Duhok, but like many gifted players, his talent was not fully recognised at home and he was unable to receive the opportunities his abilities deserved. Nevertheless, his unwavering commitment and relentless hard work enabled him to elevate his game and attract the attention of European clubs.
According to information confirmed by the player through the Rudaw Sports network, Hendrin is currently in Italy, where he has already signed the initial stage of his historic contract online with Real Valladolid. He is now awaiting the completion of the legal and administrative procedures before travelling to Spain to officially sign his contract at the club’s headquarters.
Hendrin has agreed to a one-year contract with the Spanish side, with an option to extend for a further year. The deal represents a golden opportunity for the young Kurd to demonstrate his talent in one of the world’s most competitive football environments.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Hendrin’s move is his strong linguistic ability. In addition to his native Kurdish, he speaks English, Arabic and Italian fluently. As part of the agreement, Real Valladolid has also included a requirement for him to learn Spanish, reflecting the club’s commitment to helping him integrate quickly into Spanish culture, daily life and the team environment.
To maintain peak physical condition ahead of his move, Hendrin has continued intensive training with Italian club TS Marling, ensuring he arrives fully prepared for the demands of Spanish football and the challenges of competing in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
Hendrin’s achievement is more than a personal success. It is a proud milestone for Kurdish football and a powerful source of inspiration for a new generation of Kurdish athletes, proving that with dedication, hard work and belief, even the biggest dreams can become reality on Europe’s greatest stages.