Hany Mukhtar, the star being compared to Messi

Hany Mukhtar, the star being compared to Messi

The German was the best player and top scorer of the MLS in 2022.

Javier Guillén / PHOTO: Andrew Bershaw/Getty Images

At 28, Hany Mukhtar is one of the leading lights of American soccer. He joined Nashville in January 2020 for $2.8 million from Danish club Brøndby IF.

At 28, Hany Mukhtar is one of the leading lights of American soccer. He joined Nashville in January 2020 for $2.8 million from Danish club Brøndby IF.

PHOTO: Nashville SC

He made a powerful start in the league, and his scoring ability took everyone by surprise. He was the top scorer in 2022 with 23 goals, earning the nickname ‘The Messi of the MLS’.

He made a powerful start in the league, and his scoring ability took everyone by surprise. He was the top scorer in 2022 with 23 goals, earning the nickname ‘The Messi of the MLS’.

PHOTO: Matthew Maxey/Getty Images

The forward joked it would be fun to see what Inter Miami would do with Leo Messi in their ranks. Their first showdown was in the Leagues Cup final, where Miami won on penalties.

The forward joked it would be fun to see what Inter Miami would do with Leo Messi in their ranks. Their first showdown was in the Leagues Cup final, where Miami won on penalties.

PHOTO: Douglas Stringer/Getty Images

Last year, Mukhtar was named Season MVP, beating contenders like Driussi, Blake, and Chicharito. Following this, the MLS released a special edition collectible figure of him, announced jointly on social media by the league and the player.

Last year, Mukhtar was named Season MVP, beating contenders like Driussi, Blake, and Chicharito. Following this, the MLS released a special edition collectible figure of him, announced jointly on social media by the league and the player.

PHOTO: Mark Humphrey - EFE

His stay at Nashville gives the team immense confidence in pursuing their goals. In the 2023 MLS season, he notched 15 goals and nine assists in 34 matches, contributing to a total of 24, and was just three behind Bouanga, Acosta, and Almada, the three MVP finalists. He has undoubtedly been the team's reference point in recent years, and the management trusts this will continue. The majority owner, John Ingram, described him as a pillar and a priority for the club after last year’s renewal.

His stay at Nashville gives the team immense confidence in pursuing their goals. In the 2023 MLS season, he notched 15 goals and nine assists in 34 matches, contributing to a total of 24, and was just three behind Bouanga, Acosta, and Almada, the three MVP finalists.

He has undoubtedly been the team's reference point in recent years, and the management trusts this will continue. The majority owner, John Ingram, described him as a pillar and a priority for the club after last year’s renewal.

PHOTO: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

He follows the Tennessee Titans, Nashville’s American football team. In fact, he’s been seen on several occasions at the Nissan Stadium wearing Amani Hooker’s jersey.

He follows the Tennessee Titans, Nashville’s American football team. In fact, he’s been seen on several occasions at the Nissan Stadium wearing Amani Hooker’s jersey.

PHOTO: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

His commitment and passion for developing soccer in the United States led him to create the Mukhtar Soccer Academy in November 2022, a youth training academy located in Nashville. He is actively involved and participates in training sessions.

His commitment and passion for developing soccer in the United States led him to create the Mukhtar Soccer Academy in November 2022, a youth training academy located in Nashville. He is actively involved and participates in training sessions.

PHOTO: Mukhtar Soccer Academy

“It will offer elite training with a European style. We want to shape the next generation. I’ll help grow the soccer culture here,” commented Mukhtar.

“It will offer elite training with a European style. We want to shape the next generation. I’ll help grow the soccer culture here,” commented Mukhtar.

PHOTO: David Jensen/ Getty Images

The academy offers four enrollment options. The cheapest is a session for 60 dollars. From there, packages of 3x150, 6x275, or 12x500 can be chosen.

The academy offers four enrollment options. The cheapest is a session for 60 dollars. From there, packages of 3x150, 6x275, or 12x500 can be chosen.

PHOTO: Christopher Hanewinckel/Reuters

The German of Sudanese descent loves the FIFA video game, now called EAFC. Following his great season, he was given a special 94-rated card.

The German of Sudanese descent loves the FIFA video game, now called EAFC. Following his great season, he was given a special 94-rated card.

PHOTO: Matthew Maxey/Getty Images

This summer, he received a lucrative offer from Qatari football but stayed in Nashville, where he’s happy and under contract until December 2025. A year ago, his return to Hertha Berlin was considered a done deal, but that move also did not materialize.

This summer, he received a lucrative offer from Qatari football but stayed in Nashville, where he’s happy and under contract until December 2025. A year ago, his return to Hertha Berlin was considered a done deal, but that move also did not materialize.

PHOTO: Darren Yamashita/USA TODAY Sports

Hany Mukhtar levanta pasiones en Nashville
By:
Javier Guillén
Photo:
Matthew Maxey/Getty Images
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