Finn Isaac Azaz, born on September 7, 2000, in Westminster, London, has emerged as a prominent figure in professional football, known for his technical prowess and versatility as an attacking midfielder. Standing at 1.85 meters, Azaz’s journey from youth academies to the international stage is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Early Life and Education
Azaz’s early life was marked by a blend of cultural influences, owing to his mixed Irish and Israeli heritage. His family relocated to Birmingham when he was 15 months old, where he attended Kings Heath Primary School and later King Edward’s School. Demonstrating a balance between academics and athletics, Azaz achieved nine A* grades at GCSE and pursued A-Levels in French and Business. His commitment to education continued even as he advanced in his football career, studying French and Spanish for personal development.
Youth Career at West Bromwich Albion
At the age of nine, Azaz joined the West Bromwich Albion Academy, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. His time at West Brom laid a solid foundation, preparing him for the challenges of professional football.
Professional Debut with Cheltenham Town
In August 2020, Azaz embarked on his professional career by securing a loan move to Cheltenham Town. He made an immediate impact, debuting in a 1–0 EFL Cup victory over Peterborough United in September 2020. Shortly after, he netted his first professional goal in a 3–1 EFL Cup loss to Millwall. Throughout the 2020–21 season, Azaz was instrumental in Cheltenham’s success, contributing significantly to their EFL League Two title win.
Transition to Aston Villa and Loan Spells
July 2021 marked a pivotal moment in Azaz’s career as he signed with Aston Villa. To gain further first-team experience, he was loaned to Newport County for the 2021–22 season. During this period, Azaz showcased his creative abilities, recording seven goals and numerous assists over 42 league appearances. His exceptional form earned him the EFL Young Player of the Month award in January 2022 and the League Two Young Player of the Season award.
Continuing his development, Azaz joined Plymouth Argyle on loan for the 2022–23 season. He made a memorable debut, scoring the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory against Barnsley. Despite a setback due to an ankle injury in October 2022, Azaz returned to action, finishing the season with eight goals in 34 appearances and playing a crucial role in Plymouth’s EFL League One title triumph.
Permanent Move to Middlesbrough
In January 2024, Azaz’s consistent performances caught the attention of Middlesbrough, leading to a permanent transfer. Under the guidance of manager Michael Carrick, Azaz flourished in the EFL Championship, contributing significantly to the team’s attacking endeavors. His efforts were recognized with the EFL Championship Player of the Month award in November 2024.
International Career with the Republic of Ireland
Eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland through his maternal lineage, Azaz received his first call-up to the under-21 squad in September 2022. He made his senior debut for the national team in March 2024, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Switzerland. Since then, Azaz has earned multiple caps, contributing to Ireland’s international campaigns.
Playing Style and Strengths
Azaz is renowned for his vision, technical skills, and ability to orchestrate play from midfield. His proficiency in both goal-scoring and creating opportunities makes him a valuable asset to any team. Standing at 1.85 meters, he combines physical presence with agility, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure.
Off-the-Field Endeavors
Beyond football, Azaz is committed to personal growth and community involvement. He dedicates time to volunteer at a local hospice, engaging in various tasks and building relationships with patients. This experience, inspired by caring for his grandmother, has provided him with valuable life perspectives, which he believes enhance his performance on the pitch.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Azaz aims to continue his upward trajectory by contributing to Middlesbrough’s pursuit of Premier League promotion and solidifying his role in the Republic of Ireland national team. His journey reflects a blend of talent, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.
FAQS
Finn Azaz is a professional footballer known for his role as an attacking midfielder. Below are some frequently asked questions about his career and achievements:
Who is Finn Azaz?
Finn Isaac Azaz, born on September 7, 2000, in Westminster, England, is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Middlesbrough and the Republic of Ireland national team. Standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch), Azaz is recognized for his creativity and technical skills on the field.
What is Finn Azaz’s current club and position?
As of February 2025, Finn Azaz plays for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship, wearing the number 20 jersey. He primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, contributing both in goal-scoring and playmaking.
What is Finn Azaz’s international career history?
Azaz has represented the Republic of Ireland at various levels. He made his senior debut on March 26, 2024, in a 1–0 defeat against Switzerland. Prior to that, he played for the U21 team, earning his first cap on September 27, 2022, in a UEFA Under-21 Championship qualification match against Israel.
What are Finn Azaz’s notable achievements?
Throughout his career, Azaz has received several accolades:
EFL League Two Young Player of the Season (2021–22): Recognized for his outstanding performances during his loan at Newport County.
EFL League Two Team of the Season (2021–22): Selected for his consistent contributions in midfield.
EFL Championship Player of the Month (November 2024): Honored for his exceptional performances with Middlesbrough.
What is Finn Azaz’s playing style?
Azaz is known for his creativity, vision, and technical proficiency. He excels in playmaking, often orchestrating attacks and contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to read the game and make decisive passes makes him a valuable asset in midfield.
What are Finn Azaz’s statistics for the 2024/2025 season?
In the 2024/2025 EFL Championship season, Azaz has made 29 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 9 assists. His expected goals (xG) stands at 6.3, and his expected assists (xA) at 7.7, indicating his significant contribution to Middlesbrough’s offensive play.
What is Finn Azaz’s background and early life?
Born in Westminster, England, Azaz moved to Birmingham at the age of 15 months. He attended Kings Heath Primary School and King Edward’s School, achieving 9 A*s at GCSE and 2 A-Levels in French and Business. He continued his studies in French and Spanish for personal development.
What are Finn Azaz’s career statistics?
As of February 2025, Azaz has made 206 career appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 35 assists across various competitions. His consistent performance has been instrumental in his teams’ successes.
What are Finn Azaz’s future aspirations?
Azaz aims to continue his development and contribute significantly to Middlesbrough’s promotion ambitions. He also aspires to secure a regular spot in the Republic of Ireland national team, with an eye on future international tournaments.
For a visual overview of Finn Azaz’s recent performances and highlights, you may find the following video insightful:
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