Arizona Western sophomore soccer player Ziad Barakat is not only a future Division I athlete, he's also fluent in multiple languages.

"I speak six languages," Barakat said. "I speak French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Wolof, which is the local language in Senegal."

Senegal is Ziad's home country and he says he began playing soccer since he learned how to walk. He was also encouraged by both his father and older brother. 

"I started really young, at around two or three when I started walking, because I am from a family of footballers," Barakat said. 

Barakat is a midfielder, a position that contributes both offensively and defensively. 

"The midfielder is the guy that controls the field," Barakat said. "He can both attack and defend, but I am more offensive than defensive."

If he could play any other position, Barakat says he would choose to be a winger. 

"I'm a good dribbler, and I have already played it," Barakat said. 

During the 2025 season, Barakat scored three goals and added six assists, with one of those being a game winner. Following the season, Ziad was one of two Matadors to land a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division I Men's All-West Region Team. He touched on his perspective playing for a team with high standards. 

"It's a great honor, it's been a really good experience," Barakat said. "As AWC players, we want to bring AWC to the top."

When he is not on the field, Ziad likes to catch up on sleep. He also likes to indulge in candy and sit by the pool to tan. Barakat enjoys pickleball and cooking as well.

With the semester and his time at Arizona Western coming to an end, Barakat's soccer career is only getting started. He has committed to playing NCAA DI soccer at Merrimack University, with plans to reach the professional level.