The Rise of Iranian Football – Will Iranian Players Now Be a Main Stay in the Big European Leagues?
Do you think Iranian players are becoming big in European leagues? Some of them are. The talent coming from the Iranian League isn't to be ignored - Europe definitely isn't ignoring it. Yes, there's a long way to go, but it's interesting to see how many players are entering some of the best leagues in Europe.
Below, we'll tell you whether we think they'll become a mainstay in European leagues.
Iran's Golden Generation Shining in Europe
The term "golden generation" isn't just a label. It reflects the transformative era in Iranian football.
Players like Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Saman Ghoddos are Iran's footballing renaissance. Competing in some of Europe's most prestigious leagues, these players have technical finesse, tactical understanding, and relentless work ethic.
Their journey from the domestic leagues to European stadium maps shows the trajectory of growth and ambition. And there’s still leagues to move into, like La Liga, and better teams in the Premier League.
The Path of Mehdi Taremi and Peers
Mehdi Taremi's narrative is one of the best - it's perfect for this article. He's playing for Porto in the Primeira Liga. In the 16 games he's started this season, he's scored three goals and one assist. In the 22/23 season, he started in 33 matches, scored 22 goals, and had seven assists. It was an incredible season for him.
From his humble beginnings in Iranian football to becoming an essential figure at Porto, Taremi's journey started at Shahin Bushehr and Iranjavanis at a relatively late age. He's 31 now. Yes, his age will soon hinder his game time at Porto now, but his talent won't. He's an incredible striker.
Then you've got Sardar Azmoun at Roma, another talented player. He's not as talented as Taremi and has only started in two games this season, but he's proof that players still have a position in European leagues at an old age (29, old for football).
Alireza Jahanbakhsh is also making strides for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie league and was in the Premier League.
Iranian Talent Attracting European Attention
Iranian players in Europe are a chain reaction that's still ongoing.
This newfound attention is a golden opportunity for Iranian football. It can showcase its depth of talent, and players can finally aspire to international careers. Azmoun, Taremi, and Ghoddos (Brentford) are proof of that.
European interest in Iranian players isn't just about transfers. It's about recognizing a new level of footballing talent. As more players make their mark in European leagues, they set a benchmark for younger Iranian players and establish a pipeline that benefits players and the national football ecosystem.
Nurturing Future Talents
For this trend to sustain, a concerted focus on enhancing Iran's football infrastructure is essential. Admittedly, it's not as good as Europe - nothing is. So it's a fair comment about any leagues outside of Europe; Investment in youth academies, coaching methodologies, and competitive domestic leagues forms the bedrock of sustainable football development.
Establishing partnerships with European clubs for knowledge and resource exchange will improve the standards of Iranian football in the league and for the international team. Professionals like coaches, physiotherapists, and strategists are some of the best in the world in Europe.
The rise of Iranian football is interesting. It's not on the same level as the Saudi Pro League. But then again, people aren't chasing the money in the Iranian Football League. The only reason the Saudi Pro League phenomenon is happening is because UK and European players are moving for the big paychecks. Although, they'll tell you differently, 'with a vision to make the league great.'
Still, that's another story. The rise of Iranian football is different. Incredible players are now making headlines in the big European leagues.