Saeid Ezatolahi #6

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If Ezatolahi’s goal against Spain at the 2018 World Cup had not been disallowed for offside, he would have become the scorer of one of the most important goals in Iranian football history at just 22 years old. But the flag went up, and it was not to be the only disappointment for a player once regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation. Exatolahi joined Atlético Madrid at the age of 17 but instead of reaching the pinnacle of European football he has had an itinerant career. In October 2025, Ezatolahi captained the Iranian national team for the first time in a friendly match against Tanzania. Following the game, he wrote on Instagram:“I have made a pact with myself to always fight for my dreams, to fear no match, and to always put Iran’s honor above everything else.” A tall, elegant midfielder, Ezatolahi combines defensive duties and deep playmaking with a willingness to join attacks and contribute goals. When he was ruled out of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup due to injury he provided a rap to a song, Balatar, supporting the side.

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