From shepherd to World Cup 2026 hero: Alireza Beiranvand’s save and story | OneFootball

Alireza Beiranvand produced the save of the World Cup against Belgium, clawing the ball away from the turf in the 60th minute to keep Iran’s last-32 dream alive.

According to Superdeporte, he was born in 1992 in Sarab-e Yas, a town of 2,000, to a nomadic shepherd family. He grew up moving between villages with his parents, siblings and flock, playing football and the stone-throwing game Dal Paran. At 12, the family settled in Sarabias and he joined a local team.

He began as a striker, then stepped in for an injured keeper and found his position. His father wanted him working and even broke his kit and gloves.

At 15 he left for Tehran after borrowing money. Coach Hossein Feiz said he could play if he paid about €30, but he had neither cash nor a bed. He worked odd jobs, slept rough, then earned a place without the fee and slept at a team-mate’s father’s factory.

Naft Tehran’s under-23s signed him, from a club in the Persian Gulf league, and he rose to the first team and Iran under-23s. Boavista and Antwerp followed, plus a Europa League debut. He holds the Guinness World Record for a 61.26 metres throw against South Korea, possibly helped by Dal Paran.

Now at Tractor, he is Iran’s first-choice goalkeeper at his third World Cup and has saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Iran face Egypt on 27 June and could clinch a last-32 place, which would be a first for the country. He says the hardships he overcame shaped him, and he does not intend to forget them.

Source: Superdeporte