Iran’s goalkeeper shines, and social media revives the case of the missing keeper

Alireza Beiranvand, Iran’s 33-year-old goalkeeper, was already known outside Iran for his powerful throws, sometimes reaching nearly three quarters of the field. On Sunday, he went further, producing a string of saves in Iran’s 0-0 draw with Belgium, including what was described as the tournament’s best stop so far on a shot by Maxim De Cuyper.

Sports sites around the world quickly introduced readers to the star of Team Melli, and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a photo of Beiranvand’s save on X, writing, “This is how we defend our land.” The remark was an obvious reference to the war in recent months, with the implication that Iran had not managed to keep a clean sheet there either.

Beiranvand’s performance also prompted many social media users to remind the world of another Iranian goalkeeper, Mohammad-Rashid Mazaheri, who disappeared in late February after publishing a harsh post against the then-living Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. During the protests against the regime, Mazaheri called Khamenei “devil” and said his rule had ended. Soon after, the post was deleted, his family said they had lost contact with him, and his wife voiced concern for his safety.

Iranian authorities later confirmed that Mazaheri had been arrested. According to the judiciary’s version, he was caught while trying to leave the country illegally, allegedly after changing his appearance and attempting to bribe border officers. He was charged with propaganda against national security, attempting illegal border crossing, and attempted bribery. Beiranvand knows Mazaheri well from their time together in the national team, where Mazaheri usually served as a substitute, and Mazaheri was also part of Iran’s squad at the 2018 World Cup. While Beiranvand received the match’s outstanding player award, his former training partner remained, as far as anyone knows, behind bars.