Alireza Beiranvand is one of Asia's most accomplished goalkeepers and one of the most recognizable footballers in Iranian history. Known for his remarkable long throws, penalty saves, and inspiring journey from poverty to international football, he has represented Iran at multiple World Cups and Asian Cups.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alireza Safar Beiranvand |
| Date of Birth | 21 September 1992 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Sarab-e Yas |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | Tractor SC |
| National Team | Iran National Football Team |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Shirt Number | 1 |
Early Life and Background
Beiranvand was born in a rural area of western Iran and grew up in a nomadic Lak family. His childhood was marked by financial hardship. As a teenager, he left home and moved to Tehran to pursue football. During this period, he reportedly worked in a car wash, a tailoring workshop, and a pizza shop while trying to establish himself as a footballer. He even experienced periods of homelessness before breaking through professionally. His story is often cited as one of the most inspirational journeys in Asian football.
Religion
Alireza Beiranvand is a Muslim from Iran. While he does not frequently discuss his religious beliefs publicly, he is generally identified as following Islam, which is the dominant religion in Iran. Publicly available sources do not provide extensive details about his personal religious practices.
Club Career
Naft Tehran (2011–2016)
Beiranvand began his senior career with Naft Tehran, where he developed into one of Iran's best goalkeepers.
League appearances: 69 matches.
Persepolis (2016–2020, 2022–2024)
His move to Persepolis FC elevated him to superstar status.
Achievements included:
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Multiple Persian Gulf Pro League titles
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Domestic cup success
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AFC Champions League final appearances
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Several Golden Glove awards
He became widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Iran during this period.
Europe: Royal Antwerp and Boavista
In 2020, Beiranvand joined Royal Antwerp FC before later moving on loan to Boavista FC. Although he did not become a regular starter in Europe, the experience broadened his international profile.
Tractor SC
In 2024, he joined Tractor SC and remained one of the leading goalkeepers in Iranian football.
International Career
Beiranvand debuted for Iran in 2015 and quickly became the country's first-choice goalkeeper.
Major Tournaments
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AFC Asian Cup 2015
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AFC Asian Cup 2019
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AFC Asian Cup 2023
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FIFA World Cup 2018
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FIFA World Cup 2022
As of early 2026, he had earned more than 80 international caps for Iran.
Famous World Cup Moment
One of the defining moments of Beiranvand's career came during the group-stage match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He saved a penalty taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, becoming one of the very few goalkeepers to stop Ronaldo from the spot at a major international tournament. The match ended 1–1.
Career Statistics
Club Career (League Matches)
| Club | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Naft Tehran | 69 |
| Persepolis | 144 |
| Royal Antwerp | 10 |
| Boavista (loan) | 8 |
| Tractor | 48+ |
International Career
| Team | Caps |
|---|---|
| Iran U20 | 1 |
| Iran U23 | 11 |
| Iran Senior Team | 84+ |
Statistics current through 2026.
Records and Achievements
Guinness World Records
Beiranvand holds two Guinness World Records:
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Longest football throw in a competitive match
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61.0026 meters
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Achieved against South Korea in 2016
-
-
Longest football drop kick
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78.014 meters
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Achieved in 2019
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These records helped establish his reputation as one of football's most unique goalkeepers.
Other Major Achievements
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First Iranian nominated for a goalkeeper category at FIFA's "The Best" awards (2017)
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Iranian Footballer of the Year (2019)
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Persian Gulf Pro League Best Goalkeeper for four consecutive seasons
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Among world leaders in clean sheets during the 2017–18 season, recording 23 clean sheets in 37 matches.
Playing Style
Beiranvand is famous for:
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Extraordinary long-distance throws
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Excellent reflexes
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Strong aerial ability
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Shot-stopping
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Quick distribution leading to counterattacks
His throwing ability is so exceptional that football fans often compare it to an outfield player's long pass.
Wife and Family
Beiranvand married in 2010 and has largely kept his family life private. Public reports indicate that he has:
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A wife whose name is not widely publicized
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A son named Taha
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A daughter named Barana
He occasionally shares family-related moments in interviews and social media but generally maintains privacy regarding his personal life.
Net Worth
Because Beiranvand's finances are private, any figure is an estimate.
Most sports and biography sources place his net worth at approximately US$2 million as of 2026, accumulated through:
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Club contracts
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National team earnings
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Sponsorships and endorsements
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Performance bonuses
His European contracts and long career with top Iranian clubs contributed significantly to his wealth.
Legacy
Alireza Beiranvand's legacy extends beyond football statistics. His rise from poverty and homelessness to becoming Iran's national-team goalkeeper and a World Cup star has made him a symbol of perseverance for many young athletes across Asia. Combined with his Guinness World Records and international achievements, he is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Iranian football history.
