Striker Sardar Azmoun has been recalled to Iran's national team for upcoming friendlies against Uzbekistan and Russia. The 31-year-old was left out by coach Amir Ghalenoei in May, reportedly due to a social media post that angered Iranian authorities during the ongoing war with the U.S. And Israel.
Azmoun, who is based in Dubai and has scored 57 goals in 91 international appearances, expressed deep emotion upon his return. "To be honest, I don't know how to put my feelings into words," he said. He added, "From 2014 until today, I've lived so much in this jersey. I came, I went, I was left out, I came back."
The recall comes after Iran narrowly missed advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup, drawing all three group matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. It was the first time in seven World Cup appearances that Iran failed to progress. The team currently sits third in their World Cup group with 3 points, just two behind leaders Belgium, following a 1-1 draw with Egypt on June 27.
Azmoun was pictured meeting Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, the day before the official squad announcement. "Today, when I found out I'd been called up again, my happiness was just like the first time," Azmoun stated. "I am not angry with anyone, nor do I have anything to prove."
Iran's immediate focus is a friendly away to Uzbekistan on September 24. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-2 draw in March 2025. These matches serve as preparation for the Asian Cup, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia on January 7. Fans can check the full fixtures schedule and the current squad list on our dedicated pages.
The original report is at ESPN Soccer
