Iranian football is perennial globally renowned for its passionate fanbase and its ability to produce technically gifted, physically imposing players. The legacy of stars like Ali Daei and Ali Karimi has been carried forward in recent years by European-based standouts like Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun.
However, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus is shifting to the next generation. The Persian Gulf Pro League and Iran’s youth academies are currently overflowing with prospects ready to make the leap to senior stardom or secure a move to European shores. Just as global audiences seek out top-tier entertainment in various forms, perhaps even researching the best online casino in Sweden for their downtime scouts across Europe are turning their gaze toward the Persian Gulf Pro League for the next big sporting thing.
Here are the top 10 young Iranian talents set to define the 2025 season and beyond.
1. Mohammadjavad Hosseinnejad (Midfielder)
If there is one player who embodies the flair of Iranian football, it is Hosseinnejad. A product of the prolific Sepahan academy, he burst onto the scene with an ability to glide past defenders that is rare for a player of his age. A natural number 10 or attacking number 8, his vision and dribbling ability make him the creative hub of his team. 2025 should be the year he cements himself as an undisputed starter for the national team.
2. Saeid Saharkhizan (Striker)
Finding a reliable goalscorer is the hardest task in football, but Saeid Saharkhizan looks like the real deal. Having enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign with Gol Gohar, he proved he possesses the necessary "striker's instinct." He isn’t just a poacher; he is mobile, works the channels hard, and has a powerful finish. He is widely viewed as the long-term successor to Iran’s current striking options.
3. Mohammad Ghorbani (Defensive Midfielder)
Ghorbani is the modern prototype of a defensive midfielder: tall, athletic, and comfortable on the ball. He was one of the first of this new generation to make the jump to Europe, securing a move to the Russian Premier League. His ability to break up play and immediately transition into attack with progressive passing makes him invaluable. Expect him to be the anchor of Iran's midfield for the next decade.
4. Aria Yousefi (Wing-Back/Winger)
Another gem from Sepahan, Yousefi is the definition of a modern, versatile wide player. He is incredibly fit, capable of dominating the entire flank as a wing-back, or playing further forward as a traditional winger. His crossing ability and defensive work rate have already caught the eye of national team coaches. In 2025, expect him to refine his end product and become a major assist threat.
5. Yasin Salmani (Attacking Midfielder)
Yasin Salmani has been on the radar for some time as the "golden boy" of his age group, captaining various youth national teams. His move to giants Persepolis was meant to be his coronation, but injuries hampered his progress. When fit, he possesses explosive power, shooting ability from distance, and leadership qualities. 2025 is a crucial make-or-break year for Salmani to stay healthy and fulfill his immense potential.
6. Saman Touranian (Right-Back)
Full-backs who can defend one-on-one and still contribute to the attack are highly sought after. Saman Touranian, developing at Esteghlal, fits this mold perfectly. He is aggressive in the tackle, quick to recover position, and has improved his delivery into the box significantly. As he matures tactically in 2025, he could become the league's best right-sided defender.
7. Mohammad Reza Bordbar (Center-Back)
Coming through the ranks at Malavan, Bordbar represents the future of Iran's central defense. He possesses the traditional Iranian traits of aerial dominance and physical strength, but he pairs it with surprising composure on the ball. He reads the game well beyond his years. 2025 will likely be the season he becomes the undisputed leader of his club's backline.
8. Amir Reza Eslamtalab (Winger)
While some wingers rely purely on pace, Eslamtalab relies on trickery and close control in tight spaces. He is a nightmare for defenders in 1v1 situations near the penalty area. While he still needs to improve his decision-making in the final third, his raw ability to create chaos makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.
9. Kasra Taheri (Striker)
One of the youngest names on this list, Taheri has been making waves at the U17 and U20 international levels. He is a physical presence upfront but has a surprising turn of pace for his size. While still raw and likely to be rotated during the 2025 season, his ceiling is arguably higher than almost anyone else’s in his age bracket. He is a pure goal threat.
10. Ali Hazami (Central Midfielder)
Foolad Khuzestan has a rich history of producing midfielders, and Ali Hazami is next on the conveyor belt. He is a neat, tidy, and highly technical central midfielder who keeps the game ticking over. He rarely loses possession and has an excellent range of passing. In 2025, look for him to add more physical robustness to his game to match his technical skills.
