PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arya Yousefi |
| Date of Birth | 22 April 2002 (Age: 24) |
| Place of Birth | Mahshahr, Khuzestan, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 73–78 kg / 161–172 lbs |
| Position | Right-Back / Defender |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #14 (Sepahan) |
| Current Club | Sepahan FC |
| Previous Clubs | None (one-club man) |
| International Caps | 15 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member) |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | €1.4–1.5M |
The Frozen Moment
The Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya. May 29, 2026. Iran and Gambia, locked in a final World Cup warm-up friendly that would test Team Melli’s readiness for the global stage. For Arya Yousefi, the 24-year-old right-back from Mahshahr who had risen through Sepahan’s youth ranks, who had become a key player for the club, this was the moment that announced his arrival on the international stage.
The Gambians had taken the lead. Iran needed a response. In the 39th minute, Yousefi found himself in the right place at the right time—his strike from close range found the back of the net, his first international goal for Iran. The 1-1 equaliser sparked a comeback, and Iran went on to win 3-1. The boy from Khuzestan, making his mark just weeks before his first World Cup, had written his name into Team Melli lore.
Just weeks later, on June 1, 2026, Yousefi was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the tournament, he made one substitute appearance, playing 45 minutes against New Zealand in a 2-2 draw, earning a 6.5 FotMob rating. The World Cup stage had been reached, and the journey was only beginning.
Origins
Arya Yousefi was born on April 22, 2002, in Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province, Iran. His footballing journey began in the youth system of Sepahan FC, one of Iran’s most successful clubs, where he developed as a promising right-back.
He signed his first professional contract with Sepahan on September 12, 2021. After being a peripheral figure in his first two seasons, Yousefi established himself as a regular starter in the 2023–24 season, making 17 league appearances and scoring 4 goals. His development was rapid—by the 2024–25 season, he had made 28 league appearances, playing over 2,300 minutes.
His international career began at youth level. He represented Iran U23, making 10 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His senior debut for Iran came on January 5, 2024, in a 2-1 friendly win over Burkina Faso. He was included in Iran’s final squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. By the 2026 World Cup, he had earned 15 senior caps, scoring 1 goal.
The Forge
Sepahan (2021–Present):
Yousefi is a one-club man. Since signing his first professional contract with Sepahan in September 2021, he has remained with the club. His early career saw limited opportunities—4 league appearances in 2021–22 and 14 in 2022–23.
The 2023–24 season was his breakthrough. He made 17 league appearances, scored 4 goals, and provided 3 assists, establishing himself as a key attacking full-back. His performances at the club level earned him a regular spot in the Iran national team.
The 2024–25 season saw his role grow further. He made 28 league appearances, starting 27, playing 2,375 minutes, with 1 goal and 4 assists. He also featured in the AFC Champions League, making 6 appearances and scoring 1 goal. Sepahan finished as runners-up in the Persian Gulf Pro League in both 2022–23 and 2024–25, with Yousefi playing a key role.
The 2025–26 season was his most consistent campaign. He made 20 league appearances, all starts, playing 1,791 minutes, with 1 goal and 1 assist. He also featured in the AFC Champions League, making 7 appearances and scoring 1 goal. He helped Sepahan win the Hazfi Cup (2023–24) and the Iranian Super Cup (2024–25).
Across his Sepahan career, Yousefi has made 83 league appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists, with a total of 115 appearances across all competitions and 8 goals.
International Career:
Yousefi’s senior international career began in 2024. He made his debut on January 5, 2024, against Burkina Faso. He was included in Iran’s squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. On September 8, 2025, in a CAFA Nations Cup match against Uzbekistan, Yousefi received a red card—the first of his international career.
On June 1, 2026, Yousefi was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the tournament, he made one substitute appearance against New Zealand on June 16, 2026, playing 45 minutes in a 2-2 draw, earning a 6.5 FotMob rating. He was an unused substitute against Egypt and Belgium.
The Anatomy of His Game
Arya Yousefi is a 24-year-old right-back defined by his technical quality, attacking output, and development through Iran’s youth system. Standing at 1.81 meters, he is a modern full-back who contributes on both sides of the ball.
In Possession:
Yousefi is a composed passer with strong distribution. In the 2025–26 season at Sepahan, he recorded a 88.2% pass completion rate in his World Cup appearance, completing 15 successful passes. His attacking contributions from right-back are notable—across his career, he has scored 6 goals and provided 9 assists in 83 league appearances. His 2023–24 season saw 4 goals and 3 assists in 17 appearances, a high output for a defender.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Yousefi is a reliable presence. In the 2025–26 season, he recorded 1 interception, 1 blocked shot, 3 recoveries, and 1 clearance in his World Cup appearance. His disciplinary record is mixed—he has received 18 yellow cards and 1 red card in his career. He committed 1 foul and won 1 foul in his World Cup appearance.
Psychological Edge:
Yousefi’s mental resilience is demonstrated by his steady progression. From limited appearances in his early career to becoming a regular starter at Sepahan and earning a World Cup call-up, he has consistently improved. His goal in Iran’s warm-up friendly against Gambia, his first international goal, came just weeks before his World Cup debut and showcased his ability to rise to the occasion.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Pro League (Sepahan) | 20 | 1,791 | 1 | 1 | — |
| AFC Champions League (Sepahan) | 7 | — | 1 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Iran) | 1 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 6.5 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Sepahan | Pro League | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Sepahan | Pro League | 14 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | Sepahan | Pro League | 17 | 4 | 3 |
| 2024–25 | Sepahan | Pro League | 28 | 1 | 4 |
| 2025–26 | Sepahan | Pro League | 20 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 83 | 6 | 9 |
TABLE C: International Record (2024–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | — | — |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | — | 0 |
| CAFA Nations Cup 2025 | — | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 15 | 1 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Born | Mahshahr, Khuzestan, Iran |
| 2021 | Professional Contract | Signed with Sepahan |
| 2022 | Sepahan Debut | First appearances |
| 2024 | Iran Senior Debut | vs Burkina Faso |
| 2024 | AFC Asian Cup Selection | Named in Iran squad |
| 2024–25 | Breakthrough | 28 league appearances |
| 2025 | First International Red Card | vs Uzbekistan |
| 2026 | First International Goal | vs Gambia |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Iran’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | vs New Zealand |
What these figures reveal is a player of steady progression and consistent output. Yousefi has accumulated 83 league appearances by age 24, with 6 goals and 9 assists from right-back. His 15 international caps and World Cup selection reflect his importance to Iran. His development from a peripheral player to a regular starter at Sepahan and a World Cup squad member is a testament to his growth.
The Present Tense
Arya Yousefi is 24 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is Sepahan’s right-back, an Iranian international with 15 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Sepahan Story:
Yousefi has been a one-club man since 2021, making 83 league appearances and scoring 6 goals. He has won the Hazfi Cup (2023–24) and the Iranian Super Cup (2024–25), and finished as runners-up in the Persian Gulf Pro League twice. His contract runs until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Yousefi was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made one substitute appearance against New Zealand on June 16, 2026, playing 45 minutes in a 2-2 draw and earning a 6.5 FotMob rating. He was an unused substitute against Egypt and Belgium.
International Record:
Yousefi has earned 15 caps for Iran since his debut in 2024. He has scored 1 international goal, against Gambia in May 2026. He has represented Iran at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the CAFA Nations Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Arya Yousefi is defined by his journey from Mahshahr to the World Cup. Born in Khuzestan Province, he developed through Sepahan’s youth system and has remained with the club throughout his career.
His international career has been one of rapid progression. From his debut in January 2024 to his first international goal in May 2026, he has established himself as a regular in Iran’s squad. His first international red card, against Uzbekistan in September 2025, demonstrated his competitive edge and willingness to fight for his country.
His World Cup experience, though limited to 45 minutes, was the culmination of a journey from the youth ranks at Sepahan to the global stage. At 24, he has established himself as one of Iran’s most promising young defenders.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sporting News
, on Yousefi’s World Cup selection:
Arya Yousefi (Sepahan FC) – 24 years old – 12 caps.
beIN Sports
, on Iran’s World Cup squad:
Iran has officially confirmed its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Midfielders include Aria Yousefi.
Sportstar
, on Yousefi’s inclusion:
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei named a 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, relying on veterans… Midfielders include… Aria Yousefi.
FotMob
, on Yousefi’s World Cup appearance:
Yousefi played 45 minutes in Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand on June 16, 2026, earning a 6.5 FotMob rating.
Wikipedia
, on Yousefi’s international career:
Yousefi debuted with the Iran national team in a friendly 2–1 win over Burkina Faso on 5 January 2024. He was included in the final squad in the Iranian senior team to compete for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January 2024.
FBref.com
, on Yousefi’s career statistics:
Yousefi has made 83 league appearances across 5 seasons, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists.
Where Next?
Arya Yousefi is 24 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at Sepahan, an Iranian international with 15 caps, and a World Cup participant.
For Iran
, Yousefi represents the future. At 24, he has already earned 15 caps and played in a World Cup. He will be expected to continue contributing to Team Melli in future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His experience at the World Cup, though limited, will be valuable.
For Sepahan
, Yousefi is a valuable asset. His contract runs until 2028. His market value is estimated at €1.4–1.5M. He has won trophies with the club and established himself as one of the Persian Gulf Pro League’s best young defenders.
His career trajectory is one of steady progression—from Sepahan’s youth system to the first team, from a peripheral player to a regular starter, from a debut in 2024 to a World Cup participant. He has overcome the challenges of adapting to senior football and has established himself as one of Iran’s most promising young defenders.
The boy from Mahshahr who rose through Sepahan’s youth ranks, who scored his first international goal weeks before the World Cup, who played 45 minutes on the global stage—Arya Yousefi’s journey is a story of development, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
