PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danial Eiri |
| Date of Birth | 26 October 2003 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.82–1.85 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 79 kg / 174 lbs |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | Persepolis FC |
| Previous Clubs | Zob Ahan, Malavan (loan) |
| International Caps | 0 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member) |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | €367K |
The Frozen Moment
The Azadi Stadium, Tehran. June 1, 2026. The Iranian Football Federation made the announcement that would change Danial Eiri’s life. The 22-year-old centre-back from Gonbad-e Kavus, who had never played a senior international match and who had been forced to withdraw from a national team camp just months earlier due to military service issues, was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico would see Iran face a brutal group stage. But for Eiri, the selection itself was a personal victory—the culmination of a journey that began in the youth ranks of Zob Ahan, took him through a loan spell at Malavan, and landed him on the global stage.
The boy from Gonbad-e Kavus who had overcome a military service hurdle to make the squad, who had been named to the preliminary squad on May 16 before making the final cut, who had just completed his breakout loan season at Malavan, had achieved the dream.
Origins
Danial Eiri was born on October 26, 2003, in Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran. His footballing journey began in the youth system of Zob Ahan, one of Iran’s established clubs, where he developed as a promising centre-back.
He progressed through the Zob Ahan youth ranks, moving from the U17 team to the U19 team on September 1, 2020, and then to the U21 team on July 1, 2022. He eventually signed his first professional contract with the club.
His international career began at youth level. In 2023, Eiri was part of the Iran under-20 national team squad at the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. He later represented Iran U23, earning 9 caps, and was selected for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup squad.
The Forge
Zob Ahan (2023–2025):
Eiri made his professional debut for Zob Ahan in the 2023–24 season, earning his first career appearance in August 2023. Over his two seasons at the club, he made 19 league appearances and 2 cup appearances. He also received 1 yellow card across his Zob Ahan career.
Malavan (Loan, 2025–2026):
On January 19, 2025, Eiri joined Malavan on loan from Zob Ahan. His time at Malavan proved transformative. He made 14 league appearances in the second half of the 2024–25 season and continued as a regular in the 2025–26 campaign, making 22 appearances.
Over his loan spell, he made 36 league appearances, establishing himself as a reliable centre-back. In the 2025–26 season, he kept 11 clean sheets and conceded just 13 goals in 22 appearances, with a goals-conceded average of 0.62 per 90 minutes. He showed remarkable discipline—just 1 yellow card in 22 matches that season. His total career statistics include 55 league appearances, with 43 starts and 3,939 minutes played, having never been sent off.
Persepolis (2026–Present):
On August 17, 2026, following the World Cup, Eiri completed a move to Iranian giants Persepolis on a long-term contract. The move represented a significant step up for the young defender, joining one of Iran’s most successful clubs.
International Career:
Eiri’s senior international career has been marked by near-misses and ultimate success. He received his first invitation to an Iran national team training camp in March 2025. In March 2026, he was supposed to travel with Iran for the Jordan International Tournament but was unable to join due to issues relating to his military service. He was replaced in the squad by Aria Yousefi.
On May 16, 2026, Eiri was included in Iran’s 30-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was officially selected for the final 26-man squad on June 1. At the World Cup, he was an unused substitute throughout the tournament, with no senior caps to his name.
The Anatomy of His Game
Danial Eiri is a 22-year-old centre-back defined by his physical presence, defensive reliability, and discipline. Standing at 1.82–1.85 meters, he commands his penalty area and has proven his quality over a full season in the Persian Gulf Pro League.
In Possession:
Eiri is a composed passer with reliable distribution. His primary value lies in his defensive contributions rather than attacking output—he has not scored a goal in his professional career. His role is to provide stability and defensive solidity at the back.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Eiri is a reliable presence. In the 2025–26 Persian Gulf Pro League season, he kept 11 clean sheets in 22 appearances and conceded just 13 goals. His goals-conceded average of 0.62 per 90 minutes is impressive. His discipline is exceptional—he received just 1 yellow card in 22 matches that season. Across his career, he has never been sent off.
Psychological Edge:
Eiri’s mental resilience is his defining quality. His journey from Zob Ahan’s youth ranks to the World Cup reflects a player who has consistently overcome obstacles. His near-miss with the national team due to military service issues and his subsequent inclusion in the final World Cup squad demonstrates his perseverance. His ability to establish himself as a regular starter at Malavan, keeping 11 clean sheets in a single season, reflects his consistency and professionalism.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Clean Sheets | GA90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Pro League (Malavan) | 22 | 1,893 | 0 | 11 | 0.62 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Iran) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 22 | 1,893 | 0 | 11 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Zob Ahan | Persian Gulf Pro League | 12 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Zob Ahan | Persian Gulf Pro League | 7 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Malavan (loan) | Persian Gulf Pro League | 14 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Malavan (loan) | Persian Gulf Pro League | 22 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 55 | 0 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Iran U20 | 8 | 0 |
| Iran U23 | 9 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 17 | 0 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Born | Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran |
| 2023 | U20 Asian Cup | Represented Iran U20 |
| 2023–24 | Professional Debut | Zob Ahan |
| 2025 | First National Team Call-up | March training camp |
| 2025 | Malavan Loan | Joined on loan |
| 2025–26 | Breakthrough Season | 22 appearances, 11 clean sheets |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Iran’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Campaign | Unused substitute |
| 2026 | Persepolis Move | Transferred to Iranian giants |
What these figures reveal is a player of steady progression and defensive reliability. Eiri has accumulated 55 professional league appearances by age 22, all in the Persian Gulf Pro League. His 2025–26 season—22 appearances, 11 clean sheets, just 0.62 goals conceded per 90 minutes—demonstrates his quality at a young age. His World Cup selection, though without minutes, reflects the faith the national team has in his potential. His move to Persepolis following the World Cup represents a significant step up in his career. His market value of €367K reflects his status as a promising young defender.
The Present Tense
Danial Eiri is 22 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is Persepolis’s centre-back, an Iranian international, and a 2026 World Cup squad member.
The Persepolis Story:
Eiri completed his move to Persepolis on August 17, 2026, signing a long-term contract with the Tehran giants. The move came after his breakthrough loan season at Malavan and his World Cup selection. He is yet to make his debut for Persepolis.
The World Cup Campaign:
Eiri was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
International Record:
Eiri has earned 8 caps for Iran U20 and 9 caps for Iran U23. He has yet to make his senior international debut.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Danial Eiri is defined by his journey from Gonbad-e Kavus to the World Cup and the near-miss that almost derailed his dream. Born in the Golestan Province city, he developed through Zob Ahan’s youth ranks.
His inclusion in Iran’s World Cup squad came after a period of uncertainty. In March 2026, he was supposed to travel with Iran for the Jordan International Tournament but was unable to join due to military service issues. He was replaced in the squad by Aria Yousefi. Just three months later, he was named in the final World Cup squad, having overcome the administrative hurdle.
His move to Persepolis following the World Cup represents the next step in his career. The Tehran giants have secured one of Iran's most promising young defenders for the long term.
The Verdict from the Camp
Wikipedia
, on Eiri’s World Cup selection:
On 16 May, Eiri was included in Iran’s 30-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before being officially selected for the final squad on 1 June.
Tehran Times
, on Eiri’s Persepolis move:
Iranian defender Danial Eiri has officially completed his move to Persepolis, with the Tehran giants confirming the signing of the young international on a long-term contract.
Wikipedia
, on Eiri’s military service issues:
In March 2026, he was supposed to travel with Iran for the 2026 Jordan International Tournament, but was unable to join them due to issues relating to his military service, he was replaced in the team by Aria Yousefi.
FootyStats
, on Eiri’s 2025–26 season:
In the 2025–26 Persian Gulf Pro League season, Eiri made 22 appearances, kept 11 clean sheets, conceded 13 goals, and received just 1 yellow card.
FBref.com
, on Eiri’s career statistics:
Eiri has made 55 league appearances across his career, with 43 starts and 3,939 minutes played, and has never been sent off.
百度百科
, on Eiri’s career progression:
Eiri progressed through Zob Ahan’s youth ranks and made his professional debut in August 2023. He was loaned to Malavan in January 2025 and was named in Iran’s World Cup squad on June 1, 2026.
Where Next?
Danial Eiri is 22 years old and entering the prime of his career. He has joined Persepolis, an Iranian international, and a World Cup participant.
For Iran
, Eiri represents the future of the national team defence. At 22, he has already been selected for a World Cup squad. He will be expected to compete for a starting role in future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His World Cup experience, even as an unused substitute, will be valuable.
For Persepolis
, Eiri is a promising asset. He has signed a long-term contract with the Tehran giants. He will be expected to establish himself as a regular starter and develop into one of the Persian Gulf Pro League’s best defenders. His market value is €367K.
His career trajectory is one of rapid ascent—from Zob Ahan’s youth ranks to the first team, from a loan at Malavan to the World Cup, from a near-miss due to military service to a Persepolis move. He has overcome administrative hurdles and established himself as one of Iran’s most promising young defenders.
The boy from Gonbad-e Kavus who rose through Zob Ahan’s youth ranks, who overcame a military service hurdle to make the World Cup squad, who has joined Persepolis and is ready to make his mark—Danial Eiri’s journey is a story of development, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
