PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alireza Jahanbakhsh |
| Date of Birth | 11 August 1993 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Position | Right Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Excelsior Rotterdam |
| Previous Clubs | NEC Nijmegen, AZ Alkmaar, Brighton & Hove Albion, Feyenoord, sc Heerenveen, FCV Dender |
| International Caps | 99+ |
| International Goals | — |
| World Cup Appearances | 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 (option for additional year) |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America marked Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage. The veteran winger from Iran, who had become a fixture in Team Melli for over a decade, was named in Amir Ghalenoei’s squad alongside Mehdi Taremi and other key players.
For Jahanbakhsh, the tournament carried deeper meaning. At 32, he knew this could be his World Cup curtain call. “It’s difficult to describe my feelings at representing my country at a fourth World Cup because playing at just one tournament was always a dream of mine, my family and my parents since I was young,” he told FIFA ahead of the tournament.
His inclusion in the squad came after a season split between Heerenveen in the Netherlands and FCV Dender in Belgium. Despite limited club minutes—21 appearances and 1 goal for Dender—his experience and leadership were valued. He told FIFA he wanted Iran to “play with smiles on our faces” and send a message of “peace and unity.” The tournament was a testament to his longevity and his enduring commitment to his country.
Origins
Alireza Jahanbakhsh was born and raised in the north of Iran. He is a family-oriented person who maintains a deep connection to his roots. “I love Iran and try to go home as much as I can to visit my family. I’m a family guy and I can’t go too long being away from them,” he told FIFA. “That’s where I spent my whole childhood and I try to do that as much as I can to make sure I stay in contact with my culture and my people.”
His journey to professional football began in Iran before he made the leap to Europe, starting his Dutch adventure with NEC Nijmegen.
The Professional Forge
NEC Nijmegen (2013-2015):
Jahanbakhsh began his European career at NEC, making 55 appearances and establishing himself as a promising talent in the Eredivisie.
AZ Alkmaar (2015-2018):
His time at AZ was the most prolific period of his career. Over three seasons, he played 86 league matches, scoring 35 goals and providing 25 assists. The 2017-18 season was his defining campaign—he scored 21 goals in 33 appearances, becoming the Eredivisie top scorer. His performances earned him a big-money move to the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion (2018-2021):
Brighton paid approximately €25 million to sign Jahanbakhsh. However, his time in England was challenging. He made 50 Premier League appearances across three seasons, scoring just 2 goals. A “definitive breakthrough in the Premier League never materialised.”
Feyenoord (2021-2024):
Jahanbakhsh returned to the Netherlands, signing with Feyenoord in 2021. Under Arne Slot, he became a valued squad member. He made 71 league appearances across three seasons, scoring 9 goals and providing 12 assists. He won the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord and reached the UEFA Europa Conference League final. However, Feyenoord did not extend his expiring contract in the summer of 2024.
sc Heerenveen (2024-2025):
In November 2024, Jahanbakhsh joined Heerenveen, making 19 appearances and scoring 3 goals. His contract was not extended at the end of the season.
FCV Dender (2025-2026):
He spent the 2025-26 season in Belgium with FCV Dender, making 21 appearances and scoring 1 goal.
The Next Chapter: Excelsior Rotterdam (2026-Present)
On 9 August 2026, Jahanbakhsh signed a one-year contract with Eredivisie side Excelsior Rotterdam, with an option for an additional year. The move brought him back to the city where he had spent five years during his Feyenoord spell.
Technical director Mark Ruijl said: “With Alireza, we are bringing in a player who has played at the highest level and recently appeared at the World Cup. He knows the Eredivisie and our style of play well, and brings so much experience and personality.”
Jahanbakhsh explained his decision: “Rotterdam has a special place in my heart. I’ve already lived here for five years, my friends are here, I feel at home.” “When Excelsior made me an offer, I immediately thought: this is my city, this is where I belong.”
International Career
Four World Cups:
Jahanbakhsh has been a mainstay of the Iranian national team for over a decade. The 2026 tournament marked his fourth World Cup appearance. He has consistently answered the call for his country, regardless of where he was based.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Jahanbakhsh was named in Iran’s 26-man squad. His inclusion was notable—while Sardar Azmoun was omitted, Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi were both selected. He was listed among Iran’s midfield options.
International Record:
Jahanbakhsh has earned 99 caps for Iran.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jahanbakhsh is a right-footed right winger known for his creativity, crossing ability, and goalscoring instincts. He is most effective when cutting inside from the flank, a trait that made him a prolific scorer during his AZ days.
In Possession:
Jahanbakhsh is a direct attacker who likes to take on defenders and deliver crosses. During his career, he has recorded 58 assists in 424 matches. In the 2025-26 season, his expected goals per 90 stood at 0.20.
Out of Possession:
His work rate has been a consistent feature. He is not a defensive specialist, but he contributes to pressing and tracking back.
Psychological Edge:
Jahanbakhsh’s fourth World Cup appearance reflects remarkable longevity. His decision to continue playing in Europe at 32, signing with Excelsior after a challenging season in Belgium, demonstrates resilience. He values his connection to Rotterdam, saying he performs better when “everything is going well off the pitch.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Career Overview
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 424 |
| Goals | 87 |
| Assists | 58 |
Source: FootyStats
TABLE B: 2025/26 Season Snapshot (FCV Dender)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro League | 21 | 9 | 898 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
Source: Opta Analyst, FootyStats
TABLE C: 2024/25 Season Snapshot (sc Heerenveen)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 19 | 16 | 1,455 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Source: Opta Analyst
TABLE D: 2021-2024 Season (Feyenoord)
| Season | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 27 | 1,561 | 4 | 3 |
| 2022/23 | 28 | 1,215 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | 16 | 449 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 71 | 3,225 | 9 | 12 |
Source: Opta Analyst
TABLE E: 2018-2021 Season (Brighton & Hove Albion)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 50 | 1,849 | 2 | 1 |
Source: Opta Analyst
TABLE F: 2015-2018 Season (AZ Alkmaar)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 86 | 6,788 | 35 | 25 |
Source: Opta Analyst
TABLE G: 2013-2015 Season (NEC Nijmegen)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie/Eerste Divisie | 55 | 3,625 | — |
Source: Opta Analyst
TABLE H: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0(2) | 46 | 0 | 0 |
Source: WhoScored
TABLE I: Per 90 Minute Stats (2025/26 Pro League)
| Statistic | Per 90 |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0.10 |
| Assists | 0.10 |
| Goal Involvements | 0.20 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.20 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.15 |
| Cards | 0.40 |
Source: FootyStats
TABLE J: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Eredivisie Top Scorer | 2017-18 (AZ Alkmaar) |
| Eredivisie Title | 2022-23 (Feyenoord) |
| UEFA Europa Conference League Finalist | 2022 (Feyenoord) |
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| International Caps | 99+ |
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jahanbakhsh is known for his family values and his bond with his heritage. He visits Iran whenever possible to stay connected with his culture and people. His leadership in the national team has been recognised, particularly during periods when players faced political pressures. His message before the 2026 World Cup was one of peace and unity.
The Verdict from the Camp
Mark Ruijl, Excelsior Rotterdam Technical Director:
“With Alireza, we are bringing in a player who has played at the highest level and recently appeared at the World Cup. He knows the Eredivisie and our style of play well, and brings so much experience and personality.”
Alireza Jahanbakhsh:
“Rotterdam has a special place in my heart. I’ve already lived here for five years, my friends are here, I feel at home.”
“It’s difficult to describe my feelings at representing my country at a fourth World Cup because playing at just one tournament was always a dream of mine, my family and my parents since I was young.”
Where Next?
Alireza Jahanbakhsh is 32 years old and has returned to the Eredivisie with Excelsior Rotterdam. His one-year contract with an option for another season gives him the opportunity to rediscover his best form in familiar surroundings. For Iran, he remains an experienced international with 99 caps and four World Cup appearances. His career, from Eredivisie top scorer to Premier League and back, reflects a player who has consistently challenged himself at the highest level.
From Iran to Nijmegen, from AZ to Brighton, from Feyenoord to Excelsior, and from four World Cups to a new chapter in Rotterdam, Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and extraordinary longevity. The boy from northern Iran who dreamed of playing at a World Cup is now a four-time participant—and a veteran who continues to inspire his countrymen.
