PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehdi Ghayedi |
| Date of Birth | 5 December 1998 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Bushehr, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.66–1.73 m / 5 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 58–65 kg |
| Position | Forward / Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #10 (Al-Nasr), #10 (Iran) |
| Current Club | Al-Nasr SC |
| Previous Clubs | Iranjavan, Esteghlal, Shabab Al Ahli, Ittihad Kalba (loan) |
| International Caps | 31 |
| International Goals | 10 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €2.2M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America marked Mehdi Ghayedi’s arrival on the global stage. The 27-year-old forward from Bushehr was named in Amir Ghalenoei’s 26-man squad for the tournament, selected among Iran’s attacking options alongside the likes of Mehdi Taremi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Saman Ghoddos.
Ghayedi made one appearance at the tournament, coming on as a substitute in Iran’s opening Group E match against New Zealand on 15 June 2026. He played 45 minutes of the 2-2 draw, recording one shot on target, two fouls committed, one foul suffered, and three crosses. He was an unused substitute in Iran’s subsequent matches against Belgium and Egypt. Iran finished the group stage undefeated—three draws, three points—but were eliminated on goal difference.
For a player who had risen through the ranks of Iranian football, from a serious car accident that threatened his career to becoming a fan favourite at Esteghlal and then a star in the UAE Pro League, the World Cup was the culmination of a journey built on resilience, skill, and unwavering determination.
Origins
Mehdi Ghayedi was born on 5 December 1998 in Bushehr, Iran. He began his football career at the youth level with local side Iranjavan Bushehr. After his promotion to the senior squad, he was named the 2016–17 Azadegan League Young Player of the Season for scoring 10 league goals.
His breakthrough season with Iranjavan caught the attention of Iranian giants Esteghlal, setting the stage for a move that would define the next chapter of his career.
The Professional Forge
Esteghlal (2017-2021):
On 8 June 2017, Ghayedi signed a three-year contract with Esteghlal. Upon signing, he was given the number 16 shirt. He made his debut for Esteghlal as a substitute on 4 August 2017 in a 0-0 draw against Esteghlal Khuzestan, becoming the youngest league player to ever play for the club. Despite limited minutes, Ghayedi was praised on his debut for his skills and effort.
His first start for the club came in a 3-0 victory over Sepahan on 6 December 2017. On 25 January 2018, he was named man of the match for his performance in a 4-0 victory against Pars Jonoubi Jam, during which he provided an assist and won a penalty.
However, his career nearly ended prematurely. On 29 January 2018, Ghayedi was involved in a serious car crash in his hometown of Bushehr, along with friends and a cousin, who died a few days later. As a result of the accident, Ghayedi required surgery on his spleen and was ruled out for the rest of the season. A day later, Esteghlal beat Sanat Naft in Hazfi Cup, and Ghayedi’s teammates dedicated the victory to him.
Over his first spell at Esteghlal, he made 81 league appearances and scored 19 goals.
Shabab Al Ahli (2021-2025):
During the summer of 2021, Ghayedi was heavily linked with a move to Qatari side Al-Gharafa. However, on 23 August 2021, he signed for Emirati side Shabab Al Ahli on a five-year contract. He made 22 league appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals.
Loans: Return to Esteghlal & Kalba (2022-2025):
Ghayedi returned to Esteghlal on loan for the 2022-23 season, making 29 appearances and scoring 12 goals. He then joined UAE Pro League side Ittihad Kalba on loan for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, making 48 appearances and scoring 28 goals. His prolific form at Kalba—28 goals in 48 appearances—re-established him as one of the most dangerous forwards in the UAE Pro League.
Al-Nasr SC (2025-Present):
In July 2025, Ghayedi transferred to UAE Pro League side Al-Nasr SC. In the 2025-26 season, he made 20 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists in 1,308 minutes. His market value peaked at €4.9 million in October 2025 and currently stands at €2.2 million. In the 2026-27 season, he has made 1 appearance.
International Career
Youth Career:
Ghayedi was selected by manager Amir Hossein Peiravani to join the Iran under-20 team for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making 2 appearances and scoring 1 goal. He also represented Iran at U23 level, making 8 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
Senior Debut:
Ghayedi made his senior debut for Iran in 2020 and has become a regular in the national team setup. He has earned 31 caps and scored 10 international goals. His international goals include strikes in friendlies, World Cup qualifying, and the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Ghayedi was named in Amir Ghalenoei’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, selected among Iran’s midfield options. He made one appearance at the tournament, coming on as a substitute in the 45th minute of Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand on 15 June 2026. He recorded one shot on target, two fouls committed, one foul suffered, and three crosses. He was an unused substitute against Belgium and Egypt. Iran finished the group stage undefeated but were eliminated on goal difference.
International Record:
Ghayedi has earned 31 caps for Iran and scored 10 international goals.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ghayedi is a right-footed forward known for his dribbling, creativity, and goalscoring instinct. At 1.66–1.73 metres, he uses his low centre of gravity and quick feet to beat defenders and create chances.
In Possession:
Ghayedi is a creative force in the final third. In the 2025-26 UAE Pro League season, he recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in 20 appearances. He is known for his ability to create chances—his chances created statistic ranks in the 81st percentile compared to other forwards. At the 2026 World Cup, he recorded one shot on target and three crosses in 45 minutes.
Out of Possession:
Ghayedi contributes to the team’s pressing game with his work rate. In the 2026-27 season, he has recorded 2 tackles won and 1 aerial duel won. In the 2025-26 season, his defensive actions rank in the 2nd percentile compared to other forwards. He is not a defensive specialist, but his energy and commitment are assets.
Psychological Edge:
Ghayedi’s career is defined by resilience. His recovery from a serious car accident in 2018—which required surgery on his spleen and kept him out for the rest of the season—is a testament to his mental strength. His journey from Iranjavan to Esteghlal to the UAE and the World Cup reflects a player who has consistently pushed himself to higher levels. His prolific loan spells at Esteghlal and Kalba, where he rediscovered his best form after struggling at Shabab Al Ahli, demonstrate his ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iranjavan | 2016-2017 | 29 | 10 |
| Esteghlal | 2017-2021 | 81 | 19 |
| Shabab Al Ahli | 2021-2025 | 22 | 4 |
| Esteghlal (loan) | 2022-2023 | 29 | 12 |
| Kalba (loan) | 2023-2025 | 48 | 28 |
| Al-Nasr | 2025-Present | 20 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | 229 | 77 |
TABLE B: 2025/26 Season Snapshot (Al-Nasr)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | FotMob Rating | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro League | 20 | 1,308 | 4 | 4 | 6.79 | 1 |
TABLE C: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Shots on Target | Crosses | Fouls Committed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
TABLE D: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Iran Senior Career | 31 | 10 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| Iran U23 | 8 | 2 |
| Iran U20 | 2 | 1 |
TABLE E: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Azadegan League Young Player of the Season | 2016-17 |
| AFC Asian Cup Participant | 2023 |
| CAFA Nations Cup Winner | 2023 |
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2026 |
| Market Value Peak | €4.9M (October 2025) |
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ghayedi is defined by his journey from Bushehr to the World Cup. His serious car accident in 2018, which claimed the life of his cousin and required surgery on his spleen, was a turning point. His recovery and return to football demonstrated remarkable resilience.
His move to the UAE in 2021 marked a new chapter in his career. After struggling at Shabab Al Ahli, he rediscovered his best form on loan at Kalba, scoring 28 goals in 48 appearances. His move to Al-Nasr in 2025 gave him a platform to continue his development.
His 31 caps and 10 international goals have made him a key figure in the Iranian national team setup. His World Cup selection in 2026 was the culmination of a journey built on perseverance, skill, and unwavering determination.
The Verdict from the Camp
Iran National Team Staff:
Ghayedi was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad, valued for his creativity and goalscoring instinct.
Amir Ghalenoei, Iran Head Coach:
Ghalenoei included Ghayedi in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, selecting him among the midfield options.
Where Next?
Mehdi Ghayedi is 27 years old and under contract with Al-Nasr SC in the UAE Pro League. His market value is estimated at €2.2 million, having peaked at €4.9 million in October 2025. He is expected to continue as a key player for Al-Nasr and to remain a regular in the Iranian national team setup.
For Iran, Ghayedi is a creative attacking option. With 31 caps and 10 international goals, he has proven his ability at the international level. At 27, he is entering his prime years and is expected to be a regular fixture in the national team setup for the foreseeable future.
From Bushehr to Tehran, from Esteghlal to the UAE, and from a career-threatening accident to the World Cup, Mehdi Ghayedi’s journey is a story of resilience, talent, and extraordinary achievement. The boy from Bushehr who scored 10 goals in the Azadegan League is now a World Cup player—and a symbol of Iranian football’s attacking flair on the global stage.
