PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saman Ghoddos |
| Date of Birth | 6 September 1993 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | Sweden |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.76–1.77 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 76–79 kg |
| Position | Midfielder (Centre, Left, Right) / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #14 (Iran) |
| Current Club | Ittihad Kalba |
| Previous Clubs | Bunkeflo IF, Trelleborg, Syrianska, Östersund, Amiens, Brentford |
| International Caps | 68+ |
| International Goals | 1+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 30 June 2027 |
| Market Value | €1.2M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America marked Saman Ghoddos’s second appearance on football’s biggest stage. The 32-year-old midfielder, born in Sweden to Iranian parents, was one of only two overseas-born players in Iran’s 26-man squad, a veteran presence in Amir Ghalenoei’s midfield alongside the likes of Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi.
Ghoddos started all three of Iran’s group-stage matches, accumulating 208 minutes of tournament football. In the opener against New Zealand on 15 June, he played 64 minutes in a 2-2 draw, making two tackles and three interceptions. Four days later, against Belgium, he featured for 78 minutes in a 0-0 stalemate. In the final group match against Egypt on 26 June, he played 66 minutes as Iran drew 1-1.
Iran finished the group stage undefeated—three draws, three points—but were eliminated on goal difference. Ghoddos finished the tournament with a 6.62 average rating, recording four shots, four tackles won, and five interceptions across his three appearances. For a player who had journeyed from the Swedish lower leagues to the Premier League and the World Cup, the tournament was another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and versatility.
Origins
Saman Ghoddos was born on 6 September 1993 in Sweden, to Iranian parents. He is one of only two overseas-born players in Iran’s 2026 World Cup squad. His Iranian heritage gave him the opportunity to represent the Lions of Persia, a choice he made at the senior level.
His football journey began in Sweden’s lower divisions. He played for Bunkeflo IF in 2012 before moving to Trelleborg in Division 1 – Södra in 2013. He then played for Syrianska in Superettan during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, making 29 appearances and scoring 6 goals.
The European Forge
Östersund (2016-2018):
Ghoddos’s breakthrough came at Östersund in the Allsvenskan. He made 82 appearances over three seasons, with standout campaigns in 2017 (21 starts, 8 goals) and 2018 (26 starts, 10 goals). In the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, he was a key figure, making 8 appearances, scoring 2 goals, and providing 3 assists, earning a 7.50 average rating. His performances in Europe put him on the radar of bigger clubs.
Amiens (2018-2020):
In July 2018, Ghoddos moved to Ligue 1 side Amiens. Over two seasons, he made 20 starts and 7 substitute appearances in his first season, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists. In 2019-20, he featured in 5 matches and added another goal. His time in France established him as a versatile attacking midfielder capable of performing in a top-five league.
Brentford (2021-2024):
In January 2021, Ghoddos signed for Brentford, initially on loan, before making the move permanent. His time at Brentford was defined by his versatility. In the 2020-21 Championship promotion campaign, he made 16 starts and 27 substitute appearances, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. In the Premier League, he was used primarily as a squad player, making 17 appearances in 2021-22 (scoring 1 goal), 15 in 2022-23, and 19 in 2023-24 (scoring 1 goal). He also contributed in cup competitions, recording 3 assists in the EFL Cup in 2021-22. His Premier League career totals include 58 appearances and 2 goals.
The New Chapter: Ittihad Kalba (2024-Present)
On 29 September 2024, Ghoddos joined UAE Pro League side Ittihad Kalba on a free transfer. The move marked a new chapter in his career after four years in English football. His contract with the club runs until 30 June 2027.
In the 2024-25 season, Ghoddos made 18 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. The 2025-26 season saw him feature in 10 appearances, contributing a goal. In the 2026-27 season, he made his debut in the UAE League, scoring a penalty. The move to the UAE gave him regular first-team football and a fresh start after his role as a squad player at Brentford.
International Career
Senior Debut & Asian Cup:
Ghoddos made his senior debut for Iran in 2020, becoming a regular fixture in the national team setup. He was part of the Iran squad that competed in the 2023 Asian Cup, where he made 6 appearances and provided 2 assists. In 2024, he scored one goal in a friendly.
2022 World Cup:
Ghoddos made one substitute appearance at the 2022 World Cup, playing 45 minutes.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Ghoddos was named in Amir Ghalenoei’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He started all three of Iran’s group-stage matches: 64 minutes against New Zealand, 78 minutes against Belgium, and 66 minutes against Egypt. He accumulated 208 minutes of tournament football, recording 4 shots, 4 tackles won, and 5 interceptions. He finished with a 6.62 average rating. Iran were eliminated in the group stage despite remaining undefeated.
International Record:
Ghoddos has earned more than 68 caps for Iran. He has scored 1 international goal and provided multiple assists across friendlies, Asian Cup, and World Cup qualifying.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ghoddos is a versatile right-footed midfielder capable of playing across the centre, left, or right flanks, and even as a forward. His adaptability has been a constant theme throughout his career, from Sweden to France to England and now the UAE.
In Possession:
Ghoddos is a creative passer who contributes to build-up play. Across his career, he has recorded 63 goals and 41 assists in 296 appearances. In the 2024-25 UAE League season, he scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists in 18 appearances. In the Europa League with Östersund, he recorded 3 assists in 8 matches. His pass success rate in the 2026 World Cup was 70.3%.
Out of Possession:
Ghoddos is a hard-working midfielder who contributes defensively. At the 2026 World Cup, he recorded 4 tackles won and 5 interceptions in 208 minutes. In the Premier League, he averaged 5 yellow cards per season, reflecting his competitive style. In the 2026 World Cup, he committed 3 fouls and had no cards.
Psychological Edge:
Ghoddos’s career is defined by adaptability. He has played in Sweden, France, England, and the UAE, constantly adapting to new leagues and footballing cultures. His journey from the Swedish lower divisions to Ligue 1 and the Premier League reflects a player who has consistently pushed himself to higher levels. His 68 caps and two World Cups underscore his importance to the Iranian national team.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Career Overview
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 296 |
| Goals | 63 |
| Assists | 41 |
TABLE B: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Date | Opponent | Result | Minutes | Shots | Tackles Won | Interceptions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 June | New Zealand | D 2-2 | 64 | 2 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 21 June | Belgium | D 0-0 | 78 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 26 June | Egypt | D 1-1 | 66 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — |
| TOTAL | — | — | 208 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6.62 |
TABLE C: 2024/25 Season Snapshot (Ittihad Kalba)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE League | 18 | 4 | 3 |
TABLE D: Premier League Career (Brentford)
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 17 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 58 | 2 | 1 |
TABLE E: International Record
| Tournament | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Friendlies | 10+ | 1 | 2+ |
| Total | 68+ | 1+ | 6+ |
TABLE F: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| English Championship Play-off Winner | 2020-21 (Brentford) |
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2022, 2026 |
| AFC Asian Cup Participant | 2023 |
| UEFA Europa League Appearance | 2017-18 (Östersund) |
| Swedish Allsvenskan Breakthrough | 2016-2018 |
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ghoddos’s journey is defined by his dual heritage and his journey from Sweden’s lower divisions to the World Cup. Born in Sweden to Iranian parents, he chose to represent the country of his heritage. His career has taken him from Bunkeflo IF to Trelleborg, Syrianska, Östersund, Amiens, Brentford, and now Ittihad Kalba—a journey that reflects a player who has never shied away from new challenges.
His 68 caps and two World Cups have made him one of Iran’s most experienced internationals. His versatility and professionalism have been valued by every manager he has played for, from Graham Potter at Östersund to Thomas Frank at Brentford to Amir Ghalenoei with Iran. In the 2026 World Cup, his presence in midfield helped Iran remain undefeated against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, even if they were eliminated on goal difference. His leadership and experience are expected to continue benefiting both his club and country.
Where Next?
Saman Ghoddos is 32 years old and under contract with Ittihad Kalba until June 2027. His move to the UAE in 2024 gave him regular first-team football after his role as a squad player at Brentford. He is expected to continue as a key player for Ittihad Kalba and to remain a regular in the Iranian national team setup.
For Iran, Ghoddos remains an experienced and versatile international option. With 68 caps and two World Cups on his CV, he is one of the most experienced players in the squad. At 32, he still has several years of international football ahead of him. He is a player who has represented his country at two World Cups, competed in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, and made his mark in the Europa League.
From the Swedish lower divisions to the Premier League, from Ligue 1 to the UAE Pro League, and from two World Cups to a new chapter in the Middle East, Saman Ghoddos’s journey is a story of versatility, perseverance, and extraordinary achievement. The boy born in Sweden who chose to represent Iran is now a two-time World Cup player—and a veteran who continues to inspire his countrymen.
