Iran veteran leader Ramin Rezaeian shows up when it matters most, equalizes vs. Egypt

Editor's note: Keep up with the Egypt-Iran game with our live blog, here.

SEATTLE – Ramin Rezaeian has played his best soccer when Iran needed it most.

Iran was sent reeling against Egypt quite early due to a Mahmoud Saber goal in the fifth minute, but was given a chance to equalize not long after. Egypt was too physical in the box, and Iran was awarded a penalty kick, which it was unable to convert.

Rezaeian, a defender, then took matters into his own hands.

Following another incredible save from Egypt, Rezaeian calmly delivered a strike to the back of the net, evening the score 1-1. This was his second goal of the tournament.

The 36-year-old winger for Persian Gulf Pro League team Esteghlal is regarded as one of Iran’s best products on the pitch. Rezaeian has represented Iran for over a decade at the international level, and he has delivered multiple clutch performances to give his team a shot at the knockouts.

Bursting onto the scene against New Zealand, Rezaeian scored Iran’s first goal of the tournament, where he became the oldest Asian player ever to score in a World Cup match. Then, down 2-1, Rezaeian set up teammate Mohammad Mohebbi for the equalizer, making him the only Iranian player to tally both a goal and assist on the world stage.

Rezaeian drew some criticism due to his celebrations during that New Zealand match, which saw him pull his shirt over his face. Some saw it as a political move. Fellow scorer Mohebbi, who also was seen celebrating in some unique ways, said otherwise, but Rezaeian admitted there were some political motivations behind it, declining to comment further.

The veteran leader has been a member of the national team for the previous two World Cup campaigns, scoring against Wales during a 2022 match in Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup could be the last for Iran’s veterans, including Rezaeian. If that’s the case, he’s certainly been having a finale to remember.

Jack Cooney is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.