Salar Aghapour: From humble beginnings in Urmia to Asia’s best futsal player

Iranian futsal star Salar Aghapour, who was named the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Futsal Player of the Year, says he always dreamed of becoming the world's best.

In a detailed interview published by Tasnim News Agency, Aghapour reflected on his long and difficult professional journey, sharing the story of his sacrifices, dreams, and deep spiritual gratitude.

Aghapour’s impressive performance at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 in Uzbekistan – tallying six goals and three assists – earned him the coveted award ahead of team-mate Muslim Oladghobad, who won the same award in 2022.

The 25-year-old who currently plays for Gohar Zamin club became the seventh Iranian and sixteenth player globally to bag the prestigious honor.

Marzieh Jafari was the other Iranian to be felicitated at the annual Asian Football Confederation awards ceremony, winning the AFC Women’s Coach of the Year.

“It’s by the grace of God and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) that I’ve reached this point,” Aghapour was quoted as saying in the interview after getting the award.

“Every player dreams of this recognition, and my happiness is beyond words.”

He also reflected on his difficult path to global stardom, which began in his hometown of Urmia in northern Iran, where he played locally before earning a call from Dabiri Tabriz.

“When I was with Dabiri, we didn’t even have a dormitory,” he recalled. “I used to travel from Urmia to Tabriz every morning and return home after matches. I didn’t have a car, so I often took the bus. It was tough, but I endured it for the love of futsal.”

After he became the top scorer in the AFC U-20 Championship in Tabriz, Aghapour joined Mes Sungun, later moved abroad to Palma in Spain, and now plays for Gohar Zamin in Iran.

“Since I began playing, I’ve dreamed of being the best futsal player in the world,” he said. “In 2022, I was named the world’s best young player by Futsal Planet and also the best young player at the AFC Asian Cup. Now I hope to win the global title itself, for Iran.”

Following the awards ceremony, Aghapour said he represents all the coaches and players of Iran’s national futsal team. He went on to dedicate his success to Imam Mahdi, the 12th Shiite Imam.

“Before the ceremony, I visited Jamkaran Mosque and the shrine of Lady Masoumeh (SA). Afterward, I offered my award to Imam Mahdi. God willing, I’ll soon visit Imam Reza (AS) to present this award to his holy shrine,” he was quoted as saying.

Historic win for Marziyeh Jafari as Iran duo celebrated at AFC Awards

Marziyeh Jafari made history as the first Iranian to win the AFC Women’s Coach of the Year award, while fellow countryman Salar Aghapour claimed the continent’s top futsal honor at the 2025 AFC Awards ceremony in Riyadh.

Aghapour also praised his teammate and fellow nominee Oladghobad, emphasizing camaraderie over competition.

“It didn’t matter which of us won — what mattered was that the award went to an Iranian. Muslim is both a friend and a role model in terms of skill and character.”

The futsal star praised the camaraderie and the drive to excel that exists among players.

“Our team’s in great shape. The new generation is motivated and talented. Even when I missed the Russia trip due to the awards, the team performed strongly. We can qualify for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup without conceding a goal — and we’ll be ready to reclaim the Asian title.”

Aghapour also expressed optimism about Iran’s future on the global stage.

“We didn’t have many international friendlies in the past, but now I thank the federation for arranging matches against Russia and Brazil. It’s challenging, but it will prepare us better. I’m confident Iran can reach the semifinals of the 2028 Futsal World Cup.”

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