Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the country’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with reports linking his omission to a controversy involving a social media post that allegedly drew the ire of Iranian authorities.
The 31-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of Iran’s most influential players of the past decade, was a notable absentee when the national team announced its final squad on Monday.
Azmoun, who currently plays for UAE side Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC and has previously featured for clubs including Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma, has long been a key figure for Team Melli. His goalscoring exploits and creative influence have earned him the nickname “the Iranian Messi” among supporters.
According to reports circulating in regional media, Iranian authorities were displeased after Azmoun posted a photograph on Instagram showing him alongside Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The image, which was reportedly deleted shortly after publication, sparked controversy because of the broader political tensions between Iran and some of its regional and international rivals.
The reports claim that the striker was subsequently accused of acting in a manner deemed contrary to national interests, leading to speculation that the incident contributed to his exclusion from the World Cup squad. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Iranian Football Federation detailing the reasons behind his omission.
Azmoun’s absence is a significant blow to Iran’s hopes at the tournament. The experienced striker has been one of the nation’s most reliable attacking players and has played a central role in several international campaigns.
Iran are set to compete in Group G, where they will face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in the opening phase of the competition.
With the World Cup fast approaching, attention will now turn to how Iran’s attack copes without one of its most recognisable and accomplished stars, whose omission has already become one of the tournament’s most talked-about selection stories.
