
Parsa Jafari: My Honored to Join Team Melli
Parsa Jafari, the young goalkeeper of Zob Ahan, is one of the emerging talents called up for Iran’s final two World Cup qualifying matches against Qatar and North Korea. In an interview with the national team media, he spoke about his dreams, valuable experiences in camp, and the positive atmosphere within the squad.
“I thank God and express my gratitude to Coach Ghalenoei and his staff for giving young players a chance to join the national team and showcase their abilities,” Jafari said. “After a solid season with Zob Ahan, I’m thrilled to be part of this camp. I hope to continue improving and remain involved in future national team camps.”
A Friendly and Professional Environment
Jafari praised the supportive atmosphere within the team: “The environment is great. The senior players treat the younger ones with kindness and help us a lot. This level of professionalism is invaluable and motivates everyone to work harder and achieve the best results.”
Trust in the New Generation
Speaking about the influx of youth players, he noted: “The inclusion of 7–8 young talents from the league shows Coach Ghalenoei’s belief in the new generation of Iranian football. It’s a huge opportunity, and I hope this trend continues to help more gifted players gain recognition and bring pride to the country.”
Learning from Beiranvand and Alin Dinca’s Impact
Discussing his development, Jafari highlighted the influence of senior goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand: “Without a doubt, one of the main goals of joining these camps is to gain experience. Mr. Beiranvand is incredibly professional and sets a great example. Coach Alin Dinca, with his vast knowledge, is doing an outstanding job with us. I aim to grow through their guidance and contribute to both the national team and my club.”
Big Goal: The World Cup
Looking ahead, Jafari outlined his personal ambition: “I’m working hard to earn a spot in the squad for the World Cup. Performing well for my club is crucial because that’s what earns a player a place in the national team.”
Seyed Mehdi Rahmati as a Role Model
Asked about his role models, Jafari mentioned: “When I was with Esteghlal, I learned a lot from Mr. Rahmati. His experience helped me immensely. Now in the national team, I strive to gain new experiences and continue progressing.”
Final Qualifiers: A Stage for Young Players
Regarding the upcoming matches, he added: “Securing qualification before the final games is a testament to the strong performance of the team and coaching staff. It’s also opened up opportunities for younger players. With the current atmosphere, I’m confident we are heading toward one of the most successful eras in our national team’s history.”
Healthy Competition Among Goalkeepers
He concluded: “All goalkeepers called up to the national team have performed well at their clubs. Beiranvand and Payam Niazmand bring experience, while players like myself and Mohammad Khalifeh bring youthful energy. This mix creates healthy competition and benefits the team overall.”