sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Iran Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's Life Story Is The Most Inspirational Story You'll Ever Read

Iran Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's Life Story Is The Most Inspirational Story You'll Ever Read

Incredible. What a journey.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is one of only a few people in this world that can say: "I've saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo."

In fact, he is the first goalkeeper to save a World Cup penalty from a Portuguese player in the tournament's history.

But the 25-year-old's journey to these finals in Russia are much more of an achievement than tonight's spot-kick heroics.

Beiranvand ran away from home when he was younger to fulfil his dreams of becoming a professional footballer and because he moved away, he was homeless for some time.

He proceeded to work in a dress factory, a car wash and as a street cleaner before making it, according to The Guardian.

"I slept by the club's door and when I got up in the morning I noticed the coins that people had dropped for me," he said.

"They had thought I was a beggar! Well, I had a delicious breakfast for the first time in a long while."


After a huge amount of hard work and dedication, Beiranvand would become a professional footballer and realise his dream of playing at a World Cup.

Tonight he saved a penalty against Cristiano Ronaldo on the biggest stage of them all.

What a journey it has been for the 25-year-old. Never, ever give up.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Portugal, World Cup