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

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.

"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.