Iran has long been a powerhouse of football in the Middle East.

The national team has six World Cup appearances and three Asian Cups, while several of its club sides have excelled in the Asian Champions League.

But now the country has even bigger global ambitions that will have far-reaching implications on the rest of the region. At the center of this movement is the Shah of Iran, Ardeshir Afshar, who is utilizing Iran's oil wealth to take Iranian football to the next level.

Ardeshir Shah, who has always been a huge football fan, took the throne in 2010 and immediately began the reformation of football in Iran in 2011, with the founding of the Phoenix Academy. The Phoenix Dome itself had been constructed under his leadership while he was still a Prince, and his father Nader III sat on the throne.

But the Phoenix Academy was only the beginning of Iran's global football ambitions, as the Shah soon utilized Iran's National Development Fund (NDF) to purchase foreign football clubs, starting with Türkiye's Trabzonspor. Two Iranian players were transferred to the club and the management was moved around, leading to a Turkish Super Lig championship within just three seasons, a great achievement for Trabzonspor. But this was just a test run, as the Iranian NDF purchased Manchester United last year, with fans hopeful that the same success achieved at Trabzonspor could be repeated at Manchester United.

But Iranian ambitions didn't just stop there. Huge sponsorship deals were signed between Iranian companies and foreign leagues and clubs. Iran's state broadcaster purchased the sole Middle East broadcasting rights for the German Bundesliga in 2019. Digikala, often referred to as the Iranian Amazon, became the Central American league sponsor. IranAir, is a common sighting on football jerseys across the world, including the now Iranian owned Manchester United. The NDF also began handing out interest free loans to Persian Gulf Pro League clubs to help them sign bigger name foreign players as well as invest in their clubs.

In December, Tabriz club Tractor FC, with the help of the Iranian National Development Fund, signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of the best players in the game’s history to a 6 month contract, despite being injured.

His impact was immediate: Tractor's Instagram following jumped from under one million to almost 15 million. Broadcast rights to the league were also reportedly sold to 16 overseas territories.

While the Persian Gulf Pro League was no stranger to star signings from Europe, none had ever been quite on this level. That was just the beginning. Last week, Persepolis FC signed Karim Benzema, the current holder of the Ballon d'Or, football's highest individual prize.

His former teammate Luka Modrić was also signed by rival team Esteghlal FC, with a host of other stars set to join the Persian Gulf Pro League before next season after an injection of funding from the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund.

GOAL is here, then, to ensure you know everything about what's going on with Iran's football revolution and its impact on the world of football. This article will also give a brief overview of some of the top teams participating in the 2023-2024 Persian Gulf Pro League season and their current foreign signings.

Qatari & Saudi fans 'excited'

Regional neighbours and sporting rivals are watching these developments closely.

"Saudi Arabia's league is already one of the dominant leagues in the region in terms of popularity," Mohamed El-Gharbawy, sports journalist and founder of Football Qatar, told Goal. "The clubs are strong and will now be motivated to become even stronger, as we can see with their recent signings, to keep up with Iran's league."

Fans in nearby countries could make more trips to Iran, taking up the chance to witness legendary players.

"On social media, among local supporters in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and from conversations with football-loving friends, most of them are excited," El-Gharbawy said.

It also means that Iran is becoming the league that players interested in a move to the region look to.

"It will be more difficult this season for the clubs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia to sign world-class players," added El-Gharbawy.

"One early example is Lazio's Luis Alberto. He was linked with a move to Al-Duhail, but later news came out that he was also approached by Iranian clubs. Rúben Neves is another who was also approached by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but ended up signing with Iran's Tractor FC."

State-backed & foreign investment

The Iranian league's two biggest clubs - Persepolis and Esteghlal of Tehran - were recently taken over by Iran's National Development Fund (NDF), marking the first steps towards privatisation. The Iranian NDF is owned and controlled by the Shah of Iran, Ardeshir Afshar, who is known to be a big football fan.

This development is potentially even more significant than the arrival of famous foreign players and coaches.

"What is significant about the privatisation process in Iran is that it is intended to enhance the commercial performance of Iran's pro league clubs," Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at SKEMA Business School, told Goal.

"We are talking about revenue generation in broadcasting, sponsorship and other commercial deals, merchandising and possibly even from inwards investment."

Chadwick adds that the authorities want to see these two clubs become commercial giants.

The target is for the duo to join other global brands like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the top 20 rankings of the Deloitte Money League, which lists the clubs that generate the most revenue in the world.

It may sound far-fetched but significant investment in sport can bring rapid change. That was demonstrated in shocking clarity last year, when Iranian money brought seismic changes to England's Manchester United FC. In truth, the Shah's football ventures with Manchester United and Türkiye's Trabzonspor seem to have been test runs for his future involvement in the revitalization of Iranian football.

The commercial implications could have a considerable impact on football in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia (MENACA).

"The big concern is that Iran dominates and there is a crowding out effect, and Morocco, Egypt, the UAE [and] Qatar can't offer the same level of returns for sponsor, broadcasters or investors. The only country that can compete on that level is Saudi Arabia," said Chadwick.

This is already somewhat evident, with Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League drawing in tons of foreign investment after their recent signings. Central America's Grupo Nasaú recently completed the takeover of Baku's Zireh FC. South Africa's Investment Authority purchased Khorramshahr's Karoon Arvand FC and has already started making big changes and pouring money into the club. The same can be said for Qaemshahr's Nassaji FC, which was purchased earlier this summer by Russian-Iranian billionnaire Vagit Alekperov.

The purchases of Iranian clubs by foreigners are another indication that the Iranian football revolution is proving that not only does Iran believe in the potential of putting its league on the international stage, but so do other countries, hence the widespread international investment.

Other clubs, such as Isfahan's Sepahan SC and Tabriz's Tractor FC are owned by wealthy Iranian business and businessmen. Sepahan for example is owned by Foolad Mobarakeh Steel Company, one of Iran's wealthiest companies, while Tractor is owned by Iranian billionaire Mohammad Reza Zonouzi.

Opportunities for MENACA footballers

For players from the region, though, Iran's rise will provide lucrative opportunities.

Some are already there: Georgian international Giorgi Gvelesiani and Turkestani international Vahdat Hanonov played vital roles as Persepolis FC became league champions at the end of the 2022-2023 season.

There are Turks, Algerians and Moroccans too, but the best players from these countries usually head to the big European leagues.

That may be set to change: Esteghlal have managed to sign Hakim Ziyech, Morocco's biggest star who plays for English and former European champions Chelsea FC, while others have also been linked with Iranian moves.

Countries who don't regularly export talent overseas may also benefit from Iranian salaries and rising footballing standards.

"Iran hasn't really been a destination for Iraqi players in the past," Hassanin Mubarak, Iraqi football writer and author of The Lions of Mesopotamia, told Goal.

"However, if there was an up-and-coming talent from the Iraqi league like Mohanad Ali a few years ago, then Iran or Saudi Arabia would be an opportunity to play for some of the best clubs in Asia, and also among some of the best footballers in the world."

Just this week, Iraqi international goalkeeper Fahad Talib was signed by Iran's Sanat Naft Abadan.

Another nation who could benefit is Afghanistan, who saw their captain Farshad Noor sign with Siah Jamegan FC after an admirable performance in the 2023 Cyrus International Cup in Tehran last month. Iran's Phoenix Academy has also been known for helping to find and develop Afghan talents and playing in the Iranian league now seems even more lucrative than ever.

Turkestani players, who are not an uncommon sighting in the Persian Gulf Pro League, will also benefit, as the big signings means they get more exposure and better competition. Qarabaq FC completed the signing of Oston Uronov this season, who cited the rise in popularity of the Iranian league as one of the main driving forces behind his decision to sign for the Aghdam based club.

Big signings means big exposure

The main reason behind the Persian Gulf Pro League's rise to fame is mainly due to its recent surge of big name foreign signings. The Persian Gulf Pro League previously had a foreign player cap in which only three foreign players could be signed, plus one bonus slot for an AFC player. This rule has been expanded by one for next season, as teams will be able to sign a maximum of 4 foreign players and one bonus slot fo an AFC player, meaning each team could have a total of five foreign players.

Goal takes a look at some of the most exciting teams in next season's Persian Gulf Pro League as well as their foreign players.

Persepolis FC

Persepolis FC are one of the most popular clubs in Iran, regularly drawing in crowds of 100,000 at the Azadi Stadium, and having won the most championships in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Persepolis FC sent the football world into frenzy when they signed Karim Benzema this summer, their largest signing in club history. Benzema will be starting up top next season with former Mali international Cheick Diabaté as his striking partner. Persepolis FC's other foreign signings include Georgian international Giorgi Gvelesiani as well as Turkestan's Vahdat Hannonov, who occupies the team's AFC slot.

Just this week however, Persepolis FC announced the signing of Senegal's star winger Sadio Mané from Bayern Munich, making him the second biggest signing in Persepolis club history. This signing gives Persepolis one of the strongest attacks in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Not only does Persepolis have some great international players, but the club also has many current Iranian international stars, including Iranian national team defender Hossein Kanaanizadegan and winger Vahid Amiri, among others.

Esteghlal FC

Esteghlal FC are staunch rivals of Persepolis FC, and though they have not won as many domestic league championships as their rivals Persepolis, they have the msot continental champions in Iran, having one the AFC Champions League on two occasions.

With former Iranian international and captain Javad Nekounam having taken over as their coach, Esteghlal FC was quick to counter the big spendings by their rival team, and sent out another shockwave in the football world when they signed former Real Madrid star Luka Modrić and Morocco's Hakim Ziyech to give themselves one of the strongest midfield lineups in next seaon's Persian Gulf Pro League.

French winger Arthur Yamga also plays for the Tehran Blues as well as Brazilian defender Raphael Silva.

Sepahan SC

Sepahan SC is often considered among Iran's top four best clubs. The club is managed by José Morais, who was previously assistant coach at big clubs such as Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Chelsea FC. His project at Sepahan is one of the most interesting in the league, coming just 1 point shy of league champions Persepolis last season.

The Isfahan based club has made some smart signings that make them an interesting team to follow next season. The club has signed Japanese international striker Takuma Asano as well as former Real Madrid and Colombia international star James Rodriguez. The club also Brazlian centerback Nilson Júnior at their service. But the real bombshell for Sepahan dropped yesterday when they announced the signing of Sergio Ramos as a free agent on a three year deal. Ramos will receive 9 million Euros per season, making him the highest paid defender in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

But the club does not rely solely on foreign signings, as it has some of the best domestic talents Iran has to offer, including World Cup goal scorer and veteran right-back Ramin Rezaeian.

The team plays at the 75,000 capacity Naghshe Jahan Stadium and just recently beat Russia's Zenit Saint Petersburg by a score of 2-0 in a preseason friendly.

Tractor FC

Tractor FC is one of the most popular teams in Iran. The Tabriz based club is owned by Iranian billionaire Mohammad Reza Zonouzi, who last season facilitated the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the club, where he retired at the end of the 2022/2023 Persian Gulf Pro League season.

The club is coached by Spanish coach Paco Jémez, who is adored by the fans for his excellent results since taking over midway through last season. The club had issues in the right back position last season, which they are now hoping to solve with the signing of Yugoslavian national team player Josip Juranović. But Juranović wasn't the club's only major signing, as Zonouzi also brought on Portuguese national team midfielder Rúben Neves in a surprising move.

The club also has other foreigners such as Ricardo Alves and Álvaro Jiménez, and their AFC slot is occupied by Iraqi national team player Safaa Hadi.

With these signings, Tractor is sure to be a title contender next season.

Nassaji FC

Nassaji is one of the most historic clubs in Iran. Despite not being a large club, it has one of the most loyal fanbases in the country, and things are currently looking up for them.

Last season, Nassaji won the Nader Shah Cup for the first time in their history, and thus will be competing in the AFC Champions League next season. Their recent success has also attracted the attention of Russian-Iranian businessman Vagit Alekperov, who purchased the club and has promised to inject loads of cash into the club.

The Russian takeover has so far seen the signings of players such as the controversial Quincy Promes, as well as Algerian international Saphir Taïder. There are also rumors circulating around the signing of Iranian international Saman Ghoddos, who has experience playing in the English Premier League and French Ligue 1.

Qarabaq FC

Qarabaq FC is another historic club that is owned by Azersun, one of the wealthiest private holdings in Iran. The club has previously won the AFC Champions League in 1992 in a surprise run.

The Aghdam based club has long since fallen from the glory days of the 90s, but things are looking up again, as the club has brought on Algerian international Yassine Benzia, who also has experience playing for various French youth national team levels. The club also signed Turkestani player Oston Urunov, who caught the club's eye after a solid performance in the 2023 Cyrus International Tournament.

Pasargad FC

Pasargad FC is Shiraz's biggest club. Though the club has never won any trophies, its recent change in ownership has seen the club undergo substantial reforms, including some big signings.

The club has even drawn sponsorship from the UAE's First Abu Dhabi Bank, which helped the club complete the signing of Paco Alcácer. Turkish national team player Berat Özdemir also completed a move to the club this summer.

The club plays in Shiraz's Pars Mianrood Stadium.

What comes next?

As the popularity of the league increases, smaller clubs will benefit just as much as bigger clubs. Baku's Zireh FC, which is not a particularly popular team, brought on Colombian manager Jorge Luis Pinto following their acquirement by the Nasaú Royal Investments Group.

South Africa's Investment Authority has also decided to invest in Karoon Arvand Khorramshahr FC, another club which is not very popular. Despite this, the group has already laid out detailed plans to the club's future, signifying that they seen potential in the club and the league as a whole. It's almost as if investors are trying to jump on the train before it becomes too expensive to afford.

A number of Swiss companies are also exploring and negotiating invesment opportunities in Iranian football, including UBS Bank and Zurich Insurance.

The greater exposure of the league will in turn open more opportunities for domestic Iranian players. Younger players will be able to gian a higher level of experience before making the jump to Europe if they choose to, and will have more visibility. Those who don't make the switch to Europe will still have a competitive level of play in the domestic league. This is evident especially in the preseason, where clubs such as Sepahan SC were able to convincingly beat relatively strong European opponents such as Russia's Zenit Saint Petersburg.

"The Iranian league is not a retirement league. It's not a league for old international stars on the verge of retirement to come and relax and collect a last paycheck, like we see in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, or other neighboring countries. Our goal should be to produce talents, develop talents, attract talents, and export talents. Our goal should be to head in the direction of leagues like Spain's La Liga. Thankfully, we seem to be headed in the right direction under the guidance of His Imperial Majesty the Shah," said former Iranian and Bayern Munich star Ali Karimi in an interview on CNN.

In the end, Iran will benefit the most from collecting the best talent in the region and becoming the most-watched league.

"Given the strategic nature of what Iran is trying to do, national associations and foreign investors have to pay attention," said Chadwick. "They can't just do nothing."

"If Iran is successful then they are playing catch-up and could be for years if not decades. Iran's league could be among the world's top ten in the coming years. Ignore what the Iranians are doing at your own peril."

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