Title: Rouzbeh Cheshmi: Could His Passion for Esteghlal Be a Double-Edged Sword?
Cheshmi’s Pivotal Role in Esteghlal’s Campaign
Rouzbeh Cheshmi, the captain of Esteghlal Tehran, has long been admired by fans for his relentless effort and fiery determination on the pitch. His passionate interviews have also sparked debates, with some supporters praising his unwavering loyalty while others question his on-field conduct.
In the recent Super Cup clash against Tractor, Cheshmi’s crucial goal could have been another historic moment for Esteghlal, mirroring their Hazfi Cup triumph. However, Tractor’s comeback shifted the game’s momentum. Worse still, Cheshmi suffered a long-term injury post-match, deepening the woes of the Blue-clad fans.
Injury Crisis Threatens Esteghlal’s Campaign
Esteghlal now faces an uphill battle against Tractor amid a growing injury crisis. Key players like Rustam Ashurmatov and Jaloliddin Masharipov are sidelined, with their absence keenly felt in the Super Cup. Adding to the list is Cheshmi himself, who—despite scoring—sustained a shoulder ligament tear, ruling him out for 2-4 weeks.
Cheshmi’s collision with Tractor’s Adib Zarei during the Super Cup opener.
Playing Through Pain: Heroic or Risky?
Reports from Hamshahri suggest Cheshmi was injured during the very play that led to his goal. Despite medical advice to leave the pitch, he insisted on continuing—a decision some argue was driven by emotion rather than strategy. Now, his prolonged absence raises a critical question: Would withdrawing earlier have been wiser, sparing him multiple missed matches? This incident highlights the need for balancing passion with pragmatism in high-stakes football.
