Title: From Esteghlal Stardom to National Duty: Alireza Koushki’s Remarkable Journey to Team Melli
Tehran – In a testament to resilience and continuous improvement, Esteghlal FC’s rising star, Alireza Koushki, has earned a coveted call-up to the Iranian national football team, Team Melli. His selection highlights a story of personal determination and a club’s positive developmental trajectory under its new management.
A Team Building Momentum
Esteghlal’s start to the season under coach Ricardo Sá Pinto has been a narrative of growth. Beginning with a defeat in the Super Cup, the team quickly rebounded with a significant victory against Tractor in Tabriz. Their most recent match against Zob Ahan showcased their newfound grit, fighting until the final seconds to secure a dramatic draw after being two goals down at halftime.
This resilience points to a squad focused on rectifying its weaknesses daily. The team’s collective progress is built on the individual advancement of its players, a core philosophy for building a successful and cohesive unit.
The Meteoric Rise of Alireza Koushki
The most compelling evidence of this positive environment is the ascent of young forward Alireza Koushki. Amidst a roster of high-profile stars, Koushki has emerged as Esteghlal’s standout performer, a journey that has now been crowned with a national team call-up.
Koushki’s path has been far from straightforward. After early promise at Paykan, a challenging period at Foolad, including a serious ligament injury, brought him to the brink of ending his professional career. However, a successful revival at Gol Gohar paved the way for his move to Esteghlal, where he initially faced immense pressure and criticism.
Persistence Rewarded
His breakthrough came last season in crucial moments: a decisive league goal that pulled Esteghlal from crisis, a goal and an assist in a vital AFC Champions League match against Al-Rayyan to secure advancement, and a goal in the intense Tehran derby.
Despite these contributions, playing time remained inconsistent. Yet, Koushki chose to stay and fight. His perseverance paid off with the arrival of Coach Sá Pinto. A stellar pre-season in Turkey, where he scored and assisted in all four friendly matches, cemented his status as an indispensable force in the starting lineup. He opened the new season emphatically, scoring a spectacular brace against Zob Ahan.
Looking Ahead
With Esteghlal’s acquisition of high-profile foreign wingers, competition for places is fierce. However, Koushki, who embraces competition, has a strong advocate in Coach Sá Pinto. This competitive environment, featuring players like Asani, Jenpo, and Mohammad Hossein Eslami, ultimately benefits the squad and its emerging stars.
Koushki’s call-up to Team Melli is a deserved reward for his unwavering dedication and a powerful symbol of how talent, when nurtured through perseverance and a supportive system, can achieve the highest honors.