Raha Yazdani – Rising Star of Iran’s Women’s Football

Tech-savvy, energetic, and fiercely determined, Raha Yazdani is quickly becoming one of Iran’s standout midfield talents. From humble beginnings in Tehran to representing her country on a bigger stage, she combines intelligence, passion, and grit in every performance.

Raha-Yazdani
Raha-Yazdani

Early Life & Love of the Game

Born in 2001 in Tehran, Raha began playing football at local parks with friends—whether men or women, she did not care. Her technical flair, quick thinking, and composure on the ball stood out early. Seeing her potential, a local coach encouraged her to join a youth academy, giving her the chance to refine her vision and ball control.

By her teens, Raha was balancing school responsibilities with daily training sessions, showing unwavering dedication.


Club Career: Building from the Ground Up

Youth Academies in Tehran

Raha’s first steps in football education came through girls’ youth programs in Tehran. She learned the intricacies of central-midfield roles—passing accuracy, spatial awareness, support runs, and disciplined positioning.

Professional Debut & Domestic Growth

Entering the Iranian Women’s Pro League in her late teens, she joined a top Tehran-based club, quickly earning a starting spot. She became known for her midfield balance, pairing defensive effort with creative flair. As a pivot in the system, she shaped tempo, stitched play together, and offered defensive cover—earning trust from coaches and respect from teammates.


National Team Breakthrough

Youth National Appearances

Impressive domestic displays led to selections for Iran’s U‑17 and U‑20 women’s teams. During youth qualifiers, she showcased admirable composure and tactical maturity, gaining valuable international match experience.

Senior Team Call-Up

In 2023, Raha received her first senior national team call-up. Making her debut in a friendlies tournament abroad, she impressed with sharp passing, calm confidence, and maturity in midfield. Since then, she has appeared in several qualifying fixtures and friendly matches—solidifying her position as a versatile and promising midfield option.


Playing Style & Key Strengths

Raha thrives as a central or box-to-box midfielder, defined by:

  • Controlled passing—sharp, precise link-up play to transition attacks

  • Tactical awareness—knowing when to press and when to hold

  • Ball retention—calm under pressure with strong first touch

  • Defensive contribution—tracking runs, winning back possession

  • Physical readiness—stamina to support attack and defense throughout 90 minutes

Her blend of intelligence, service, and work ethic brings balance and tempo to any midfield.


Achievements & Career Milestones

  • The breakthrough midfield starter in the Iranian Pro League before age 22

  • Represented Iran at U‑17 and U‑20 levels with standout performances

  • Earned senior national team debut in 2023 and continued selection into 2025

  • Played in both qualifiers and preparation camps for FIFA and Asian competitions

Her steady rise represents both individual growth and the evolution of women’s football in Iran.


Influence & Character

Hailing from Tehrani suburbs, Raha embodies the story of a local girl who pursued her footballing dream despite cultural constraints. Her humility, team-first mentality, and infectious positivity on training grounds make her a favorite among peers. She frequently speaks to local youth groups about balancing studies and sport, advocating for female participation in sports culture.


Salary & Financial Outlook

Raha’s earnings reflect current realities for women’s football in Iran:

  • Domestic club contract, with match and training compensation

  • National team stipends for international camps and games

  • Potential performance bonuses, depending on match outcomes

Her annual income is estimated around ₹4–6 lakh (45–70 lakh IRR equivalent), with growth potential as league funding and international recognition increase.


The Road Ahead

At 24, Raha Yazdani is at a pivotal moment. Continued domestic success combined with consistent national team inclusion could open opportunities abroad. Her intelligent midfield play aligns well with tactical systems in European or neighboring Middle Eastern leagues.

With upcoming continental qualifiers on the calendar, she has the platform to establish herself as Iran’s leading midfield orchestrator and a future inspiration for many young girls.