Resilient, precise, and fiercely determined, Zahra Khajavi has solidified her place as one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football. From her early days in Nahavand’s youth academies to international acclaim with Iran’s national team, her journey blends skill, grit, and record-breaking moments.
Early Life & Athletic Beginnings
Born on February 8, 1999, in Nahavand, Zahra started as a multi-sport athlete before committing to football. She played handball and futsal before focusing on the net—initially as a defender, then fronting as a forward when needed, even scoring lightning-fast goals in the early seconds of matches. Your family fully supported her ambitions, spurring her pursuit of the sport.
Club Career: From Province Pride to Continental Stages
Bam Khatoon FC, one of Iran’s leading clubs, welcomed Zahra in 2020. As first-choice keeper, she has starred domestically and in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, producing standout saves that caught attention beyond Iranian shores.
National Team Breakthrough & Caps
A mainstay since 2018, Zahra has earned over a dozen national caps. She overcame injury setbacks and reclaimed her spot through consistent, high-performance play—earning the affectionate title “Asian Eagle” from Iranian media. Continued involvement in 2025 training camps confirms her importance to Iran’s goalkeeping ranks.
Record-Breaking Clean Sheets
On December 27, 2019, Zahra made history by holding a jaw-dropping 953 consecutive minutes without conceding—a clean-sheet run that surpassed the legendary men’s record set by Payam Niazmand. This women’s record highlighted her mental resilience and precise technique under pressure.
Playing Style & Strengths
Known for her intelligence, agility, and footwork, Zahra blends traditional shot-stopping with modern sweeper-keeper qualities. She processes play quickly, positions perfectly, and initiates attacks with confident distribution. She’s also praised for one of Iran’s longest throw kicks—matching her male counterparts for distance
Major Achievements
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Clean-sheet record of 953 minutes in 2019
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Permanent keeper at Bam Khatoon, playing in AFC competitions
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Iran senior national team mainstay, earning caps since 2018
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Nicknamed “Asian Eagle” for her leadership and shot-stopping prowess
Off the Pitch: A Role Model for Change
Zahra’s rise comes amid Iran’s struggle for support of women’s sport. She often speaks about football’s power for women and the added challenge of playing in a hijab—especially under extreme weather. As an outspoken figure, she shines a light on both the sport’s beauty and its barriers.
Professional Outlook & Future Goals
Though Iranian players face limited salaries and exposure, Zahra’s record and international reach position her for bigger stages. She harbors ambitions to play overseas and continue as Iran’s primary keeper through upcoming World Cup and Olympic qualifiers.
The Road Ahead
At 26, Zahra is entering the peak years for a goalkeeper. With 953 minutes of clean sheets, regular national team roles, and continental club experience, she stands poised for further records, mentorship roles, and potentially groundbreaking moves abroad.
