The Iranian Cristiano Ronald @ 40 Years.

It was in September 2001, Nasimeh Gholami was making her IR Iran debut. Times may have changed, but one thing that hasn’t, astonishingly, is that Gholami, 24 years later, is still playing international futsal. Furthermore, she’s set to wear the Iran No.10 shirt in her first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

FIFA caught up with Gholami to discuss inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo, her excitement over being at Philippines 2025, and her eagerness to prove she can “compete at the highest level even at the age of 40”.

When FIFA had asked her, What was it like playing futsal for Iran as a debutant way back in 2001;

Nasimeh Gholami replied, “The first time I wore the national team jersey of my country, it felt like a dream. It had always been my wish, and wearing it gave me an incredible feeling, because wearing the national-team shirt is the dream of every player”.

Nasimeh Gholami has humbly reiterated that consistency, discipline, commitment are the three secrets enabling her to still play at an elite level at the age of 40. All of these are very difficult, but I always tell myself that I can overcome them. I wanted to prove to the world that age is just a number for. And of course, with the right lifestyle, consistency, hard work and a strong mind, you can achieve anything you want. The World Cup was my athletic dream, and I’m happy that I reached it.

When asked about her Nickname: ‘The Iranian Messi’, she candidly replied, “I love Messi, but my role model is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my age and still playing at the highest level of world football. I’m proud that at my age, I’m competing in the biggest tournament in the world”.

While talking about her fellow team mate, Maral Torkaman, she affirmed that Maral is honestly a phenomenon in Iran and one of the best players, sure of shining at the World Cup. About Team Iran’s first encounter with Brazil, Gholami asserted that Brazil have always been one of the best teams in the world, and they respect them. But being an Iranian, she would give everything she has, aspiring to surprise the world.

After playing for Iran since the last 24 years, Gholami & Team Iran are finally set to play in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. “I’m incredibly excited. I can’t even describe it. I’m eagerly waiting for the start of the matches. I worked so hard to be here at the World Cup, I went through a lot, trained a lot, and I want to show the world that when you have consistency, effort, and a strong mind, you can compete at the highest level even at the age of 40. Iran will definitely shock the world at the World Cup”.

Team Maverick