The defender of the Iranian women’s national football team says the asylum offers included conditions that might never come again. “I give a military salute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this land, and I respect all those who support Iran on the front lines and in the field.”
Golnoush Khosravi, a member of the Iranian women’s national football team, spoke to the Federation’s newspaper about the team’s condition, the players’ performance in the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia, and other related matters. Referring to the early days of the tournament, Khosravi said: “We traveled to Australia for the competition; a long journey carrying a backpack full of hope, dreams, and goals we had worked hard for.”
“But the reality of the field doesn’t always go as we picture it in our minds. Circumstances unfolded such that we couldn’t perform as we had expected. It’s true that we were in a very difficult group against strong teams—a group many call the ‘Group of Death.'”
“Still, advancing from this group wasn’t an unattainable dream for us. We believed in our abilities and knew that if everything went as expected, advancing could mean qualifying for the Women’s World Cup—a historic event, a dream that every player and every team cherishes.”
Regarding what happened in Australia, the national team player stated: “During those days, some offers were made—offers that would be tempting for many. Life in another country, better facilities, a house, a car, income, and the opportunity to play at a high level in the Australian league. Things that many say might come your way only once in a lifetime. Opportunities that some might find very strange to reject. But despite all this, we made our decision.”
Khosravi added: “We came back. We returned to the place where our roots are embedded in the soil. A place that is not just a dot on the map; it’s our identity, our memories, a part of our soul. For us, no comfort or opportunity can replace that sense of belonging. One may not have many things in life—a house, a car, or great wealth—but some attachments cannot be measured by any material standard.”
The women’s national team player acknowledged: “Returning is not always easy. Sometimes it comes with a deep sadness—sadness seeing the worry on people’s faces, sadness hearing news that weighs heavy on the heart. In such moments, more than ever, one wishes to do something; anything, no matter how small, to bring peace to hearts.”
Khosravi concluded: “We have a people who deserve peace. A life where hope outweighs worry. I have always been proud to be a national player—to wear a shirt bearing my country’s name. This pride is not just a sporting title for me; it is a responsibility I feel in my heart. Sometimes, one feels small in the face of great events—wishing their voice were louder, wishing they could do more.”
“But despite all these feelings, one thing has always remained constant in my heart: love for the people I belong to, for the land that is my home, and a hope that must never be extinguished—hope for brighter days for everyone.”
Golnoush Khosravi, the Iranian women’s national football team player, attending nighttime gatherings in support of dear Iran, said: “I am a national team player, and I know well that we must fight for the flag emblazoned on our shirt.” She added: “I attended street gatherings to stand with the people and fight for the pride and glory of our beloved country.”