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The Europa League: Which Clubs Should Iranians Support?

Azmoun Taremi

The Europa League is a massive tournament. It might be the Champions League’s less talented cousin, but it’s a big deal. After all, whichever team wins secures automatic entry into Europe’s flagship competition next season. Ever since the rule was brought in, clubs have taken it more seriously than ever, and the entertainment and quality of football have been fantastic.  

However, the Europa League poses a problem for Iranians because, well, it’s in Europe. With less representation on the smaller sides, it's difficult to find a team to support. They do exist, though, if you look closely enough.  

FC Porto  

The Portuguese club is undoubtedly one of the biggest in Portuguese football, with a rich history in European competitions. No one will ever forget Porto winning the Champions League in 2004, for example. Even better, their Europa League odds of 9/1 mean the side ranks highly on Europa League predictions lists. Dortmund and Sevilla are strongly fancied, yet if they mess up, Porto won’t be far behind.  

So, the fact that Mehdi Taremi signed for the club in 2020 and has been making waves in Portugal and Europe ever since is almost coincidental for Iranians. He’s representing Iran on the world stage, which means Iran wins when Porto wins. What’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.  

The good news for Iran and Iranian football is that the striker has broken records and claimed awards in the past 18 months. In December 2020, he won his first European winners' medal after Porto secured the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Two months later, Taremi scored in the knockout phase of the Champions League against Juventus, the first Iranian to boost the honour. Then, in the quarter-finals, his stunning goal against Chelsea was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award. Thanks to Taremi, Porto will have a place in Iranian hearts.  

Zenit Saint Petersburg  

Sardar Azmoun is another heavyweight of Iranian football. Like Mehdi Taremi, he plies his trade in Europe, which is an achievement in itself. Just like his international teammate, Azmoun is no stranger to putting his country in the shop window thanks to his stellar performances. 19 goals in 24 games last season showcases his ability.  

Still, it's his mature head on young shoulders that’s the most impressive aspect of his style. For instance, at 26, he already has the most Champions League goals for an Iranian - against Chelsea during a 3-3 draw - and he’s three years younger than Taremi. Plus, he’s the second-most expensive Iranian of all time, behind Alireza Jahanbakhsh.  

Since he’s become the main attacking threat for Zenit in the last two seasons, he’ll be at the centre of their Europa League success. With odds of 14/1 for the outright win, he could do something no Iranian professional footballer has done before and go all the way.  

West Ham  

The East Londoners have no Iranian players in their squad. They don’t have a history of giving opportunities to Iranians, either. What the club does have is a connection with one of the most infamous agents of all time - Kia Joorabchian.  

Joorabchian brought Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to East London in a controversial deal that will go down in history. As well as helping the team to survive relegation, the agreement put Iranian football in the headlines. It wasn’t all good, but we admit that we enjoyed our moment in the sun.  

Without Joorabchian, the likes of Azmoun and Taremi might never have made their way to Europe. West Ham was the starting point, which means every Iranian football supporter has a soft spot for the Hammers. Plus, at 4/1, they could easily win it and give us something to cheer about.

Iranians aren’t short of connections to clubs in the Europa League. Let's hope that an Iranian player has a hand in the competition’s big moments to make it doubly special.