Jafari says AFC nomination reflects collective effort in Iranian women’s football
Marzieh Jafari, head coach of the Iranian women’s national team and domestic top-flight champions Bam Khatoon, has described her nomination for the 2026 AFC Women’s Coach of the Year award as a collective achievement for women’s football in the country.
A winner of the prestigious prize last year, Jafari will face stiff competition from Ma Xiaoxu, head coach of China’s U17 women’s team, and Park Youn-jeong, coach of South Korea’s U20 side, when the annual AFC Awards ceremony takes place at Bangkok’s Aksra Theatre King Power on November 19.
Jafari was in charge of the Iranian national team at January’s Women’s Asian Cup, where her team’s politically charged campaign in Australia ended in a group-stage exit.
She then led Bam Khatoon to the group stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League after finishing top of its preliminary group in August.
Jafari said the AFC recognition went beyond individual success, highlighting the role of Iranian players, her colleagues and the support she had received throughout her career.
“Many people deserve credit for this recognition, and it cannot be considered solely an individual achievement. Iran’s football players, my colleagues and God’s grace played an important role in this success,” she said. “The girls who play football and everyone who has accompanied me on this journey have also contributed significantly. I therefore see this nomination as the result of the collective efforts of those who have worked to develop and advance women’s football.”
The Iranian coach added that the nomination offered an opportunity to showcase the country’s footballing potential across the continent.
“I am happy that this nomination provides an opportunity for Iranian football’s level and capabilities to receive greater recognition in Asia,” Jafari said. “Being among the continent’s nominees not only has individual value but can also draw attention to the potential of Iranian women’s football and the efforts being made in this field.”
Jafari went on to welcome the increased participation of clubs in the women’s top flight, expressing hope that their involvement would help the sport continue to grow.
“I hope we will see further growth and progress as more clubs enter women’s football,” she said, adding that greater participation could make competitions more dynamic and strengthen the foundations of the game.
Jafari also stressed that the long-term development of women’s football depended on sustained planning and greater investment in youth development.
“If we pay more attention to grassroots football and major clubs also become involved at academy level, we can build a valuable foundation for women’s football in the country,” she said. “The involvement of major clubs in youth categories, alongside efforts to identify and develop talent, can provide players with a clearer pathway to progress and more opportunities to improve.”
She added that stronger grassroots programs would ultimately help Iran build a more competitive national team.
“The development of these programs will contribute to the growth of football and ultimately pave the way for a stronger national team,” Jafari said. “The more seriously we invest in youth football and the earlier players gain access to training and regular competition, the better equipped we will be to shape the future of women’s football in Iran.”
Jafari will be one of four Iranians nominated for awards at the upcoming ceremony.
Iranian international goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is among the three nominees for the Player of the Year award, alongside Saudi duo Feras Al Brikan and Salem Al Dawsari.
Iran will also look to claim a fourth successive AFC Futsal Player of the Year award, with internationals Hossein Tayyebi and 2023 winner Saied Ahmadabbasi among the nominees. The pair scored nine goals between them to help Iran secure a record-extending 14th Asian Cup title in January.