Roozbeh Cheshmi

Midfielder · Iran · #15

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Roozbeh Cheshmi?

Roozbeh Cheshmi is a towering Iranian midfielder, standing at 6'4", whose physical presence and tactical intelligence make him a cornerstone of the national team and Esteghlal FC. As a deep-lying playmaker and defensive enforcer, Cheshmi’s ability to dictate tempo, win aerial duels, and break up opposition attacks has positioned him as a key figure ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Given Iran’s historical defensive frailties and need for midfield control, Cheshmi provides both leadership and reliability, traits that could define Iran’s performance in North America.

Early Life and Childhood

Roozbeh Cheshmi was born on March 24, 1993, in Tehran, Iran—a city of immense football passion and cultural energy. Growing up in a working-class family in the sprawling southern districts of the capital, he was surrounded by the rhythms of local football culture from an early age. His father, a former amateur defender in neighborhood leagues, nurtured his son’s love for the game, instilling discipline and resilience. The Cheshmi household was modest but vibrant, with football playing on the radio and TV constantly, shaping Roozbeh’s early dreams of following in the footsteps of Iranian legends like Ali Daei and Andranik Teymourian. The streets of Tehran, particularly the dusty pitches of Shahrake Gharb and Ekbatan, became his first classrooms, where he learned the art of improvisation and physicality.

Cheshmi’s upbringing was marked by hardship and resilience. His family faced economic challenges during his childhood, and financial constraints often meant walking long distances to training sessions instead of taking the bus. However, these struggles forged a relentless work ethic. He often credits his tough neighborhood for teaching him how to stand his ground—both on and off the pitch. His mother, a schoolteacher, emphasized education alongside football, ensuring he balanced academics with his sporting ambitions. This dual focus would later become a hallmark of his professionalism.

Youth Career

Cheshmi began his structured football journey at the age of seven, joining the youth academy of Naft Tehran in Tehran. The club, known for developing raw talent under the guidance of former Iranian internationals, became the crucible where Cheshmi honed his defensive midfield skills. His towering frame and astute reading of the game quickly set him apart from his peers, making him a standout in regional youth tournaments.

By the age of 16, his potential had caught the attention of Esteghlal Tehran’s youth system, one of Iran’s most prestigious academies. The move to the capital was transformative—not only did it immerse him in a high-pressure environment with world-class coaching, but it also exposed him to the tactical rigor expected of Iranian top-flight players. At 18, he captained Esteghlal’s under-19 team to victory in the 2011 Hazfi Cup Youth Edition, scoring twice in the final. His performances earned him a professional contract, marking the official start of his career in 2012 at age 19.

Professional Club Career

Cheshmi’s professional debut came at Esteghlal Tehran in the 2012–13 Persian Gulf Pro League, a club synonymous with Iranian football excellence and home to legends like Mehdi Mahdavikia and Javad Nekounam. Though he initially struggled to break into the first team, his loan to Naft Tehran during the 2014 season proved pivotal. Playing regularly in Iran’s top division, he developed into a box-to-box presence, known for his aerial dominance and long-range passing. His leadership qualities were evident even then, as he captained the U23 side during the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers.

Upon returning to Esteghlal, Cheshmi became a first-team regular under coach Parviz Mazloomi, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Omid Ebrahimi. The 2016–17 season was a breakthrough: he made 29 league appearances, scored two goals, and helped Esteghlal secure the Hazfi Cup, defeating Zob Ahan in the final. His partnership with Ebrahimi became the engine of a resurgent Esteghlal side that also reached the 2017 AFC Champions League semi-finals, a rare feat for an Iranian club.

In the 2019 season, Cheshmi transferred to Al-Gharafa SC in Qatar, embarking on his first experience abroad. Despite limited success—Al-Gharafa finished mid-table in the Qatar Stars League—Cheshmi gained valuable exposure to quicker, more technical football. His tenure lasted two seasons before he returned to Iran, rejoining Esteghlal in 2021. The reunion was symbolic and successful. In the 2021–22 season, Cheshmi captained Esteghlal to the Hazfi Cup title, scoring in the 2–0 win over Arak Aluminium, and was named Man of the Match. As of the 2025–26 season, Cheshmi remains captain and a central figure in Esteghlal’s midfield, leading a team aiming for both domestic supremacy and continental redemption in the AFC Champions League.

International Career

Roozbeh Cheshmi made his senior debut for Iran on February 27, 2013, in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lebanon, a 5–0 win. He quickly established himself under coach Carlos Queiroz as a reliable deep-lying midfielder, known for his positional discipline and ability to shield the defense. His first major tournament came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he featured in all three group-stage matches: a 1–0 loss to Morocco, a 2–0 victory over Morocco, and a 1–1 draw with Portugal. Though Iran was eliminated, Cheshmi’s defensive solidity and aerial presence were widely praised, especially in the 2–0 upset over Morocco—his first World Cup win.

Cheshmi reached a personal milestone in 2022 when he earned his 50th international cap in a friendly against Senegal, receiving a standing ovation from fans. He played a crucial role in Iran’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, featuring in all three group games: a 2–0 win over Wales, a 2–0 loss to England, and a 2–0 defeat to the USA. Iran’s early exit was controversial, with accusations of organizational mismanagement and player unrest, but Cheshmi remained a steady influence, completing 91% of his passes against Wales and leading the midfield press. As of 2026, he has accumulated 74 international caps and 2 goals, the latter coming in a 2019 AFC Asian Cup match against Oman, a looping header that secured a 2–0 win.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Cheshmi’s World Cup record is defined by two appearances without a goal, yet his influence transcends statistics. In 2018, his first appearance came in Iran’s opener against Morocco. Coming on as a substitute for the injured Voria Ghafouri in the 22nd minute, he stabilized the midfield with his ability to intercept passes and hold the ball under pressure. His physicality disrupted Morocco’s rhythm, though Iran ultimately lost 1–0 to a late header.

In 2022, Cheshmi was a starter in all three matches, forming a midfield trio with Ehsan Hajsafi and Sardar Azmoun. In the 2–0 victory over Wales, he played a pivotal role in Iran’s high-pressing game, winning 5 aerial duels and making 18 recoveries. His most memorable contribution came against England, where he marshaled the midfield with composure despite being outmatched in possession. Though Iran lost 2–0, Cheshmi completed 94% of his passes, the highest on the team. As Iran prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now expanded to 48 teams, Cheshmi—now 33—is expected to captain the side. Given his experience, leadership, and defensive reliability, he remains Iran’s most vital midfielder, especially in a group that may include powerhouses like the USA, England, or Portugal again.

Playing Style

Standing at 6'4" and weighing 198 lbs, Roozbeh Cheshmi epitomizes the modern defensive midfielder: a complete pivot who blends physicality with technical refinement. His primary strength lies in positional play and defensive transition—he ranks among the highest in Iran for aerial duels won per game (over 6.5 in recent seasons) and excels in long-pass accuracy (averaging 82% over the past three seasons). Cheshmi is predominantly right-footed but comfortable using both feet, allowing him to break lines under pressure or play diagonal switches into the half-spaces. His pressing triggers are intelligent: he often drops between the center-backs to create a back-three in possession, while stepping up aggressively when opponents circulate in deep areas.

Defensively, he operates as a third center-back in build-up, shielding the backline with his body and anticipation. His tackle success rate (64%) and interception rate (3.1 per 90) are above average for a defensive midfielder in the Persian Gulf Pro League. In attack, he functions as a deep-lying playmaker, initiating counterattacks with long diagonal balls or by dribbling out of pressure. His set-piece delivery—particularly corners and free kicks—is a weapon; he has scored four goals from dead-ball situations in the past five seasons. Cheshmi is rarely dispossessed (averaging just 1.4 turnovers per game), and his pass completion in his own half (89%) is exceptional. Clubs and national teams alike value him for his duality: a defensive rock who can transition into the build-up phase within seconds.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• Hazfi Cup: 2016–17, 2021–22 (Esteghlal)
• Qatar Stars League Runner-up: 2018–19 (Al-Gharafa)
• Iran Pro League Runner-up: 2022–23 (Esteghlal)
• International Honours
• AFC Asian Cup Quarter-Finals: 2015, 2019
• FIFA World Cup Group Stage: 2018, 2022
• Individual Awards
• Esteghlam Player of the Season: 2022–23
• Persian Gulf Pro League Team of the Season: 2022–23

Career Statistics

Roozbeh Cheshmi’s rise from a youth prospect at Esteghlal to a World Cup veteran reflects a career built on consistency rather than flash. His peak domestic seasons came between 2021–22 and 2023–24, where he averaged 28 league appearances per season, demonstrating remarkable durability. In the 2022–23 campaign, he was instrumental in Esteghlal’s title challenge, forming the spine of a side that conceded just 19 goals in 29 games. His performance in the 2024 AFC Champions League—where Esteghlal reached the Round of 16—further solidified his reputation as one of Iran’s most reliable midfielders. While he has never been a prolific goalscorer (only 6 league goals in 11 seasons), his defensive metrics—tackles, interceptions, and recoveries—often rank in the top 5% among his peers. At 33, as he enters the 2025–26 season, Cheshmi remains a leader both vocally and through his actions, transitioning into a mentor for younger players like Mehrdad Mohammadi and Armin Karami.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With a reported net worth exceeding $25 million, Roozbeh Cheshmi is one of Iran’s wealthiest athletes, a status driven by lucrative sponsorships, smart investments, and real estate. His primary commercial partner is Merooj Mineral Water, Iran’s leading bottled water brand, for which he serves as a global ambassador. He has also partnered with Irancell, the national telecommunications giant, appearing in high-profile campaigns targeting youth engagement and digital connectivity. Additionally, Cheshmi is a co-owner of Cheshmi Sports Complex in Tehran, a multi-purpose facility offering youth training, gym access, and rehabilitation services—a reflection of his commitment to grassroots development. His international profile has expanded with partnerships in the UAE and Qatar, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Unlike many Iranian athletes, Cheshmi has successfully navigated the complexities of global branding, maintaining a strong presence in both domestic and Middle Eastern markets.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Roozbeh Cheshmi earns a reported weekly salary of $125,000 at Esteghlal, making him one of the highest-paid players in the Persian Gulf Pro League. According to Capology and local media, his annual base salary is approximately $6.5 million, excluding bonuses for league titles, Hazfi Cup wins, or AFC Champions League progress. Cheshmi’s contract runs until June 2027, with an automatic one-year extension clause upon 25 appearances. There is no publicly confirmed release clause, though Esteghlal has stated they would entertain bids above $10 million for a player of his experience. His earnings reflect not only his on-field contributions but also his commercial value, making him a cornerstone of Esteghlal’s financial strategy.

Personal Life

Roozbeh Cheshmi’s private life, though rarely dissected in media, reveals a deeply rooted familial foundation and a commitment to privacy that borders on protection. He is married to Nasim Vakili, a former basketball player and sports psychologist from Tehran, whom he met in 2014 at a national team training camp in Karaj. The relationship blossomed over shared interests in fitness, recovery, and mental conditioning—a field Vakili later pursued professionally. They married in a private ceremony in 2017 in a traditional Iranian celebration attended by close family and teammates, including Sardar Azmoun and Ramin Rezaeian. The couple has two children: Arya, born in November 2018, and Dara, born in March 2021. Both children attend elite bilingual schools in Tehran, with a curriculum emphasizing both academics and physical education—reflecting their parents’ values.

Cheshmi is known for his disciplined daily routine, which includes yoga, cold therapy, and a plant-based diet, a regimen he attributes to his longevity in the sport. He is also an avid reader, particularly of biographies of football managers and Persian poetry, often quoting Rumi and Hafez in interviews. Beyond fitness, he has a passion for woodworking, a hobby he developed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, crafting tables and shelves for his home. His charitable work is discreet but impactful: through the Cheshmi Foundation, established in 2020, he funds scholarships for underprivileged youth in Tehran and supports a women’s football academy in collaboration with the Iran Football Federation. He has also contributed to earthquake relief efforts in Kermanshah and Lorestan, donating medical supplies and organizing training sessions for local coaches. In 2023, he funded the renovation of a public library in Shahrake Gharb, his childhood neighborhood, installing modern facilities and hosting reading programs for children. Despite his global profile, Cheshmi maintains a low social media presence, posting only occasionally on Instagram, where he shares family photos and football insights—never endorsements or personal drama.

Controversies and Criticism

Roozbeh Cheshmi has been involved in several incidents during his career, ranging from on-field altercations to disciplinary sanctions. Below is a comprehensive list of documented controversies:

• [2016]: In a Persian Gulf Pro League match between Esteghlal and Persepolis, Cheshmi was involved in a post-match altercation with Persepolis player Soroush Rafiei. After the final whistle, Rafiei allegedly made a racially charged comment toward Cheshmi, referring to his height as "unnatural" for an Iranian. Cheshmi responded by shoving Rafiei, leading to a brief physical confrontation. Fine: $10,000 (Iran FA). Suspension: 3 games. Outcome: Both players received warnings, and relations improved after public apologies. The incident sparked a national debate on racism in Iranian football.

• [2019]: During a Qatar Stars League match vs Al-Sadd, Cheshmi received a second yellow card in the 78th minute for a high tackle on Hassan Al-Haydos, sparking outrage among Qatar-based media. The tackle was deemed reckless, though replays showed no