Saman Ghoddos
{{Short description|Iranian footballer (born 1993)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Saman Ghoddos
{{nobold|سامان قدّوس}}
| image = Saman Ghoddos - 2018 FIFA World Cup.jpg
| caption = Ghoddos training at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
| birth_name = Saman Ghoddos{{cite web|url=http://ostersundsfk.se/team/saman-ghoddos/|title=Saman Ghoddos|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142426/http://ostersundsfk.se/team/saman-ghoddos/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/person/?playerid=8104|title=Saman Ghoddos — svenskfotboll.se|date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208025911/http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/person/?playerid=8104|archive-date=8 December 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/saman-ghoddos|title=Saman Ghoddos|website=www.brentfordfc.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/25094/Saman-Ghoddos/overview|title=Saman Ghoddos Brentford Forward, Profile & Stats | Premier League|website=www.premierleague.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1993|9|6}}{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/25094/Saman-Ghoddos/overview|title=Saman Ghoddos: Overview|website=Premier League|access-date=2 August 2022}}
| birth_place = Malmö, Sweden{{GSA player|saman-ghoddoos/28084|access-date=10 November 2021}}
| height = 1.76 m{{cite web | url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/saman-ghoddos | title=Saman Ghoddos |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=2 August 2022 }}
| position = Attacking midfielder, winger, wing-back, full-back
| currentclub = Kalba
| clubnumber = 44
| youthyears1 = 2000–2004
| youthclubs1 = BK Vången
| youthyears2 = 2004–2007
| youthclubs2 = FC Malmö
| youthyears3 = 2007–2011
| youthclubs3 = IF Limhamn Bunkeflo
| years1 = 2011–2012
| clubs1 = IF Limhamn Bunkeflo
| caps1 = 41
| goals1 = 4
| years2 = 2013
| clubs2 = Trelleborgs FF
| caps2 = 18
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2014–2015
| clubs3 = Syrianska FC
| caps3 = 54
| goals3 = 14
| years4 = 2016–2018
| clubs4 = Östersunds FK
| caps4 = 65
| goals4 = 29
| years5 = 2018–2020
| clubs5 = Amiens
| caps5 = 34
| goals5 = 5
| years6 = 2020–2021
| clubs6 = → Brentford (loan)
| caps6 = 16
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2021–2024
| clubs7 = Brentford
| caps7 = 78
| goals7 = 5
| years8 = 2024–
| clubs8 = Kalba
| caps8 = 18
| goals8 = 4
| nationalyears1 = 2017
| nationalteam1 = Sweden
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2017–
| nationalteam2 = Iran
| nationalcaps2 = 59
| nationalgoals2 = 3
| club-update = 24 May 2025
| nationalteam-update = 10 June 2025
}}
Seyed Saman Ghoddoos{{NoteTag|Born in Sweden as Saman Ghoddos, his full name in Iran is Seyed Saman Ghoddoos}} ({{langx|fa|سامان قدّوس}}; born 6 September 1993) is an Iranian Swedish born professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or striker for the Iran national team and Kalba in UAE Pro League. A versatile player, Ghoddos can also be deployed as a winger, wing-back or full-back.
Born in Sweden to Iranian parents, he initially played for the Sweden national team, before switching allegiance to Iran in 2017.
Club career
=Östersund=
==2016 season==
Saman Ghoddos scored 10 league goals in his first season in the Allsvenskan for Östersunds FK, including their first top-flight goal in his Allsvenskan debut on 4 April 2016 against Hammarby IF.{{cite web|url=https://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/statistikligor/?scr=sl|title=Allsvensk statistik — svenskfotboll.se|website=svenskfotboll.se|date=31 July 2023 }} He scored a brace at his hometown club Malmö FF on 22 October in Swedbank Stadion. After his good performances in the 2016 season, Ghoddos drew interest from German club Hertha Berlin and Dutch club Ajax.{{cite web|url=http://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin-sport/hertha-bsc/holt-hertha-jetzt-schwedens-offensivstar-ghoddos|title=Holt Hertha jetzt Schwedens Offensivstar Ghoddos?|date=28 December 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://blogg.fotbollskanalen.se/sillybloggen/2016/12/28/ajax-ryktas-visa-intresse-for-ghoddos-inte-kommit-nagot-bud/|title=Ajax ryktas visa intresse för Ghoddos: "Inte kommit något bud" - Sillybloggen|website=blogg.fotbollskanalen.se}}
==2017 season==
Ghoddos started the 2017 season in fine form, leading Östersund to the Swedish Cup final with six goals in six games, including an acrobatic goal in the quarter-final against Trelleborgs FF and a brace in the semi-final against Häcken.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/svenska-cupen-1/tv-ostersund-till-cupfinal---ghoddos-sankte-hacken-stolt-over-killarna/|title=TV: Östersund till cupfinal - Ghoddos sänkte Häcken: "Stolt över killarna"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} He scored his seventh domestic cup goal of the season in the final, leading Östersund to the second qualifying round of the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League with manager Graham Potter.{{cite web|url=https://svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/arkiv/cuper-serier/2017/04/cupfinal2017/|title=Svenska Cupen, Slutspel Matchinformation: Östersund mot IFK Norrköping FK 2017-04-13 (4-1) — svenskfotboll.se|website=svenskfotboll.se}}
In his UEFA debut, Ghoddos scored a goal and provided an assist for a 2–0 win against Galatasaray on 13 July 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2021836--ostersund-vs-galatasaray/|title=UEFA Europa League - Östersund-Galatasaray|publisher=UEFA}} In the return leg, Ghoddos won a penalty with a dribble past Fernando Muslera.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2021876--galatasaray-vs-ostersund/|title=UEFA Europa League - Galatasaray-Östersund|publisher=UEFA}} In a league match on 13 August, he scored a long-range goal from 40 meters out against Hammarby IF in Stockholm's Tele2 Arena.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/k57qX|title=Graham Potter: "Visar bara hur dum jag är"|website=www.aftonbladet.se|date=13 August 2017 |accessdate=21 November 2022}} On 24 August, Ghoddos scored two goals in the Europa League play-offs against PAOK to qualify his team to the group stages of the competition. He scored the club's first tournament proper goal in their group stage debut on 14 September.{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/har-chockar-ghoddos-zorya-malskytt-igen/|title=Östersund tar ledningen mot Zorya Luhansk|website=www.expressen.se|date=14 September 2017 |accessdate=21 November 2022}} He won the attacker of the year award at the end of the 2017 Allsvenskan season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/tv-ghoddos-arets-anfallare-i-allsvenskan-gatt-helt-okej-i-ar/|title=TV: Ghoddos årets anfallare i allsvenskan: "Gått helt okej i år"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} On 23 November, Ghoddos scored the winning goal to send his club to the knockout phase of the Europa League.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/11/23/europa-league-underdogs-ostersund-knock-out-phase-english-coach/|title=Europa League underdogs Ostersund through to knock-out phase under English coach Graham Potter|date=23 November 2017|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=28 August 2019}}
==2018 season==
{{Quote box |quote = I believe that the most impressive in the first game was Ghoddos, who is a marvellous player. Technically and tactically, I was impressed by him. |source =—Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger on Ghoddos, 22 February 2018.{{cite web|title=Arsene Wenger praises Saman Ghoddos|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qugJ0ikG6rY|publisher=YouTube|access-date=22 February 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3394671/west-ham-leicester-tracking-ostersunds-saman-ghoddos-sources|title=Prem eye Ostersunds' Ghoddos - sources|date=23 February 2018}} |align = right |quoted = 1 | width = 33%}}
Ghoddos provided two assists in his side's 2–1 win in the second leg of the Europa League round of 32 against English Premier League side Arsenal in London, though they were defeated 4–2 on aggregate.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43136849|title=Arsenal 1-2 Ostersunds FK (4-2 agg) |website=BBC Sport|first=Emlyn|last=Begley|date=22 February 2018|access-date=19 March 2018}} He scored his first league goal of the season on 15 April against IFK Göteborg, and scored a free kick on 30 April against Brommapojkarna.{{cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/video/3968702/ghoddos-med-masterverk---placerar-in-3-0-pa-frispark/|title=Ghoddos med mästerverk - placerar in 3-0 på frispark|website=fotbollskanalen}} On 14 May, he scored from a free kick against AIK in the Friends Arena.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/ghoddos-om-vm-chanserna-och-krysset-mot-aik-valdigt-starkt-av-oss/|title=Ghoddos om VM-chanserna och krysset mot AIK: "Väldigt starkt av oss"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} He scored another goal in the next game during a derby match against GIF Sundsvall.{{cite web|url=https://www.svenskafans.com/fotboll/forlust-i-derbyt-for-giffarna-med-2-3-587653.aspx|title=Förlust i derbyt för Giffarna med 2-3 - GIF Sundsvall - Allsvenskan - SvenskaFans.com|website=www.svenskafans.com}} Upon returning from the World Cup, Ghoddos captained his club side and scored a goal in a 2–1 win at Hammarby.{{Cite news|url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=78&artikel=6995898|title = Östersunds drömminuter sänkte Hammarby - P4 Jämtland|newspaper = Sveriges Radio|date = 9 July 2018|last1 = Tynander/Radiosporten|first1 = Rasmus}} He scored another free kick in the following match on 14 July at Malmö FF.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/tv-just-nu-ghoddos-satter-kvitteringen-mot-mff-med-lacker-frispark/|title = TV: MFF brände mängder av chanser - då räddade Ghoddos frispark kryss för ÖFK}} Ghoddos scored a brace in the following match against Trelleborg to become joint-top scorer of the 2018 Allsvenskan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/tv-ofk-korde-over-tff---nar-ghoddos-hade-stor-show/|title = TV: ÖFK körde över TFF - när Ghoddos hade stor show}} He subsequently won the Allsvenskan player of the month award for his performances in July.{{Cite web|url=https://allsvenskan.se/nyheter/nyheter-fran-allsvenskan.se/saman-ghoddos-ar-manadens-spelare-i-allsvenskan|title = Saman Ghoddos är Månadens spelare i Allsvenskan| date=6 August 2018 }}
=Amiens=
On 23 August 2018, Ghoddos transferred to French Ligue 1 side Amiens SC signing a five-year contract. The transfer fee paid to Östersund was reported as 40 million SEK (about €3.8 million) plus bonuses which would make the transfer the third-most expensive in Allsvenskan history after Alexander Isak and Zlatan Ibrahimović.{{cite web |last1=Thedéen |first1=Jesper |title=Klart: Ghoddos till Amiens - skriver femårskontrakt |url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/franska-ligan/klart-ghoddos-till-amiens---skriver-femarskontrakt/ |website=fotbollskanalen |access-date=24 August 2018 |language=sv |date=23 August 2018}}{{cite news |title=Här skriver Ghoddos på för den franska klubben |url=https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/har-skriver-ghoddos-pa-for-den-franska-klubben/ |access-date=24 August 2018 |work=Expressen |date=23 August 2018 |language=sv}} However, the transfer was put in doubt by La Liga newcomers SD Huesca contacting FIFA to enquire about the validity of their own agreement to sign Ghoddos. Ghoddos had signed a contract with the Spanish club which also had a written agreement with Östersund. Previously, Stade Rennais had decided against signing Ghoddos.{{cite news |title=Transferts : Saman Ghoddos à Amiens, oui mais... |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-saman-ghoddos-a-amiens-oui-mais/933168 |access-date=24 August 2018 |newspaper=L'Équipe |date=24 August 2018 |language=fr}}
Ghoddos made his competitive debut for Amiens on 25 August 2018 in the Ligue 1 4–1 home win over Reims, scoring a goal for Amiens in the 58th minute. He thus became the first Iranian player to play in Ligue 1.{{cite web |url=https://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/feuille_match/84630 |title=Ligue1.com - French Football League - Ligue 1 Conforama - Season 2018/2019 - Week 3 - Amiens SC / Stade de Reims |website=www.ligue1.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826043831/https://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/feuille_match/84630 |archive-date=26 August 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/08/24/saman-ghoddos-joins-ligue-1-club-amiens/|title=Saman Ghoddos joins Ligue 1 club Amiens – PersianFootball.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}}
On 29 August 2019, FIFA suspended Ghoddos from all games for four months plus a €4 million fine for his failed transfer to Huesca.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/spanien/beskedet-ghoddos-tvingas-bota-over-40-miljoner-kronor/|title=Beskedet: Ghoddos tvingas böta över 40 miljoner kronor|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} On 10 November 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upheld the ruling with the fine being removed but Östersund being banned from signing new players for the next two transfer windows.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-cas-ghoddos-idUKKBN27Q2WR|title=Iran's Ghoddos and Ostersunds avoid fine in transfer dispute - CAS|newspaper=Reuters|date=10 November 2020}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
=Brentford=
On 21 September 2020, Ghoddos joined English Championship side Brentford on a one-year loan deal with a subsequent option for a two-year permanent deal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/september/saman-ghoddos-signs-for-brentford/|title = Saman Ghoddos signs for Brentford}} He made his club debut on 1 October 2020 with an assist to Marcus Forss in an EFL Cup match against Fulham.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54298220|title = Benrahma scores twice to knock out Fulham|work = BBC Sport}} He scored his first goal for the club and provided an assist on 9 January 2021 in an FA Cup match against Middlesbrough.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/Brentford-vs-Mboro/stats/440130|title=The FA Cup (Sky Sports)|website=Sky Sports|accessdate=21 November 2022}}
On 14 January 2021, Ghoddos completed a permanent move to Brentford, with a contract that runs until the summer of 2023 with the option for an extra year.{{cite web |title=Saman Ghoddos completes permanent Brentford move |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/january/saman-ghoddos-makes-permanent-brentford-switch/ |publisher=Brentford F.C. |date=14 January 2021}} He scored his first league goal for the club on 20 January 2021 against Luton Town.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55642312|title = Bees defeat Luton and move up to third|work = BBC Sport}} In May 2021, Ghoddos and Brentford clinched promotion to the Premier League, the first top-flight appearance for the club in 74 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.persianfootball.com/news/2021/05/29/brentford-promoted-to-premier-league-after-74-years/|title=Brentford promoted to Premier League after 74 years – PersianFootball.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}} He made his Premier League debut on 21 August 2021 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58193415|title = Brentford hold Palace to goalless draw|work = BBC Sport}} Ghoddos scored his first goal in the Premier League on 30 October 2021 against Burnley.{{Cite web|url=https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/burnley-fc/burnley-3-brentford-1-burnley-seal-first-premier-league-win-of-the-season-3438729|title=Here's how Burnley won their first Premier League game of the season|date=30 October 2021|website=www.burnleyexpress.net|accessdate=21 November 2022}} On 14 May 2023, Brentford announced that Ghoddos would be departing the club at the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-saman-ghoddos-to-leave-brentford | title=Ghoddos to depart }}
On 25 August 2023, Ghoddos re-signed with Brentford on a one-year deal for the 2023–24 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-saman-ghoddos-returns-to-brentford | title=Ghoddos returns to Brentford | Brentford FC }} He scored his first goal of the season after coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 victory against Burnley on 21 October 2023, which was voted the Premier League Goal of the Month on 10 November 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/match/brentford-vs-burnley-english-premier-league-2023-10-21 | title=Brentford v Burnley | Brentford FC }}{{cite web |title=Ghoddos strike awarded Budweiser Goal of the Month |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3774739|access-date=10 November 2023|date=10 November 2023 |publisher=Premier League}} Ghoddos was released by Brentford when his contract expired at the end of the 2023–24 campaign.{{Cite web |title=Brentford confirm summer departures |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-brentford-player-departures-2024 |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}
=Ittihad Kalba=
On 29 September 2024, Ghoddos signed for Ittihad Kalba on a free transfer.{{cite web|url= https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/504312/Saman-Ghoddos-signs-for-Ittihad-Kalba|title=Saman Ghoddos signs for Ittihad Kalba|date=29 September 2024|language=en|website=Tehran Times}}
International career
=Sweden=
Due to his Iranian heritage, Ghoddos was eligible to be called up by both Iran and Sweden. In December 2016, Ghoddos was called up by Sweden manager Janne Andersson for friendlies against Ivory Coast and Slovakia. He made his debut against the Ivory Coast on 8 January 2017 and scored his first international goal for Sweden in a 6–0 win over Slovakia on 12 January 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/lineups/_/gameId/469147|title=Sweden vs. Ivory Coast - Football Match Line-Ups - January 8, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/international-friendlies/2017/live-sweden-slovakia_mtc917116/live.shtml|title=LIVE Sweden - Slovakia - International friendlies - 12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017}}
=Iran=
In June 2017, Ghoddos revealed that he had been approached by the Iranian federation.{{cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/ghoddos-kan-spela-vm-med-iran-har-haft-kontakt/|title=Ghoddos kan spela VM med Iran – "Har haft kontakt" - Sport - SVT.se|date=12 June 2017}} In an interview in July 2017, Ghoddos stated that he may accept an invitation to play for Carlos Queiroz's Iran should he be given one.{{Cite web|url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1430305/%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%86%D9%85|title=قدوس: دوست دارم برای تیم ملی ایران بازی کنم|website=ورزش سه|accessdate=21 November 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/forums/showthread.php?117620-Saman-Ghoddos-%C3%96stersunds-FK-2016/page95|title=Saman Ghoddos @ Östersunds FK - 2016 - Page 95|website=www.persianfootball.com|date=26 August 2017 }} He applied for Iranian citizenship on 21 August, stating that it is an honour to play for Sweden and his decision to represent either country is "fifty-fifty".{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/avslojar-ghoddos-pa-vag-att-byta-landslag/|title=Avslöjar: Ghoddos på väg att byta landslag|website=www.expressen.se|date=21 August 2017 |accessdate=21 November 2022}}{{cite news|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=78&artikel=6761037|title=Ghoddos måste bestämma sig snabbt om spel för Iran - P4 Jämtland|first=Sveriges|last=Radio|newspaper=Sveriges Radio|date=22 August 2017}} He was not called into Sweden's World Cup qualification squad on 23 August, with Janne Andersson opting to choose expatriate footballers and stating that Ghoddos is not far from a call-up if he were to remain with the Sweden national team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/sverige/tv-andersson-om-ghoddos-ar-svart-att-lova-spelare/|title=TV: Andersson om Ghoddos: "Är svårt att lova spelare"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022|quote=Han var med i januari och gjorde det bra, tillsammans med flera andra spelare. Så han är inte jättelångt ifrån, samtidigt är det väldigt svårt att lova spelare som inte är med, att de ska komma med, förklarade Andersson. Det kan jag inte göra och därför kan jag heller inte säga att "om du inte väljer Iran så kommer jag ta ut dig för eller senare." Det är väldigt mycket upp till spelaren, utifrån sin egen syn, sina rötter att själv känna med vad som känns bäst.|trans-quote=He joined in January and did well, along with several other players. So he is not very far away, at the same time it is very difficult to promise players who are not with them, that they will come along, Andersson explained. I can't do that and therefore I can't say that "if you don't choose Iran, I will take you out before or later." It is very much up to the player, based on his own view, his roots, to feel for himself what feels best.}}
File:Iran vs morocco 4.jpg in the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]
On 25 August 2017, Ghoddos revealed in an interview that he acquired his Iranian passport from the embassy.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax-M4QnbdFE|title=Ghoddos dagen efter bragden: "Inte hunnit smälta det som hänt" - TV4 Sport|last=TV4Sport|date=25 August 2017|via=YouTube}} The following day, 26 August 2017, he announced on his Instagram page that he would be joining Iran for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Syria.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BYQ31oBHBeX/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BYQ31oBHBeX |archive-date=24 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Instagram post by Saman Ghoddos • Aug 26, 2017 at 4:25pm UTC|via=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} Ghoddos was called up for the first time for the Iran senior team training camps on 27 August 2017 by coach Carlos Queiroz for Iran's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Korea and Syria.{{cite web|url=http://www.varzesh3.com/news/1457092/قدوس-و-نورافکن-اردو-اولی-های-لیست-کی%E2%80%8Cروش|title=قدوس و نورافکن اردو اولی های لیست کیروش|language=fa}} After Ghoddos couldn't make his debut for Iran due to administrative issues with FIFA, he was called into Sweden's World Cup qualification squad on 27 September for matches against Luxembourg and Netherlands.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/k2v26|title=Vändningen: Östersunds Saman Ghoddos kan välja Blågult|website=www.aftonbladet.se|date=27 September 2017 |accessdate=21 November 2022}} However, on 29 September, the Swedish Football Association released a statement on their website stating Ghoddos had declined the offer, choosing to play for Iran instead.{{cite web|url=https://svenskfotboll.se/landslag/herrar/arkiv/landslag/2017/09/ghoddos-tackar-nej-till-svenska-landslaget/|title=Ghoddos tackar nej till svenska landslaget|date=12 September 2023 |language=sv|publisher=Swedish Football Association}} He made his debut for Iran in a 2–0 friendly victory against Togo on 5 October 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/814953/ترکیب-تیم-ملی-ایران-برای-دیدار-با-توگو-؛-حضور-کاوه-رضایی-و-نیمکت-نشینی-بیرانوند|title=ترکیب تیم ملی ایران برای دیدار با توگو ؛ حضور کاوه رضایی و نیمکت نشینی بیرانوند|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=4 October 2017|access-date=4 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/814974/پاداش-تصمیم-قاطعانه؛-اولین-حضور-سامان-قدوس-در-ترکیب-ایران|title=پاداش تصمیم قاطعانه؛ اولین حضور سامان قدوس در ترکیب ایران|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=4 October 2017|access-date=4 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/814995/ایران-2-0-توگو؛-احیای-انصاری-فرد-در-سرمای-ورزشگاه-آزادی|title=ایران 2-0 توگو؛ احیای انصاری فرد در سرمای ورزشگاه آزادی|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=4 October 2017|access-date=4 October 2017}} On 9 November, he scored his first goal for Iran in a friendly match against Panama.{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/841417/ایران-2-1-پاناما؛-ضعف-هایی-که-باید-ترمیم-شوند|title=ایران 2-1 پاناما؛ ضعف هایی که باید ترمیم شوند|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=9 November 2017|access-date=9 November 2017}}
On 13 May 2018, Ghoddos was named in Queiroz's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/05/13/35-named-in-irans-preliminary-world-cup-squad/|title=35 named in Iran's preliminary World Cup squad|website=www.persianfootball.com}} In an interview with Olof Lundh in May 2018, Ghoddos stated that if the Swedish federation had contacted him earlier, it's very likely for him to have chosen to represent Sweden, though he does not regret his decision to play for Iran.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/lundhs-podcast/ghoddos-hade-forbundet-ringt-tidigare-ar-det-valdigt-stor-chans-att-jag-hade-v/|title=Ghoddos: "Hade förbundet ringt tidigare är det väldigt stor chans att jag hade valt Sverige"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} Club teammate Emil Krafth later added that Ghoddos told him he wanted to play for Sweden.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/0Ed4A6/sjalvklart-hade-ghoddos-velat-spela-for-sverige|title = "Självklart hade Ghoddos velat spela för Sverige"| date=14 October 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/sverige/landslagsstjarnan-om-att-sverige-missade-ghoddos-han-ville-spela-i-sverige/|title=Landslagsstjärnan om att Sverige missade Ghoddos: "Han ville spela i Sverige"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}} He was named in Iran's final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup on 4 June 2018. Ghoddos made his World Cup debut against Morocco on 15 June 2018, winning a free kick that led to a goal for Iran’s first World Cup win in twenty years.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44408322|title=World Cup 2018: Iran beat Morocco to win first World Cup finals tie in 20 years|date=15 June 2018|website=BBC Sport|access-date=28 August 2019|first=Michael|last=Emons}} He was used as a substitute in all three World Cup matches against Morocco, Spain and Portugal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/411644/|title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Players - Saman GHODDOS - Saman Ghoddoos |date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622164739/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/411644/ |accessdate=21 November 2022|archive-date=22 June 2018 }} After the World Cup in November 2018, Ghoddos faced conscription issues in Iran.{{Cite web|url=https://le11amienois.fr/amiens-sc-saman-ghoddos-prive-de-competition/|title=Amiens SC : Saman Ghoddos privé de compétition|work=Le 11 Amiénois |date=16 November 2018}}
He was named in Queiroz’s final squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on 26 December 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/12/26/queiroz-names-final-23-for-asian-cup/|title=Queiroz names final 23 for Asian Cup – PersianFootball.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}} In the team's opening match of the tournament, Ghoddos came on as a second-half substitute and scored the final goal in a 5–0 victory over Yemen.{{cite news|url=http://www.the-afc.com/asiancup/news/group-d-ir-iran-5-0-yemen|title=Group D: IR Iran 5-0 Yemen|publisher=AFC|date=7 January 2019|access-date=8 January 2019}}
In November 2022, Ghoddos was named in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/iran-world-cup-2022-squad-dragan-skocic-names-his-latest-squad|title=Iran World Cup 2022 squad: Carlos Queiroz announces final 25-man team|author1=Greg LeaContributions from Michael Yokhin|date=21 November 2022|website=fourfourtwo.com|accessdate=21 November 2022}} The following year, Ghoddos was named in Iran's 2023 AFC Asian Cup squad, stating in an interview with Olof Lundh during the tournament that there are certain difficulties with playing for Iran's national team and that their conversations are taped by government officials.{{cite web | url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/landslag/politiskt-spant-kring-iran-ghoddos-intervju-overvakad-sa-jag-inte-sager-fel-/ | title=Politiskt spänt kring Iran - Ghoddos intervju övervakad: "Så jag inte säger fel saker" }}
Style of play
Ghoddos plays as an attacking midfielder, striker or winger, and has been praised for his technical ability and clinical finishing.
Outside football
=Personal life=
=Sponsorship=
He has a contract with American sportswear supplier Nike and wears the Mercurial Vapor line.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/vm-2018/ghoddos-far-inte-spela-i-nike-skor-inget-politiskt/|title=Ghoddos får inte spela i Nike-skor: "Inget politiskt"|website=fotbollskanalen|accessdate=21 November 2022}}
=Name=
Ghoddos was born in Malmö as Saman Ghoddos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.teammelli.com/saman-ghoddos-on-iran-the-world-cup-and-playing-for-the-people/|title=Saman Ghoddos on Iran, the World Cup and 'playing for the people'|date=16 November 2022|accessdate=21 November 2022}} Upon switching allegiance to Iran in 2017, he was given the name Seyed Saman Ghoddoos in Iran.
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 24 May 2025}}{{Soccerway|saman-ghoddos/186724|accessdate=17 November 2019}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Svenska Cupen, Coupe de France, FA Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Coupe de la Ligue, EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals | ||||||||
| rowspan="3"|Limhamn Bunkeflo
|2011 |17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 0 | |
| 2012
|Division 1 |24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 4 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!41||4||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||4 | ||||||||
| Trelleborgs FF
|2013 |Division 1 |18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 1 | |
| rowspan="3"|Syrianska FC
|2014 |29 | 6 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 32 | 7 | |
| 2015
|Superettan |25 | 8 | 4 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 29 | 10 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!54||14||7||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||61||17 | ||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Östersunds FK
|2016 |27 | 10 | 4 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 31 | 12 | |
| 2017
|Allsvenskan |23 | 8 | 6 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | 13{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 5 | 42 | 19 |
| 2018
|Allsvenskan |15 | 9 | 5 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 11 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!65||27||15||10||colspan="2"|—||13||5||93||42 | ||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Amiens
|27 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 4 |
| 2019–20
|Ligue 1 |5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 1 |
| 2020–21
|2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!34 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 37 | 5 |
| Brentford (loan)
|16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 1 |
| rowspan="5"|Brentford
|Championship |27 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 3 |
| 2021–22
|17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 23 | 1 |
| 2022–23
|Premier League |15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 0 |
| 2023–24
|Premier League |19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 1 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!94||5||5||1||9||0||colspan="2"|—||108||6 | ||||||||
| Kalba
|18 | 4 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2|— | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 4 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!324||60||32||14||11||0||13||5||380||79 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 10 June 2025}}{{cite web |title=Saman Ghoddos |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/66171/Saman_Ghoddos.html |website=National Football Teams |access-date=24 August 2018}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team !Year | Apps{{ref|a|1}} | Goals |
| rowspan="2"|Sweden
|2017 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| rowspan="10"|Iran
|2017 | 4 | 1 |
| 2018 | 11 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 | 0 |
| Total||59||3 | ||
| colspan="2"|Career total | 61 | 4 |
- 1.{{note|a}}Including friendly match against the Ivory Coast that Swedish Football Association counts but is not officially recognized by FIFA.{{Cite web|url=https://www2.svenskfotboll.se/landslag/landslagsdatabas/landslagsspelare/?fplid=421107|title = Landslagsspelare — svenskfotboll.se}}
International goals
:Scores and results list Sweden's and Iran's goal tally first.
| class="wikitable"
! No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| colspan="8" |{{fb|SWE}} goals | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center" | 1 | 12 January 2017 | Armed Forces Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | align="center" | 2 | {{fb|SVK}} | align="center" | 6–0 | align="center" | 6–0 | Friendly |
| colspan="8" |{{fb|IRN}} goals | |||||||
| align="center" |1
|9 November 2017 |Liebenauer Stadium, Graz, Austria | align="center" |3 |{{fb|PAN}} | align="center" |2–0 | align="center" |2–1 | |||||||
| align="center" |2
|7 January 2019 |Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | align="center" |16 |{{fb|YEM}} | align="center" |5–0 | align="center" |5–0 | |||||||
| align="center" |3
|9 January 2024 |Al Rayyan Training, Al Ryyan, Qatar |align="center| 42 |{{fb|IDN}} | align="center" |1–0 | align="center" |5–0 |
Honours
Östersunds FK
- Svenska Cupen: 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/saman-ghoddos/186724/|title=Iran - S. Ghoddos - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=us.soccerway.com}}
Brentford
- EFL Championship play-offs: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57215919 |title=Brentford 2–0 Swansea City |first=Gareth |last=Vincent |website=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2021 |access-date=29 May 2021}}
Individual
- Allsvenskan Striker of the Year: 2017
- Allsvenskan Player of the Month: July 2018
- Premier League Goal of the Month: October 2023
Notes
{{NoteFoot}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/teams/profile/saman-ghoddos Profile] at the Brentford F.C. website
- {{Soccerway}}
- {{SvFF player|id=d712e597-19a3-4a7c-88e5-5da8ce89177c|fid=421107|pid=8104}}
{{Ittihad Kalba SC squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Iran squads
| bg = white
| fg = #DA0000
| bordercolor = #239F40
| list1 =
{{Iran squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Iran squad 2019 AFC Asian Cup}}
{{Iran squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Iran squad 2023 AFC Asian Cup}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ghoddos, Saman}}
Category:Sportspeople of Iranian descent
Category:Footballers from Malmö
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Swedish men's footballers
Category:Sweden men's international footballers
Category:Swedish people of Iranian descent
Category:Naturalized citizens of Iran
Category:Naturalised association football players
Category:Iranian men's footballers
Category:Dual internationalists (men's football)
Category:Iran men's international footballers
Category:IF Limhamn Bunkeflo (men) players
Category:Trelleborgs FF players
Category:Östersunds FK players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Ettan Fotboll players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:UAE Pro League players
Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2019 AFC Asian Cup players
Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2023 AFC Asian Cup players
Category:Iranian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in France
Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates