Masoud Shojaei

Masoud Shojaei is an Iranian former professional footballer and current coach who spent over two decades as a pivotal figure in Asian and European soccer. Born in Shiraz on June 9, 1984, he primarily operated as an attacking midfielder but displayed the versatility to play as a winger or forward throughout his career. His professional journey took him from local Iranian clubs to significant stints in Spain with CA Osasuna, where he made 112 official appearances, alongside spells in the UAE and Greece.

Today, Shojaei remains a respected figure in the sport, having transitioned into coaching and advisory roles while maintaining a low-profile presence in Spanish lower-tier leagues. Beyond the pitch, he has become a symbol of political courage in Iran, most notably through his unwavering solidarity with his sister Maryam Shojaei-Rahabari in her decade-long activism against the ban on women attending men's soccer matches. His legacy is defined by longevity, international experience, and a principled stance on human rights issues that transcended the boundaries of sports. [edit]

Growing up in Shiraz, a city renowned for its rich cultural history, Masoud Soleimani Shojaei found his passion early in the game of football. His family background would later become central to human rights discourse in Iran, but his childhood focus was strictly on athletic development. He joined local academies in his hometown, quickly emerging as a promising talent during the mid-2000s. Before gaining international recognition, Shojaei began his professional journey with Saipa FC in the 2004/05 season, surprising many with his performance in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

His early career saw him move to Persepolis, one of Iran's most popular clubs, where he helped establish himself as a key domestic player. This period was crucial for his development, allowing him to hone his skills before moving abroad. He played for Al-Sharjah in the UAE Pro League in 2007, gaining his first taste of life outside Iran. These formative years were marked by a strong work ethic and a clear trajectory toward becoming a top-tier midfielder, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough in Europe. [edit]

Shojaei's career timeline is marked by longevity and adaptability across different leagues. After his initial success in Iran, he transferred to the Spanish club CA Osasuna in 2008. This period marked his true breakthrough in Europe. He became a mainstay in La Liga, making 112 official appearances and establishing himself as a reliable, creative midfielder known for his vision and passing range. His time at Osasuna spanned multiple seasons, including a second stint from 2013 to 2015 after a brief spell with AEK Athens in Greece.

Returning to Iran in 2015, he served as captain for the national team (Team Melli) during this period, leading the squad with distinction. He continued to play for major clubs like Esteghlal and Persepolis before moving to Al-Shamal in Qatar and then back to Persepolis. From 2020 to 2022, he played for Al-Ain in the UAE. As of 2026, Shojaei has transitioned fully into coaching and management roles, with recent reports suggesting a connection to UD Las Palmas in an administrative or coaching capacity. Internationally, he earned over 100 caps, representing Iran in three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018) and four AFC Asian Cups. [edit]

Shojaei is portrayed as a dignified, principled leader both on and off the field. Media in Iran often depicts him as a symbol of resistance against oppression, highlighting his refusal to bow to political pressure regarding his sister's activism. Western media focuses more on his European career and the controversial 2018 World Cup exclusion. His social media presence on Instagram, where he has approximately 490,000 followers, typically features family moments, reflections on football, and occasional supportive messages regarding social justice issues.

He maintains a reputation for integrity and resilience. Unlike many athletes who avoid politics, Shojaei embraced the role of an activist when his family was targeted. This stance earned him respect globally but also drew criticism from hardline elements within his own country. His image is that of a man who prioritizes family values and human rights over commercial gain or political safety. [edit]

Masoud Shojaei's legacy is not built on the organized fervor of a structured subculture or the viral rituals seen in global pop stardom. His support base remains a broad, national following rather than a formalized fandom with specific names, chants, or fan-funded campaigns. There are no documented instances of birthday billboards, subway ads, or charity drives initiated by a dedicated group of supporters. Instead, his cultural mythology rests on two pillars of verified historical significance: his exclusion from the 2018 World Cup squad after playing against an Israeli club, and his public solidarity with his sister Maryam's decade-long fight to end the ban on women attending men's soccer matches in Iran.

These events transformed him from a respected captain into a symbol of political courage and social resistance within Iran. While he commanded respect as a veteran midfielder for Team Melli and clubs like Osasuna and AEK Athens, the narrative surrounding him is defined by these high-stakes moments of controversy and principle rather than theatrical crowd reactions or legendary on-field antics. The intersection of his athletic career with the complex political landscape of his homeland created a unique profile where his fame is inextricably linked to his stance on human rights issues. He is remembered for his longevity and his willingness to speak out, shifting the conversation from pure sporting performance to one of societal impact. Despite having nearly half a million followers on Instagram, this metric reflects general public interest rather than an organized movement. Masoud Shojaei is currently evaluated by iFANN but holds no placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list. [edit]

One of the most iconic moments in Shojaei's lore involves his exclusion from the 2018 World Cup squad. Following a match between his club, AEK Athens, and an Israeli side (Maccabi Tel Aviv), the Iranian Football Federation omitted him from the final roster. This decision sparked international controversy, with many viewing it as political retaliation rather than a sporting merit-based choice. Shojaei defended his right to play against any team, citing his professional obligations and the fact that he had played against them multiple times in Europe.

Another defining aspect of his public life is his support for his sister, Maryam Shojaei-Rahabari. While authorities pressured him to distance himself from her activism, he refused. He publicly condemned the treatment of women and the broader suppression of dissent in Iran, using his platform as a national hero to advocate for change. His unwavering support transformed him from a star player into a political icon. Fans and international media rallied behind him, viewing the ban on his participation as unjust. [edit]

Shojaei comes from a family that has become deeply involved in human rights discourse within Iran. His sister, Maryam Shojaei-Rahabari, is a prominent activist who founded the Women's Rights Movement, fighting to lift the ban on women entering stadiums to watch men's football. She was arrested multiple times by Iran's morality police for her protests, and Masoud stood by her side throughout these challenges.

In his personal life, Masoud is married to Stephanie Shojaei. The couple met prior to his rise to global fame and have been together for many years, raising a family together. They have at least two daughters. In August 2024, news surfaced regarding a legal dispute involving bank accounts, where Shojaei was grilled in court depositions concerning assets related to "Shoma" and lawsuits filed by his daughters. Despite these challenges, the family remains united, and Stephanie continues to be linked with Masoud in business ventures and public appearances. [edit]

Maryam Shojaei-Rahabari, Stephanie Shojaei, Ali Daei, Carlos Carvalhal. [edit]

Shojaei's romantic life has remained largely private, with the primary focus being his long-standing marriage to Stephanie Shojaei. The couple met prior to his rise to global fame, though specific details of their meeting are not widely publicized in English-language sources. They have been together for many years, raising a family together. In August 2024, news surfaced regarding a legal dispute involving bank accounts, where Shojaei was grilled in court depositions concerning assets related to "Shoma" and lawsuits filed by his daughters, indicating he has children from this marriage.

As of 2026, there are no reports of divorce or separation; Stephanie Shojaei remains his spouse, and they continue to be linked in business ventures and public appearances. There are no widely reported previous marriages or long-term relationships prior to Stephanie. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support, especially during the periods when Masoud faced political pressure for supporting his sister's activism. [edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Masoud Shojaei's fortune at around $4.8 million. This estimate reflects his long career in Europe and the Middle East, along with post-retirement endorsements and business ventures. Wealth sources include salaries from La Liga (Osasuna), UAE Pro League (Al-Sharjah, Al-Ain), and Qatari clubs. He also earns from endorsements with Iranian and regional brands, real estate investments in Shiraz and Madrid, and potential equity in sports academies or management firms.

While he faced legal scrutiny in 2024 regarding bank accounts and assets related to "Shoma," his overall valuation remains robust due to property and long-term contracts. The financial trajectory shows steady growth from his playing days in Spain, where he secured significant earnings, to his current status as a coach and advisor. His estate value continues to grow through royalties and licensing deals associated with his legacy as a national hero. [edit]

Shojaei's trophy cabinet includes the Hazfi Cup winner title in 2007 with Persepolis and the Iranian Super Cup. He has received numerous awards from the Iranian Football Federation for his contributions to the sport, including being named the best midfielder in the Persian Gulf Pro League on multiple occasions. He was also honored by the Iranian government for his service to the nation, though specific medals are often internal. [edit]