Building a Championship Legacy
with Persepolis

Three World Cups with the USA
& South Korea National Teams

Two FIFA World Cup Qualifications
Iran and Curacao National Team

Two Asian Cups Finals with
South Korea & Iran National Teams

South Korea Olympic Team
Road to Beijing 2008

Cup Winner in Multiple Top Leagues
MLS (USA), IPL (Iran), KL (South Korea)

Global FIFA World Cup Strategist

Afshin Ghotbi has left his mark on the world’s biggest football stage. With United States in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, driving tactical insights and match preparations. Later, he played a pivotal role with South Korea, in 2002, helping the team reach the semi-finals, and returning in 2006 to deliver expert tactical and technical support.

Our Blog

Global Spotlight

HIGHLIGHTS
September 8, 2025

A World Cup Journey: More Than Just a Game

For Afshin Ghotbi, the FIFA World Cup is more than a tournament; it’s a journey that has defined his career, blending tactical innovation with deeply personal and emotional moments. From his first World Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team in 1998 to guiding South Korea …

Coaching Career

CLUB
ROLE
LEAGUE
SEASONS
GAMES
PPM
Vancouver FC
Head Coach
Canadian Premier League
2022 - 2025
48
1.08
SJZ Ever Bright / Cangzhou Mighty Lions
Head Coach
China Super League
2019 - 2022
48
1.29
Foolad FC
Head Coach
Iranian Premier League
2018 - 2019
16
1.44
SJZ Ever Bright / Cangzhou Mighty Lions
Head Coach
China League One
2016 - 2018
54
1.65
Buriram United
Head Coach
Thailand Premier League
2016
16
1.69
Shumizu S-Pulse
Head Coach
J. League
2011 - 2014
157
1.47
Iranian National Team
Head Coach
International Team
2009 - 2011
33
1.79
Persepolis F.C.
Head Coach
Iranian Premier League
2007 - 2008
51
1.82
LA Galaxy
Assistant Coach
MLS
2004 - 2005
-
-
South Korea
Assistant Coach
International Team
2005 - 2007
-
-
Suwon Blue Wings
Assistant Coach
K-League
2002 - 2004
-
-
South Korea
Chief Analyst
International Team
2000 - 2002
-
-
United States
Chief Analyst
International Team
1997 - 1998
-
-
TOTALS
423
1.60

PLAYERS COACHED BY AFSHIN GHOTBI

PLAYERS
1

Afshin Ghotbi

Position: Head Coach

8

Freddie Ljungberg

Position: Midfielder

13

Park Ji-Sung

Position: Midfielder

11

Shinji Ono

Position: Midfielder

11

Milivoje Novakovic

Position: Forward

10

Landon Donovan

Position: Forward

5

Dejan Jakovic

Position: Defender

5

John O’Brien

Position: Midfielder

8

Ali Karimi

Position: Midfielder

TEAMS MANAGED BY AFSHIN GHOTBI

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TEAMS COACHED BY AFSHIN GHOTBI

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