Afshin Ghotbi is a globally recognized football coach whose career is defined by tactical brilliance, player development, and championship success. From Asia to North America, Ghotbi has a proven track record of building teams from the ground up, achieving promotion, and inspiring players to reach their highest potential.
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright: Rising to the Chinese Super League
In November 2016, Ghotbi was appointed head coach of Shijiazhuang Ever Bright, a China League One team. Under his leadership, the team finished third in the 2017 season, demonstrating his immediate impact. Though dismissed in 2018, Ghotbi returned for a second spell in July 2019, leading the team to promotion into the Chinese Super League.
His time in China highlighted his ability to adapt to new football cultures, implement tactical discipline, and maximize player performance, consistently turning potential into measurable success.
Vancouver FC: Building a Legacy from Scratch
Ghotbi’s next challenge took him to North America, where he served as the inaugural head coach of Vancouver FC in the Canadian Premier League from 2023 to 2025. Tasked with building the club from the ground up, he established its playing philosophy, team structure, and player development system.
Under his guidance, Vancouver FC achieved its first-ever Canadian Championship Semi-Final, competing against elite teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps, Forge FC, and Atlético Ottawa. Beyond team success, Ghotbi’s focus on player advancement led to multiple national team call-ups. The 2025 squad also featured more than half a dozen players attracting interest from European clubs, reflecting Ghotbi’s talent identification skills and commitment to player growth.
A Career Defined by Leadership and Vision
From winning championships in Iran, South Korea, and the USA to building clubs from scratch in Canada and leading teams to promotion in China, Afshin Ghotbi’s career exemplifies vision, adaptability, and results-driven leadership. He is known for tactical innovation, professionalism, and the ability to inspire players to achieve their best, qualities every top-tier club seeks in a coach.
Afshin Ghotbi is more than a coach; he is a builder, a mentor, and a proven winner. Clubs looking to establish a winning culture, develop top talent, and achieve consistent success will find in Ghotbi a coach capable of delivering excellence. His global experience, championship pedigree, and eye for talent make him the ideal candidate for clubs aiming to compete at the highest level.
