Blog Three Columns – Afshin Ghotbi

December 2, 2025

One World, One Sport, One Cup, Zero Politics

As an American citizen born in Iran, and someone fortunate enough to coach both the U.S. and Iranian national teams, I feel a personal responsibility to speak about the World …

Afshin's Notes

November 6, 2025

World Cup 2026: A Global Celebration, Human Spirit Will Overcome the Elements Again!

The Great Sporting event on the planet is just around the corner, seven months to be exact. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a new chapter in football history …

Afshin's Notes

November 6, 2025

From Pasadena to the Podium: The Making of Peter Vagenas

Some players are born into the game, others are built through it. Peter Vagenas is both. His journey from the youth fields of Pasadena to representing the United States at …

News

April 4, 2025

Wuhan Zall F.C. 2-0 Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C.

China League One 2018, Week 10 :Wuhan Zall F.C. 2-0 Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C. 19:30 ( Local Time )May 9,2018Xinhua Road Stadium, Wuhan, Hubei, China China League One 2018 Official Standings Shijiazhuang Ever …

Championship

February 9, 2025

Three World Cups with the USA & South Korea

Afshin Ghotbi’s International Football Journey Afshin Ghotbi’s coaching career is nothing short of remarkable. He’s one of the few coaches to have participated in three FIFA World Cups, working with …

News

July 16, 2024

China League One 2019, Week 30

China League One 2019, Week 30 Official League Standings – 2019 Gallery …

News

January 21, 2024

Meizhou Hakka F.C. 1-0 Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C.

China League One 2018, Week 16 19:30 ( Local Time )July 28,2018Wuhua County Stadium, Wuhua China League One 2018 Official Standings Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C. Motivation Film, July 28- 2018 …

Football Notes

November 21, 2023

Afshin Ghotbi – Interview with the-afc.com : The Azadi is the Colosseum of Asia

Tehran: Former Persepolis manager Afshin Ghotbi knows just what it feels like to savour glory at the Azadi Stadium, where the 2018 AFC Champions League final between the Islamic Republic …

October 26, 2023

A Blueprint for Success

Japan’s J.League has evolved into one of Asia’s most formidable football competitions and is steadily making its mark on the global stage. Built on decades of strategic planning, robust club …

Afshin's Notes

July 23, 2023

Soccer Made in Germany, Local Coaches in a Global League

I still can remember staying awake through the night in the early 70’s to watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Monchengladbach on my small black and white television set. One hand …

News

January 11, 2023

Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C. 1-1 Heilongjiang Lava Spring F.C.

China League One 2018, Week 6 :Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C. 1-1 Heilongjiang Lava Spring F.C. 19:30 ( Local Time )April 14,2018Yutong International Sports Center, Shijiazhuang, China Shijiazhuang Ever Bright F.C. Motivation …

Championship

December 29, 2022

Historic Persepolis Championship — Against All Odds, Legacy Forever…

Afshin Ghotbi’s Transformative Leadership In August 2007, Afshin Ghotbi was appointed Head Coach of Persepolis F.C., one of Iran’s most prominent football clubs, boasting a fanbase exceeding 40 million supporters. …