AsiaNews Iran's Sports Desk — Ista Alborz made one of the clearest statements of intent before Iran's 2025-26 Women's Premier League season by signing national-team players Zahra Ghanbari and Zahra Khajoui. The transfers, announced by the club in August 2025, gave the orange-clad side experience in both attacking and defensive areas.
Ghanbari arrived after playing for Khatun Bam, the dominant force in Iranian women's football, while goalkeeper Khajoui came from Gol Gohar Sirjan. Ista had finished fourth in the previous campaign; adding two senior internationals suggested that merely staying near the leading pack was no longer the target.
Why the two signings mattered
Ghanbari brought leadership, creativity and a record of performing in decisive league and international matches. Khajoui offered composure and top-flight experience in goal. Together, they strengthened the spine of a squad preparing to face better-established contenders with deeper histories and larger trophy cabinets.
| Player |
Role |
Previous club |
What she added |
| Zahra Ghanbari |
Attacking midfielder/forward |
Khatun Bam |
Goals, leadership and title experience |
| Zahra Khajoui |
Goalkeeper |
Gol Gohar Sirjan |
Shot-stopping and national-team experience |
A more competitive women's league
The move also reflected a broader change in Iranian women's football. Elite players were no longer concentrated in only one or two squads, and ambitious clubs were increasingly willing to recruit internationals. That spread of talent could narrow scorelines, raise weekly standards and give national-team coaches a larger pool of players accustomed to pressure.
Women's clubs in Iran still operate with fewer resources, less television exposure and weaker commercial support than the men's game. High-profile transfers nevertheless create attention, and attention can help clubs attract sponsors and bring supporters closer to the league.
A dated update
Later in the 2025-26 season, both players were reported to have moved on to Persepolis. That subsequent development does not change the significance of Ista Alborz's summer recruitment drive; it shows how quickly the competitive market for leading Iranian women footballers was evolving.
Frequently asked questions
When did Ghanbari and Khajoui join Ista Alborz?
The club announced the signings in August 2025, before the new league season.
Why were the transfers important?
Both were experienced Iran internationals and strengthened a club seeking to improve on a fourth-place finish.
Can stronger recruitment make Iran's Women's Premier League more competitive? Share your view in the comments below this report with readers of AsiaNews Iran.