Ricardo Sa Pinto takes risk to coach Iranian club amid conflict

Ricardo Sa Pinto — the 52-year-old Portuguese coach — has made a surprising decision to accept a coaching position in Iran amid escalating conflict situation.

This decision contrasts with the exodus of foreigners from Iran — a country that has been facing attacks since mid-June and received additional strikes from the United States just days ago.

The impact of this conflict is evident in the football world — Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi cannot leave Iran for the 2025 Club World Cup, while Antonio Manicone had to end his duties as assistant coach of the Iran national team.

Sa Pinto has an interesting history in his career — the former striker was once teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Sporting CP during the 2002-2003 season, although they never played together for the Portuguese national team.