Iran’s Soccer Star, Who Received Support From Shakira After FIFA World Cup, Jailed for 16 Years Over Protests

The FIFA World Cup gave us some of our life’s best memories. This edition of the World Cup made soccer fans feel every emotion possible. From heartbreak to glory, the 2022 World Cup had it all. During the World Cup, Shakira reminded soccer fans about an Iranian soccer player who was arrested about a month prior to the World Cup.

The Columbian singer took to Twitter to express herself. She offered words of support and care for the Iranian soccer player, Amir Nasr-Azadani. However, the recent news on the Iranian soccer star shocked the soccer world.

What happened to Amir Nasr-Azadani? What did Shakira say?

Recently, Sky Sports reported that Amir Nasr was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Prior to his arrest, Amir Nasr took part in protests in Iran. These protests were regarding women being forced to wear the hijab. The Iranian higher authorities were arresting every individual that tried to protest the same.

During the World Cup, Shakira extended her support for Amir Nasr on her social media. Shakira reminded the soccer world about Amir Nasr who was arrested.

The Columbian singer spoke her heart out by saying that the Iranian soccer player was currently facing death row for just protesting for justice for women. Shakira concluded by saying, “I hope there’s more than a minute of silence in our hearts to remember what’s important and more than one voice united screaming for what is just”.

Read More: VIDEO: Heartbreaking Scenes Unfold as Iran Forced to Sing National Anthem at the FIFA World Cup 2022

Among the group of people that protested, Amir Nasr is the 28 individual to face a death sentence. It’s sickening to know that three of those 28 individuals were children.

Amir Nasr’s family and teammates cannot believe the punishment!

Amir Nasr’s former teammate Sebastian Strandvall could not believe his eyes. The Finnish soccer player was shocked to know about his friend’s arrest and the death penalty. Strandvall told Sky Sports, “Knowing Amir’s character, he would go to a protest. He and his friends, would stand up for basic rights, for women’s rights of course because he is the sort of the person who cares about others”.

Strandvall also said that Amir Nasr would never say anything against God. He concluded his statement by saying, “But I don’t see him doing a war on God or anything”. Strandvall and Amir Nasr were really close friends. In 2015, the Finnish soccer star once offered Amir Nasr his place to stay when the Iranian could not find accommodation.

Other renowned soccer personalities like Gary Lineker and Radamel Falcao also offered their support to Amir Nasr. Falcao tweeted, “Esto es inaceptable. Todos con Amir Nasr-Azadani”, which translates to “This is unacceptable. All with Amir Nasr-Azadani”.

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What’s your take on this whole scenario? Let us know in the comments below.