TEHRAN: Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has announced his retirement from international football aged just 23, saying criticism from fans of his performance at the World Cup had harmed his mother’s health.
Azmoun, a rising star, who with 11 goals had been Iran’s top scorer in qualification for the finals in Russia, drew brickbats from fans after he failed to deliver in last week’s Group B game against Spain.
Expectations had been raised by Iran’s opening victory over Morocco, which sparked exuberant celebrations in the streets of Tehran.
Defeat in the following game, even at the hands of one of the tournament favorites, drew an avalanche of calls on social media for Azmoun to be benched for the final group game against Portugal.
The striker said the “insults” had caused his mother’s fragile health to deteriorate and he had decided to retire from the national squad to spare her the upset.
“I had to make a choice and I chose my mother,” he wrote on Instagram. “It was the most painful decision of my life.”
The loss of Azmoun is a blow to Iran, who had given a good account of themselves in Russia, almost snatching a last-gasp victory against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal that would have seen them progress to the last 16 for the first time.
Several Iranian sports writers expressed hope on Friday that the young striker, who plays his club football in Russia for Rubin Kazan, could yet go back on an emotional decision taken in the heat of the moment.
Iran striker retires at 23 over World Cup criticism
Iran striker retires at 23 over World Cup criticism
- Sardar Azmoun has quit after insults upset his sick mother
- 'It was the most painful decision of my life'
Rising Turkish and Indonesian stars awarded wildcards for 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Zeynep Sonmez and Janice Tjen add further international depth to elite WTA 500 field taking part from Jan. 31- Feb. 7 at Zayed Sports City
- Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in good form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, where she defeated 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed rising Turkish star Zeynep Sonmez and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen as wildcard entries for the 2026 tournament, adding further global representation to the growing field for the WTA 500 event from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7.
Both players arrive in Abu Dhabi with strong international followings and increasing momentum on the professional circuit, underlining the tournament’s reputation as a platform where emerging talent from across the world competes alongside established stars on one of women’s tennis’ most exciting stages.
Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in particularly hot form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, earlier this month before stunning 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round and then falling to Yulia Putintseva in a stormy third round, three-set encounter.
Tjen, already one of Indonesia’s most successful players of the professional era and the current world No. 59, has continued her rise through the international ranks with a series of impressive performances across the WTA circuit.
A second-round loser at the Australian Open, the 23-year-old’s wildcard entry reflects both her growing profile and the increasing strength and visibility of tennis in Southeast Asia, a region that continues to produce new talent and passionate fanbases.
The announcements build on a strong list of early confirmations already revealed for the fourth tournament. Defending champion Belinda Bencic (world No. 10) will return to Abu Dhabi as she bids for a third Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025.
The Olympic gold medallist remains unbeaten at the tournament and returns following a standout comeback season on the WTA Tour.
Rising star Alexandra Eala has also been confirmed, reinforcing the event’s position as a showcase for the next generation of elite women’s tennis.
Tjen said: “I’m really excited to be coming to Abu Dhabi and grateful for the opportunity to compete in such a high-level tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is an event I’ve followed closely, and it means a lot to be able to test myself against some of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to experiencing the atmosphere in front of the fans.”
Sonmez, aged 23, was similarly thrilled to be included in the elite line-up, adding: “Receiving a wildcard for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a great honor. This tournament brings together an incredible field every year, and I’m proud to represent Turkey on such a prestigious stage, and I’m ready to give my absolute best on the court in Abu Dhabi.”
Nigel Gupta, tournament director at event organizers MARI, said: “Wildcards are an important part of what makes the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open special. They allow us to shine a spotlight on exciting players from different parts of the world while continuing to build a world-class field.
“Janice and Zeyneb both bring strong followings and real competitive quality, and they complement a line-up that already includes established champions and some of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour.”
