Marzieh Jafari, head coach of the Iranian women's national football team and the club 'Bam Khatun', has entered the top three finalists for the AFC Coach of the Year award for women for the second consecutive year. She called this nomination an honor for all of Iranian women's football.
Jafari's name has reappeared on the list of candidates for the Asian Football Confederation's annual awards. After winning the prestigious continental award for best women's coaching staff last year, she now has a chance to defend her title at the 2026 ceremony and add another significant milestone to her impressive coaching career.
The nomination evokes a sense of repetition. On October 16 of last year, Jafari was recognized as Asia's best women's coach in Riyadh. Exactly one year later, she is again among the top three finalists.
At last year's ceremony, Jafari became the first Iranian woman to receive this award. Twelve months after achieving this historic success, she is once again vying to repeat this momentous event.
In an exclusive interview with Tehran Times, Jafari stated: 'I have always said that this honor belongs to all of Iranian women's football. The coaches and players have all worked incredibly hard, and their efforts have helped bring our women's football onto the world stage.'
She added that she is very pleased to receive the AFC Coach of the Year nomination, although she does not know what awaits her in the future. Currently, she manages the 'Khatun Bam' club while also working with the women's national team. She hopes to do everything possible to help both teams succeed.
In conclusion, Jafari expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported her throughout her journey.