From sheep bar to Iran's hero at the World Cup: The extraordinary story of Alireza Bayranvand

The most remarkable moment came in the 59th minute, when he miraculously halted the blow of Maxime De Cuyper, denying what seemed like a safe goal for Belgians.

Thanks to his impressive performance, Beirand was declared the best player in the match.

However, its journey to the largest stage of world football has been far from easy.

Beirand grew up in a family of shepherds in the province of Lorestan, Iran. His father did not support the dream of becoming a football player and wanted him to find a more stable profession. As a teenager, he left home and traveled to Tehran, borrowing money for the trip. At first, there was no housing or sustainable income, Telegrafi reports, broadcasting Periscope.

According to reports, he slept near a soccer training center and around Azadi Square. For a time he stayed in a tailoring workshop, and later he worked at a pizzeria, where he was also provided for sleeping.

In order to survive, Beirand worked in car wash, pizzeria, street cleaning, and assistants in a laundry workshop. Because of his length, he was often assigned to wash large vehicles.

Over the years, he managed to penetrate professional football, and about a decade ago he became Iran's leading goalkeeper.

The international fame won at the 2018 World Cup, when he hosted the Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the match against Portugal. That moment became so popular in Iranian folk culture that it was recreated in two local television series, “Rebel” and “Savage” After his fine appearances in the World of 2018, biographic film “Beyro” was also made based on its extraordinary history.

Beirand also holds two world records of Guinness: for the longest jump in football with hands (61.26 m) and for the longest blow by the doorman's hands (78.014m), evidence of the extraordinary physical strength he possesses.

His career has not been without controversy and criticism. At various times, he has faced negative reactions from fans to his form and several subterranean controls, while there were also voices demanding his departure from the national.

However, towards Belgium he responded to critics in the best possible way, with an extraordinary presentation that turned him into the absolute protagonist of the match. /Periscope