he scored his first goal for Iran in a friendly match against Panama. On 13 May 2018, Ghoddos was named in Queiroz's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In an interview with Olof Lundh in May 2018, Ghoddos stated that if the Swedish federation had contacted him earlier, it's very likely for him to have chosen to represent Sweden, though he does not regret his decision to play for Iran. Club teammate Emil Krafth later added that Ghoddos told him he wanted to play for Sweden. He was named in Iran's final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup on 4 June 2018. Ghoddos made his World Cup debut against Morocco on 15 June 2018, winning a free kick that led to a goal for Iran’s first World Cup win in twenty years. He was used as a substitute in all three World Cup matches against Morocco, Spain and Portugal. After the World Cup in November 2018, Ghoddos faced conscription issues in Iran. He was named in Queiroz’s final squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on 26 December 2018. In the team's opening match of the tournament, Ghoddos came on as a second-half substitute and scored the final goal in a 5–0 victory over Yemen. In November 2022, Ghoddos was named in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Style of play Ghoddos plays as an attacking midfielder, striker or winger, and has been praised for his technical ability and clinical finishing. Outside football Personal life Ghoddos was born and raised in Malmö and speaks English, Swedish, and Persian. His parents were born in Iran and hail from the city of Ahvaz. Sponsorship He has a contract with American sportswear supplier Nike and wears the Mercurial Vapor line. Name Ghoddos was born in Malmö as Saman Ghoddos. Upon switching allegiance to Iran in 2017, he was given the name Seyed Saman Ghoddoos in Iran. Career statistics Club International . Appearances and goals by national team and year 1.Including friendly match against the Ivory Coast that Swedish Football Association counts but is not officially recognized by FIFA. International goals Scores and results list Sweden's and Iran's goal tally first. Honours Östersunds FK Svenska Cupen: 2016–17 Brentford EFL Championship play-offs: 2021 Individual Allsvenskan Striker of the Year: 2017 Allsvenskan Player of the Month: July 2018 Notelist References External links Profile at the Brentford F.C. website 1993 births