Futsal Phenom in Afghanistan Is a Hero the Taliban Didn’t Expect

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by Elian Peltier, Yaqoob Akbary and Tomás Munita

February 25, 2026

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Alireza Ahmadi, a 17-year-old futsal phenom from Afghanistan’s Hazara minority, has become an unlikely national hero after leading his team to victory in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. This triumph against Iran, their archrival, marked Afghanistan’s first major success on the international stage under Taliban rule and sparked rare joy among Afghans, many of whom had grown accustomed to the regime’s restrictive policies. Ahmadi and his teammates’ success not only showcased their skill but also challenged perceptions of what Afghanistan could achieve beyond the Taliban’s repressive narrative. The Hazara community, long marginalized by the Taliban, has faced systemic discrimination since the group regained power in 2021. Hazaras have been excluded from government positions, displaced from ancestral lands, and denied access to resources. Despite these challenges, Ahmadi and his teammates’ victory against Iran brought a sense of pride and unity to Afghanistan, with fans celebrating their achievement despite Taliban prohibitions on music and public gatherings. Ahmadi’s rise to fame highlights the power of sports to transcend politics and inspire hope in a country struggling under Taliban rule. His success has also opened a dialogue about Afghanistan’s identity and its potential to move beyond conflict. By bringing international attention to his country, Ahmadi has become more than just a futsal star

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026