Thursday, October 29, 2020 at
Edson Álvarez, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Sydney van Hooijdonk, Sean Klaiber and Teun Koopmeiners have a chance to win the Fashion Player 2020 title, so one of them may soon call himself the best-dressed football player in the Dutch fields. Late in this five-part series Football zone as the official media partner of the Fashion Player Award 2020, one of the nominees has the floor. In episode three, the focus is on Ghoochannejhad. The 33-year-old striker has played football in seven countries and now makes his goals for PEC Zwolle. In addition, he also knows how to stand out from the outside with the jury of Life After Football.
By Thijs Verhaar and Justus Dingemanse
“Finally nominated, haha. Yes! Although that has never been my goal, I am no longer that vain. I also don’t know how the jury got involved, but I am no less happy about it ”, the PEC Zwolle striker smiles. In any case, fashion is important to me. It’s not that I attend fashion shows, but I do want to look good ”, says Ghoochannejhad. “I always think a first impression is very important, so you have to make sure you look good. I think that’s a way of showing respect to yourself and especially to your guests. ” In his closet hang a lot of blazers, trousers, jackets and blouses. “Simple, but neat. And of course I have a lot of sportswear, jogging suits and hoodies. That is also part of the game as a football player. ”
In terms of style, he cites David Beckham as an example, because the English former professional has opened doors to a new generation. “He introduced fashion to the football world, made it okay. Football and fashion are now linked, but it has also been a taboo ”, Reza points out. He then names Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss as his favorite brands. In that respect, his Instagram name can be called misleading. “It does say Gucci, but that has nothing to do with the brand, haha. I don’t get paid for it or anything. The story behind it is that my long last name is always mispronounced, so they made up in Iran to call me that. I like Gucci, but I don’t necessarily need designer clothes at all. H&M can also be great as long as it conveys what you stand for as a person. ”
Watch the video interview with Reza Ghoochannejhad below or check out our YouTube channel!
The striker finds it important to radiate class and elegance in his clothing style. “This is not always reflected in my football style, but it is reflected in my behavior. Of course I also try to be respectful on the field, but at the same time you want to win at all costs and then you cannot always be a gentleman, ”explains the 43-time Iranian international. “I just have that winning mentality in me and I think that’s a good thing. Outside the lines, I am always trying to show my best side ”, says Ghoochannejhad. “Then respect is very important and that’s how I try to educate my children.” As a player, he mainly calls himself a finisher. “Scoring has always been my number one priority in my career. I prefer to be the end station of a very nice attack. I want to be judged on that and that also happens thanks to my position. ”
The attacker landed at PEC Zwolle last season and was good for two goals in five matches in the current year. “I am very satisfied with where I am now,” is his conclusion. “I’ve already had a very good career with ups and downs. That is necessary, because the downsides will make you appreciate much more what you do have. I have been able to play football in seven countries and I am proud that I have always been able to make my own choices ”, analyzes the striker, who once gave up his football career as a young talent. “I had a very nice contract with sc Heerenveen at the time, but I handed it in to study law. At that time it seemed better to look for a different passion, because the football world is really a jungle full of hyenas. I found it difficult that not everyone is sincere in football. ”
According to Ghoochannejhad, that has not changed over the years, but he has regained the fun in football. “I am very happy that Heerenveen has given me a second chance. Over the years I have learned to arm myself and can now better distinguish good and bad intentions. You will learn that over time. I used to take everything personally, but now I know it’s different. The football world is simply very black and white. You are worth nothing or you are a superhero ”, said the striker. “That’s why I always say that my sporting ambitions do not extend beyond the next game. I am still eager and stop as soon as I no longer have that feeling. So I don’t know when my professional career will end, but I do know that with all my interests I will not fall into a black hole. I don’t see myself getting started as a trainer right away, but I do think that I can add value in an administrative position with my experience and network. ”
Over the years, the striker has been active in seven countries, but the Eredivisie always keeps beckoning. “I think the Dutch football philosophy suits me best. I think it’s the best way to play football and for that reason alone I always return here with pleasure. ” PEC Zwolle is already his twelfth employer and perhaps his last. “We will see how it goes. I had a really good time at many clubs and here too. It’s a good group, ”Ghoochannejhad emphasizes. He would therefore dare to indicate which of his teammates needs a makeover, but simply cannot come up with anyone who really fails. “Of course I cannot call myself the most stylish football player in the Netherlands, so I will go for Warner Hahn. Fashion is really his thing and he has clothes that only he can get away with. He once won this election and it would be an honor if I could say that later. ”
Sydney van Hooijdonk and Sean Klaiber spoke earlier in this series:
Sydney van Hooijdonk: ‘A club like Crystal Palace also seems wonderful to me’
Ajax acquisition notices competition: ‘Quincy Promes is nice’
You can now vote via lifeafterfootball.eu/fashion-player!
The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 5.
Justus Dingemanse is a full-time presenter and reporter of Voetbalzone and contributes in the form of articles, columns, interviews, programs and reports.