Ex-Barcelona soccer star escapes Iran and shows – Sports News
Former FC Barcelona ahead Munir El Haddadi make clear his harrowing escape from Iran as missiles exploded overhead.
As the battle started to escalate El Haddadi — who at present performs for the Iranian membership Esteghlal — revealed that he was on board a flight certain for Dubai alongside Sepahan S.C. star Ivan Sanchez. The 30-year-old was swiftly compelled to evacuate the plane, nevertheless, as soon as the UAE airspace was shut down.
“Ten minutes later they made us get off the flight and told us we had to leave the plane because the airspace had been closed,” Sanchez advised Cadena Ser. “We had been on the runway prepared to go away and they advised us we needed to get off.
“A friend sent me a message saying, ‘They’ve attacked, you’re not going to make it.’ You can’t imagine the traffic there was. We waited in a hotel across from the airport. Security arrived and prepared a van so we could leave together.”
With air travel no longer an option, Esteghlal provided El Haddadi and Sanchez with a car so that he could drive from Tehran to Turkey. “I would like to thank everyone for your messages and concern regarding my situation in Iran,” El Haddadi wrote on Instagram. “Yesterday, the plan was to leave the country by air, but in the end, we were evacuated from the plane and were unable to take off.
“The club provided me with a car to leave the country by road, and thanks to that, I was able to cross the border without any issues. I am now safe in Turkey and will be arriving in Spain within the next few hours. Thank you all for your kindness.”
The 16-hour journey wasn’t with out its challenges, as El Haddadi navigated logistical chaos whereas witnessing the bombings round them. Upon safely arriving on the Istanbul airport, he confirmed reporters a number of videos displaying missiles being fired and smoke billowing from explosion websites.
“We managed to leave at seven and drove for about 16 hours. I played Parcheesi with a teammate,” El Haddadi said. “I slept for an hour — you can’t relax, you can’t sleep, I was desperate. You’re constantly watching the cars.”
Sanchez added: “We may see some missiles crashing within the sky with Iran’s defenses.”
Over 56 appearances for Barcelona from 2014-2019, El Haddadi scored 12 objectives earlier than transferring to Sevilla. He proceeded to make extra stops at Valencia, Alaves and Getafe, in the end touchdown with Esteghlal in September 2025.
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