A former international beach footballer has reportedly been killed during Iran’s ongoing protests.
Mohammad Hajipour was allegedly shot dead by Iranian regime forces during a public demonstration in the city of Rasht on the evening of 8 January.
Sources say authorities handed over his body on the condition that his family publicly state that he “died in a traffic accident”.
READ MORE: Knifeman jailed for attempted murder of tattooist over ‘botched’ inking
Mohammad, from Shiraz, was a former goalkeeper for Iran’s national beach soccer team.
Last summer, he renewed his contract with Shahin Khakbajar Cultural and Sports Club, as reported by Need To Know.
The club competes in the Gilan Province Premier League (Gilan Cup), the Gilan Province Youth League (Division 1), and the national Division 1 beach soccer league.
It wrote on social media: “Mohammad Hajipour, goalkeeper of the Shahin Khakbajar beach soccer team, has passed away.”
Brazilian coach Marco Octávio Simões Barbosa, who led Iran to qualification for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, shared a photo of himself with Mohammad.
He wrote: “When will man become human? Fanaticism, power, money… Hajipour, fantastic goalkeeper, unforgettable friend, I love you.”
Beach Soccer Worldwide also paid tribute, saying: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Mohammad.”
One commenter wrote that Mohammad “was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a symbol of a generation that paid a devastating price for dignity and freedom”.
Iranian opposition media claim that more than 36,500 protesters were killed by security forces on 8-9 January alone.
The demonstrations, triggered by economic, political and ideological grievances, first erupted across Iran on 28 December 2025.
Precise casualty figures remain unclear due to an internet and telephone blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities since 8 January.
Independent sources estimate that as many as 360,000 people have been injured and more than 27,000 arrested.
READ MORE: Pioneering woman who survived both World Wars dies aged 107
