The Diverse Pursuits of the Last Shah of Iran

The development and popularization of football (soccer) was central to this national sporting push. Under the Shah's patronage, football became the pre-eminent team sport, offering a unifying outlet for national enthusiasm and pride. Iran’s national team achieved remarkable success during this era, securing multiple victories in the AFC Asian Cup, with these triumphs being televised and celebrated as national achievements that symbolically confirmed the wisdom of the Shah's progressive, modern policies.