The People’s Champion: The Football Icon Who Sacrificed Everything to Defy a Regime

Furthermore, Karimi’s bravery has had a "ripple effect" on other celebrities. His early and vocal support for the 2022 protests gave other athletes and actors the courage to speak up. He broke the atmosphere of fear that the regime relies on to keep public figures in check. While many were eventually silenced through arrests or threats, the initial wave of celebrity support—pushed forward by Karimi’s momentum—was a historic moment that showed the regime it was losing its grip on the cultural elite. He proved that even in a total state, the power of a single, principled voice can be infectious.