WANA (Jun 18) – Iran right-back Ramin Rezaeian has been named the most creative player of the opening round of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

The 36-year-old defender delivered an outstanding performance in Iran’s opening match, scoring his team’s first goal and providing the assist for Mohammad Mohebi’s strike to play a pivotal role in Iran’s victory.

 

According to FIFA’s rankings, Rezaeian earned a score of 8.2, finishing ahead of several high-profile players, including Michel Olise, Florian Wirtz, Lee Kang-in, Julio Enciso, Ryan Gravenberch, Bukayo Saka, Amad Diallo, Brahim Diaz and Mohamed Salah.

 

FIFA said the rankings are based on metrics such as progressive passes, assists, attacking threat, involvement in play, ball progression and line-breaking actions, and will be updated after each round of matches.