Catching up with Misagh BahadoranJ. Anne Gonzales and Miji Gonzales 2012-01-10 10:00:51
Meet Misagh Bahadoran, Filipino–Iranian Azkal, Global FC midfielder, middle child and future dentist. If he’s not kicking balls or snacking on candies, he’s probably stuck in traffic. But today might be a little different, as he’s most likely blowing out birthday candles or counting his presents. After all, January 10 marks his birthday, so in an effort to honor this day, here’s a warm greeting: Tavallodet Mobārak! (Yes, you guessed it right, that’s Happy Birthday in Farsi!)
In the Name of MisaghNow before you start to get captivated by those iridescent eyes, it is essential that you first spell his name right. It’s Misagh with the silent “gh” (like sigh). Once you get past that ordeal, then comes more syllables to remember: Ba-ha-do-ran. Getting past that spelling threshold thus earns you the right to stare at his eyes, which, by the way, are blue most of the time. Hints of gray and brown do come by, depending on his mood, but let’s just stick with the ROYGBIV member, blue, for easy recall.
The name Misagh has nothing to do with missiles or heroes, and neither does it draw its origin from the Tagalog word misa (“mass”) which Filipino fans might hope for. For those unfamiliar with his native language (Farsi), which perhaps is 99% of us, Misagh actually means “promise.” Having gone through the effort of Googling his name’s meaning, it is perhaps safe to trust this translation. As to what kind of promise this is though, well, only Misagh knows the answer to that.
A dentist by education but footballer by profession, Misagh’s football history stretches way back when he was 6 in Iran. Older brother Ali served as his playmate, teacher and later, role model. Ali was perhaps the reason why even before he reached grade school, Misagh had one unflinching ambition: To play football.
“When I saw him play, I knew I wanted to play football,” remarks Misagh with reminiscent joy. Practice wasn’t always that fun though since, “he made me do bicycle kicks in an empty pool!” Ouch. So much for playmate.
And this passion for football traveled with him when he moved to the Philippines. Juggling anatomy and football in Centro Escolar University (CEU) where he studied dentistry, Misagh gallantly fulfilled his father’s choice career, having graduated last March 2011, and simultaneously gained recognition as an Azkal and Global FC player.
Meet the BahadoransMiddle child Misagh finds himself on the center line of the Bahadoran brood. There’s older brother Ali and elder sister Fatima, who’s an optometrist in Iran. Trailing behind the pack are Zainab (19 years old) and Somayeh (18 years old) who are still studying at CEU. An equal of mix of optometrists and dentists in the household, this family is sure to lead a cavity-free life where sunsets and rainbows will be enjoyed even during their old age. How lucky is that?
While older sister, Dr. Fatima, remains to be his number 1 fan, her spouse Dr. Iman Ronaghi was his futsal coach and best friend back in CEU. “They’re getting married in March and I’m, of course, the best man,” beams Misagh with pride. It wouldn’t surprise us if they named their first child Misagh-2.
Balling AroundWhile he doesn’t really bend or curve, Misagh does excel in other football skills such as dribbling (like Lionel Messi, one of his favorite players). His lightning-paced speed and dribbling might earn him the nickname “Speedy Gonzales,” but being an Azkal, the dogs might not agree with this animal selection. Misagh also scored a corner kick last 2010 in a game versus Kaya FC, giving us a clear warning never to piss off Misagh and his cleats. Known for his pace and tip-top ball handling, Misagh can be a delightful sight on the pitch, even made more amusing if matched with the funky Global FC dance they’ve choreographed to celebrate every triumphant moment.
When asked about his closest peer among the Azkals, Misagh is quick to reply, “Ángel Guirado.” As for Global FC, “It’s everyone!” Should the United Football League (UFL) decide to establish a Mr. Congeniality Award, we sure know who’s bagging the trophy.
Ángel and Misagh seem to share more than just this football friendship, as they’re both enrolled in English classes at the A.SH International Language Center. Having Spanish and Farsi as native languages respectively may be testing during on-the-spot interviews, but this language barrier has not impeded the fan appeal, and if any, has boosted it even more so.
Konnichiwa, Mate!
2011 has been a frenzied year for Misagh as he lost a tooth, ran with the wind and shook hands with a football god. During the Azkals vs LA Galaxy game, somewhere in the midst of the Beckham chaos, a Galaxy player knocked off Misagh and well, his tooth fell.
In the dentist’s own insightful words, “In the LA Galaxy game, I broke my central incisor (that’s 2–1). Who did this, I cannot remember.”
However painful this must have been though, Misagh immediately dismissed his toothy condition as he still found the opportunity to shake hands and have his photo taken with David Beckham.
“I was so happy. I couldn’t believe it because it was like a movie! Like 10 years ago I was just watching Beckham play with Giggs in Manchester United, and then that day I was shaking hands with him.” A tooth for a handshake—all worth it!
Still on a December roll, Misagh spent 10 days in Tokyo, all-expense paid with a translator, cellphone—the works. It was not Christmas shopping or curry that brought him to Japan though but the try-outs for the Tokyo Verdy.
“I learned a lot, and it was a very good experience. I really enjoyed the city,” beams Misagh-san as he showered us with Japanese phrases that helped him survive in manga city.
Bahadoran Blowout2011 has certainly been a swell year for Misagh, but how about his 2012 New Year’s resolution?
“To stay what I am.” Known for his smiley demeanor, keen determination and go-getter attitude, there is nothing that Misagh can possibly hope for, and we couldn’t agree more—except for some of the Japanese curry he left behind in Japan.
As for his birthday wish: “For me and my family to stay healthy.” With a family of doctors and dentists though, this shouldn’t be a problem.
With a booming taxi business named Misagh (tagline: “Promise” to get you to your destination—okay, I made that up), an ever growing fan base, a bright future in the Philippine National Football Team and Global FC and the anticipated explosion of football mania in the country, the hopes are high for Misagh Bahadoran.
And that leaves us with one last question: Where’s the bash, Hollywood?
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