From Laliga To Iran: How Desire To Face Ronaldo Leads Congolese Forward To Wrong Club

From Laliga To Iran: How Desire To Face Ronaldo Leads Congolese Forward To Wrong Club

By Niyi Busari 

Congolese forward Thievy Bifouma, formerly of Espanyol and other Spanish La Liga clubs, has disclosed that a mix up in the club names influenced his decision to sign for Iranian side Esteghlal Khuzestan FC, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Bifouma revealed that he agreed to the move after learning that “Esteghlal” were scheduled to face Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, led by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Asian Champions League. Believing he would feature in the high-profile encounter, the forward proceeded with the transfer.

However, upon arriving in Iran and checking into his hotel, Bifouma realised he had mistaken Esteghlal Khuzestan for Esteghlal FC, Tehran’s most prominent club. The Asian Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Al Nassr involved Esteghlal FC, not Esteghlal Khuzestan, meaning the Congolese international would not have the opportunity to face Ronaldo.

Bifouma later acknowledged the error, admitting that he had signed for the wrong club due to the similarity in names between the two teams.

Al Nassr were drawn against Esteghlal FC in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Asian Champions League. In the decisive match played on March 10, 2025, the Saudi Pro League side progressed to the quarter-finals after a convincing victory, with Jhon Durán scoring twice and Cristiano Ronaldo converting a penalty.