Moroccan footballer Munir El Haddadi, currently under contract with Iranian club Esteghlal, has safely left Iran following recent escalations in regional tensions, the player announced Sunday via Instagram. The evacuation comes after U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting widespread flight cancellations across the Middle East.
“I wish to thank everyone who sent me messages and worried about my situation in Iran,” El Haddadi wrote. “Yesterday, we intended to exit the country by plane, but we were eventually evacuated from the plane and were unable to grab off.”
The player confirmed he was able to cross the border by road, facilitated by his club, and is now in Turkey en route to Spain. “I am currently safe in Turkey and will arrive in Spain in the coming hours. Thank you all for your support,” he stated.
The recent unrest was triggered by retaliatory strikes from Iran following an attack it attributes to the U.S. And Israel that resulted in the death of a senior commander. These strikes led to the cancellation of numerous flights as several airlines suspended routes due to airspace closures in the region, impacting travel throughout the Middle East.
El Haddadi, 30, joined Esteghlal in September 2023, signing a contract that runs through 2027. He has appeared in approximately 18 matches for the club, according to available data as of February 22, 2026. Prior to joining the Iranian team, the forward had a notable career in Spain, playing for Barcelona, Valencia, Alavés, Sevilla, Getafe, and Las Palmas. He began his youth career with Atlético Madrid before moving to Barcelona in 2011.
Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Adan, likewise a member of Esteghlal, reportedly left Iran on Friday, stating he took “one of the last flights that left Tehran,” according to Spanish press reports. El Haddadi has also represented the Morocco national team, earning 11 caps.
The situation highlights the increasing geopolitical risks impacting international business and travel, particularly in the Middle East. The disruption to air travel and the evacuation of personnel underscore the potential for instability to affect operations for companies with a presence in the region.
