International competitions like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup don’t just spotlight athletes—they also place nations in the global eye. Sport scientist Ali Ziaee examined how Iranian athletes are represented in both domestic and Western media, showing how these portrayals contribute to shaping Iran’s national identity.
“The study focused on media coverage of the 2016 Olympics, 2018 FIFA World Cup, and 2019 AFC Asian Cup in Iranian media, as well as the 2020 Olympics in Western outlets,” Ziaee explains. “It aims to understand how narratives contribute to the (re)construction of national identity and belonging, while also reinforcing processes of ‘Othering.’” Othering takes on negative connotations when a nation or individual is portrayed as fundamentally different, often emphasising negative traits or reinforcing stereotypes.
Ziaee concludes that media narratives surrounding Iranian athletes in major international sporting competitions play a crucial role in (re)constructing Iranian national identity. “A central theme in this process is resilience, which links the achievements and performances of Iranian athletes to the nation’s historical and political challenges,” he explains.
Iranian athletes
He highlights Iran’s national football team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where domestic media framed both the team and the nation positively amidst ongoing political tensions between Iran and the West, particularly the United States. He also discusses Kimia Alizadeh, the first Iranian female athlete to win an Olympic medal in 2016, who left Iran in 2020 while criticising the Iranian state. “She and athletes like her were initially celebrated for the hope and pride they brought to society while wearing the hijab, but later became subjects of contrasting narratives when their personal choices conflicted with Iran’s official values.” While Iranian media often frame such actions as betrayals of national identity and loyalty to Iran, Western media portray them as expressions of personal freedom, interpreted through a Western lens.
“These differing portrayals highlight the ongoing tension between internal and external views of Iran,” Ziaee adds. “My study shows that media narratives in the context of Iranian elite athletes and sports reflect broader geopolitical dynamics and influence how Iran is imagined by its citizens and the global community.”
Media literacy
Ziaee’s findings are relevant for journalists, educators, and policymakers. “Media professionals should reflect on how their reporting might reinforce stereotypes, contribute to the process of Othering, or result in the overrepresentation of athletes and their performances, which can heighten public expectations”, he argues. His research supports efforts to improve media literacy, challenge biased narratives, and promote initiatives, such as sports diplomacy, that foster unity, enhance international relations, and ensure a balanced portrayal of nations and athletes.