The AFC announced the nominees on Friday, naming the 34-year-old alongside Saudi Arabia internationals Salem Al Dawsari and Firas Al Buraikan for the continent’s top individual football honor.
Beiranvand made seven saves against Belgium to earn Player of the Match recognition and featured in all three of Iran’s group-stage matches. Although Iran failed to reach the knockout stage after missing out on goal difference, his performances drew attention throughout the tournament.
At club level, Beiranvand played a key role in Tractor’s domestic league and AFC Champions League Elite campaigns. The Tabriz-based side advanced to the continental competition’s knockout stage, with the Iranian goalkeeper recording several clean sheets.
The nomination marks Beiranvand’s second appearance among the finalists for the award, following his recognition in 2019 after his performances at the 2018 World Cup and for his club. Qatar’s Akram Afif won the prize that year.
His Saudi rivals enter the race with notable achievements of their own. Al Buraikan earned his first nomination after scoring the winning goal for Al Ahli in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite final, helping the club secure its second consecutive title. The 26-year-old forward also helped Al Ahli finish third in the domestic league and scored twice for Saudi Arabia in the Asian qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where he started all three of his country’s matches.
Al Dawsari, meanwhile, is seeking a record third Player of the Year title after winning the award in 2022 and 2025. The 35-year-old reached nine World Cup appearances in 2026, placing him joint second among Saudi players for appearances at the tournament. He also captained Al Hilal during an unbeaten domestic league campaign in 2025-26, when the club won the Saudi King's Cup for the 10th time.
Beyond the men’s football category, Iran has three other representatives among this year’s nominees. Futsal internationals Hossein Tayebi and Saeid Ahmad Abbasi are shortlisted for AFC Futsal Player of the Year, while Marzieh Jafari is nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran is also a contender for the AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football in the Gold category.
The 30th AFC Annual Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Thailand on November 19.