Mehdi Taremi is an Iranian soccer hero who plays for Olympiacos after a stint with Inter Milan. As the war against Iran kicked in on February 28, 2026, he informed the team’s management of his intention to return to Iran to pick up arms and defend his country. The Iranian Football Association is embarrassed by his move and advised him to stay put in Greece to continue his career and use it to promote national prestige, but their advise fell on deaf ears. In his words he said, “This is the moment my country needs me most”. He added, “The place where I should be is the field, not the stadium”.

There is something about patriotism that moves people beyond the dictates of comfort and personal safety…History makers are those who are willing to adventure their lives far beyond their immediate needs.

There is something about patriotism that moves people beyond the dictates of comfort and personal safety. Though Mehdi was making good money in Greece and far from all harms, his heart is drawn to defend his homeland. When Nehemiah stood before the king and looked sad, he had no personal reason to look that way. He had access to the same delicacies that the king was served. However, he had a mission that was larger than his personal space and comfort – the need to rebuild the place of his fathers’ sepulchers. Paul did not mind to be accursed if that would translate to the salvation of Israel. History makers are those who are willing to adventure their lives far beyond their immediate needs.