Middle East conflict
Ex-second division goalkeeper has to flee from fights
March 2, 2026 – 8:45 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
The attacks on Tehran also hit a former German second division goalkeeper. Marko Johansson reports on explosions near the training grounds and his escape.
In the middle of preparation for an international knockout game, the everyday life of a professional footballer who also played in Germany is abruptly disrupted. For Marko Johansson, an ordinary Saturday in Iran ends with an escape across the border. The former second division keeper from Hamburger SV experienced the attacks on Tehran up close – and got himself to safety.
The 27-year-old is under contract with the Iranian champions Traktor FC in the city of Tabriz. Now the Swede, who also played for Eintracht Braunschweig, has described the dramatic hours. Johansson told Bild: “On Saturday morning I met the other foreign players at the club for breakfast. One of them suddenly said that Tehran had been attacked.”
The team was actually preparing for the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League. The duel with Shabab Al-Ahli was scheduled to take place in Dubai on Monday. Johansson reports: “It quickly became clear to us that it was best to leave the country. Instead of one bag for Dubai, I packed two bags. Shortly afterwards the coach called us together and told us that the club would support us in everything.”
Shortly afterwards comes the next moment of shock. “We were sitting in the hotel on the training ground when suddenly there was a huge blow. The whole building shook. We jumped up in shock and didn’t know where to go,” said the goalkeeper.
It was then clear to the foreign professionals that they wanted to leave the country. “Within a few minutes, a car was ready for us and we were driven to the Turkish border. The journey took five hours, during which we saw the Iranians preparing missiles for the counterattack.”
At the border the formalities went quickly. From there Johansson traveled on to Istanbul and then flew to Gothenburg. “I’m here with my wife and my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. The other foreign players from my club are also with their families,” said the Swede.
How things will continue in terms of sport remains to be seen. “I’m training alone for now. That’s very unusual for me. At the same time, I’m following the news from Iran very closely. And as far as my contract is concerned – my advisor will take care of that.” Johansson played in Germany for four years, most recently in Braunschweig. “My thoughts are with the people of Iran. I am in contact with many of them. I hope the conflict passes quickly.”
