A Moment That Defied Convention
During a largely empty stadium encounter between Spartak Kostroma and SKA‑Khabarovsk, the Iranian defender seized a throw‑in opportunity and launched himself head‑first into a forward somersault, releasing the ball with a flick of his wrist.
The ball traveled roughly 40 yards before landing at the feet of teammate Sergey Bugriev, who headed it home to extend the hosts’ lead to 3‑1. The move, captured on video, sparked immediate applause despite the absence of VAR to review its legality.
Risk, Reward, and the Rulebook
Front‑flip throw‑ins are uncommon because they demand precise timing and carry a risk of infringement; officials must verify that the thrower’s feet remain behind the touchline until the ball is released. In this match, no video review existed in the Russian second tier, allowing the assist to stand unchallenged.
Mohammadi’s technique mirrors the celebrated efforts of Estonia’s Risto Kallaste and former Newcastle United player Steve Watson, both of whom have showcased similar acrobatic restarts. While Mohammadi has previously scored from a throw‑in in Iran’s top flight, he also experienced a missed opportunity during the 2018 World Cup when the ball was not released in added time.
A Career Defined by Set‑Piece Ingenuity
After establishing a reputation for mastering throw‑ins in the Persian Gulf Pro League, Mohammadi transferred to Spartak Kostroma in July 2026. His willingness to experiment with unorthodox methods reflects a broader trend where players seek any edge in set‑piece situations, especially when conventional strategies yield limited results.