Fan Makeup in Iran
Fan Makeup
Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Iran: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sports
The Colors of Iran
Iran, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in West Asia, bordered by several countries, including Iraq to the west and Pakistan to the east, and by the Persian Gulf to the south. Its capital is Tehran. Iran is rich in history and culture, with ancient civilizations dating back millennia. The country is also known for its influence in the Shia Muslim world and its strategic geopolitical position in the Middle East.
The Iranian flag consists of three horizontal stripes of green, white, and red, from top to bottom. Green represents Islam, the majority religion in Iran, and also symbolizes hope and prosperity. White symbolizes peace. Red represents courage and martyrdom.
In the center of the flag, on the white stripe, is the emblem of Iran, which is a stylized motif of the word "Allah" in Arabic and can also be interpreted as four crescents around a sword, representing the unity and strength of the nation. The borders of the green and red stripes are adorned with a repeating pattern of the phrase "Allahu Akbar" ("God is great") 22 times, in reference to the 22 Bahman in the Persian calendar, marking the date of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Sports in Iran
In Iran, several sports play an important role both in the culture and in the daily life of Iranians.
Traditional Iranian wrestling, known as "Zurkhaneh" or "Pahlavani," is an ancient sport deeply rooted in Iranian culture. Practiced in gyms called "Zurkhaneh," this sport combines strength exercises, gymnastics, and Sufi rituals and is often regarded as a symbol of courage and honor. Iran is also very competitive in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling on the international stage.
Football is the most popular sport in Iran. The national football team, nicknamed "Team Melli," has a very devoted fan base and has participated multiple times in the FIFA World Cup. Clubs like Persepolis and Esteghlal are among the most famous, and their rivalry sparks great passion across the country.
Volleyball is another major sport in Iran, with the national team emerging as a force in international competitions. The Iranian volleyball team is particularly successful in Asia, winning several continental championships.
Iran has a long tradition of excellence in weightlifting. Iranian weightlifters have won numerous medals at the Olympic Games and other international competitions. The country is particularly recognized for champions like Hossein Rezazadeh, nicknamed "The Iranian Hercules."
Basketball is growing in popularity, especially after the recent successes of the national team in Asian tournaments and its participation in the Olympic Games. Iran has won several FIBA Asia Championships, and players like Hamed Haddadi have played in the NBA, contributing to the sport's rise in the country.
Iran also excels in taekwondo, with Iranian athletes winning medals at the Olympic Games and other international competitions. Martial arts are popular and widely practiced across the country.
In addition to Pahlavani wrestling, other traditional sports like "chogan" (the ancestor of polo) also hold an important place in Iran's sports culture. Although less practiced today, chogan remains a symbol of the country's sporting history and traditions.
Passionate Fans, Colors, and Pride
Supporters in Iran are among the most passionate and dedicated in the world, especially when it comes to popular sports like football and volleyball. Their fervor and enthusiasm create a unique atmosphere in the stadiums and beyond.
Iranian fans, often called "hoopar," are extremely passionate about their teams, particularly in football. The rivalry between clubs like Persepolis and Esteghlal in Tehran is one of the most intense in the country. On match days, stadiums fill with thousands of supporters dressed in their team's colors, waving flags and chanting songs praising their team.
Chants and slogans are an essential part of the fan experience in Iran. Each club or national team has its own songs and slogans that are sung in unison by supporters during matches. These chants strengthen the sense of community and belonging among fans.
Iranian fans are very attached to their team's colors. For example, Persepolis fans wear red, while Esteghlal fans opt for blue. These colors become symbols of identity not only in stadiums but also in neighborhoods and cities.
Iranian fans closely follow their teams both nationally and internationally. Social media plays an important role in this engagement, where fans express their support, debate team performances, and interact directly with players and clubs.
Outside the stadiums, supporters often organize gatherings to celebrate victories or show support even in difficult times. These gatherings can be spontaneous or pre-arranged, and they demonstrate the importance of sport in Iranian social life.
Despite the restrictions that sometimes exist around sporting events, especially for women, Iranian fans find ways to show their support. For example, women have fought for their right to attend football matches in stadiums, and changes have gradually been made to allow their presence, though these efforts are still ongoing.
Sports support in Iran goes beyond just matches. It has a cultural, social, and even political impact. Football matches, in particular, become events where collective emotions are expressed, bringing people from all backgrounds together around a common passion.
Major Events
Iran hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in Iran:
Iran Pro League (Football): The professional football league of Iran, also known as the Persian Gulf Pro League, is the highest division of Iranian football, with exciting matches throughout the season. (Iran Pro League)
Tehran Derby (Football): This match pits Iran's two most popular football clubs, Persepolis and Esteghlal, against each other, and is one of the country's most-watched sporting events. (Tehran Derby)
World Wrestling Clubs Cup (Wrestling): An international team wrestling tournament hosted in Iran, bringing together the best wrestling clubs from around the world. (United World Wrestling)
Tour of Iran (Cycling): A stage cycling race that attracts professional cycling teams from around the world to compete across Iran's varied landscapes. (Tour of Iran)
Asian Volleyball Championship (Volleyball): Occasionally hosted in Iran, this Asian men's volleyball championship brings together the best national teams from Asia. (Asian Volleyball Confederation)
Iranian Basketball Super League (Basketball): The highest division of the basketball championship in Iran, featuring the best teams in the country. (Iranian Basketball Super League)
Zurkhaneh Sports World Championships (Pahlavani): An international competition in Zurkhaneh sports, a traditional form of Iranian wrestling and physical training, celebrating the country's sporting heritage. (International Zurkhaneh Sports Federation)
Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Multi-sports): A multi-sport event that includes indoor sports and martial arts, organized under the aegis of the Iranian Olympic Committee. (OCA)
Fajr Cup (Weightlifting): An annual weightlifting tournament that attracts international athletes, held in memory of the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution. (Fajr Cup)
Passionate Fans
Persepolis FC (Football): Founded in 1963, Persepolis is one of the most titled and popular clubs in Iran. It has won numerous Iranian championships and was a finalist in the AFC Champions League. The club is nicknamed "The Reds" (Persian: سرخها). Persepolis supporters are called the "Red Army" and are known for their intense passion and unconditional support. (Persepolis FC)
Esteghlal FC (Football): Created in 1945 under the name "Taghteh," Esteghlal is the other major Tehran club with a rich history, having won numerous national titles and the AFC Champions League in 1970. Its nickname is "The Blues" (Persian: آبیها). Esteghlal supporters, called the "Blue Dragons," are known for their fervent commitment and chants in the stadiums. (Esteghlal FC)
Sina Bank Volleyball Club (Volleyball): Dominating the Iranian volleyball championship in recent years, Sina Bank is one of the country's most successful clubs. This club is nicknamed "The Bankers" (Persian: بانکداران). The supporters are usually passionate volleyball fans who closely follow the team's performances. (Sina Bank Volleyball Club)
Shahrdari Tabriz BC (Basketball): Founded in 1991, Shahrdari Tabriz is a top basketball club in Iran with several national titles to its name. Its nickname is "The Lions of Tabriz" (Persian: شیرهای تبریز). Known for their loyalty, the club's supporters are highly engaged and regularly organize gatherings to support the team. (Shahrdari Tabriz BC)
Khouzestan Steel Club (Weightlifting): Khouzestan Steel is a major club in weightlifting, having produced several Iranian and international champions. The club is known by the nickname "The Steelmakers" (Persian: فولادگران). Khouzestan Steel supporters are proud of their athletes' successes and closely follow national and international competitions. (Khouzestan Steel Club)
Tolu Wrestling Club (Wrestling): A prestigious wrestling club in Iran, Tolu is known for its strong tradition in the sport and its athletes who have excelled on the global stage. It is nicknamed "The Warriors" (Persian: جنگجویان). Tolu fans are typically passionate about wrestling and strongly support their wrestlers during national and international competitions. (Tolu Wrestling Club)
Fan Merchandise
Sports Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in Iran
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us