Watch | The most insane assist ever in football

An Iranian footballer has created a stir across the sport after delivering one of the most unusual assists of the season, executing a full forward somersault before launching a long throw-in that directly set up a goal.

Playing in just his second match for Russian First League side Spartak Kostroma during their 3–1 victory over SKA-Khabarovsk, 29-year-old centre-back Nader Mohammadi demonstrated an extraordinary technique from the touchline.

Using the ball against the turf for balance, Mohammadi launched himself into a front flip, planted both feet firmly on the line, and hurled the ball deep into the penalty area. His teammate Sergey Bugriyov met the trajectory in the 83rd minute, heading the ball into the net to lock in the victory.

????????????????Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi produced a spectacular assist for Spartak Kostroma against SKA-Khabarovsk — using a somersault throw-in to launch the ball into the box. ????‍♂️⚽

The flip throw was famously used by Estonia’s Risto Kallaste and Newcastle’s Steve Watson in the… pic.twitter.com/kPUrT6OJNa

— EF (@EURASIAFOOTBALL) August 9, 2026

While the acrobatic stunt appeared to be a moment of pure improvisation to onlookers, Mohammadi reportedly spent about ten years practising gymnastics before transitioning to professional football.

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He uses the forward flip to generate extra momentum, allowing him to throw the ball significantly further than standard throw-in techniques allow.

Spartak Kostroma manager Roman Berezovsky confirmed after the match that the team views Mohammadi’s acrobatics as a legitimate set-piece threat rather than a mere gimmick.

Having tested his range on his debut against Yenisey earlier in August, the club specifically positioned players inside the box against SKA-Khabarovsk to capitalise on his delivery.

While flip-throws have occasionally featured in football history, notably used by Estonia’s Risto Kallaste and Newcastle United’s Steve Watson, Mohammadi’s consistency has brought the technique back into the spotlight, signalling to opponents that every throw-in must now be defended like a corner kick.

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The flip throw can generate extra momentum, allowing the ball to travel much further than a conventional throw-in. It is also a move that leaves little room for error. When executed perfectly, it can be a potent attacking weapon; when it goes wrong, it can quickly turn into an awkward spectacle.

That was the case for Iran international Milad Mohammadi at the 2018 World Cup. With Iran chasing a goal against Spain in the closing stages, Mohammadi performed the flip but failed to let go of the ball. The bizarre moment came during a 1-0 defeat in the group stage.

Nader Mohammadi has since shown the other side. His flip throw-ins have caused problems for defences, and in 2020 one even helped produce a goal in Iran’s top division after the goalkeeper deflected the delivery into his own net.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)