Nader Mohammadi's somersault throw-in assist goes viral in Russia

August 09, 2026 • 0 • min read

Table of Contents

Nader Mohammadi's somersault throw-in assist goes viral in Russia

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Nader Mohammadi stunned fans with a somersault throw-in.
Spartak Kostroma beat SKA-Khabarovsk 3-1 in Russia's second tier.
The viral clip drew comparisons with rare throw-in techniques from the 1990s.

Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi stole the spotlight in Russia's second tier after producing a spectacular somersault throw-in that helped Spartak Kostroma secure a 3-1 victory over SKA-Khabarovsk.

The 29-year-old's acrobatic throw became the defining moment of the match, with his remarkable technique sending the ball deep into the penalty area and creating the opportunity for Sergei Bugriyev to score the winning goal.

Mohammadi's acrobatic throw-in shocks fans

Mohammadi's throw-in was anything but routine.

The Spartak defender launched himself into a full somersault before releasing the ball, generating considerable distance and sending it towards a dangerous area inside the SKA box.

The delivery helped create the decisive attacking moment, with Bugriyev converting from close range to put Spartak in front.

Footage of the unusual throw quickly spread across social media, attracting attention from football fans well beyond Russia and Iran.

Supporters were particularly entertained by the combination of Mohammadi's athleticism, the unexpected nature of the technique and a brief shirt mishap during the sequence.

A throw-in technique with a long history

Whilst somersault throw-ins remain extremely rare in professional football, the technique is not entirely new.

Players such as Estonia international Risto Kallaste and former Newcastle United defender Steve Watson were among those associated with spectacular long-distance throw-ins during the 1990s.

Mohammadi has developed his own version of the technique, using the momentum generated by the somersault to produce a powerful delivery from the touchline.

The throw against SKA demonstrated just how effective it can be when executed accurately. Rather than simply providing a restart, Mohammadi effectively turned the throw-in into a set-piece delivery into the heart of the penalty area.

Spartak Kostroma claim a 3-1 victory

The remarkable throw-in came during a competitive Russian second-tier encounter, with Spartak eventually running out 3-1 winners against SKA-Khabarovsk.

For Mohammadi, however, the result was quickly overshadowed by the spectacular nature of his contribution.

His somersault throw-in has now become a viral talking point, giving the Iranian defender an unexpected moment of international recognition.

It also serves as a reminder that, even in an era dominated by sophisticated tactical systems and highly rehearsed set pieces, football can still produce moments that are almost impossible to predict.