Ster Habibzadeh has described the career changes that took her from Iran to coaching OH Leuven in the Women's Champions League, in a VnExpress account citing Goal. Combining work with lower-league football in the Netherlands became a foundation for her move into coaching.
Rebuilding in a new country
Habibzadeh recalled cutting her hair short as a child in Tehran so she could play street football with boys. She later signed professionally at 17, played for Malavan and Shiraz and made 21 Iran appearances.
Moving to the Netherlands at 23 brought unexpected financial difficulties. She said the income then available could not cover the costs of living independently.
She moved to lower divisions with evening training after full-time work, while learning Dutch and pursuing UEFA coaching qualifications. That combination established a longer-term career direction.
From building a team to European competition
At Belgium's Patro Eisden, she worked in the academy before being asked to create a women's team. Promotions from the fifth tier to the second attracted Club Brugge, where she became an assistant in summer 2025.
In 2026 she applied for and secured the OH Leuven role after Arno Van den Abbeel left. The article identifies her as one of five female head coaches in this season's Champions League league phase, working with a young squad after personnel changes.
OH Leuven won their first two consecutive domestic titles before several key players departed in the summer. The young squad drew 0-0 with Roma in its opening league-phase match. Habibzadeh sees opposition such as PSG, Chelsea, Juventus and Roma as opportunities to develop the group. She said the aim was to enjoy the competition and learn from each match.