The football TikToker with more than 31 million fans

Iran Ferreira, known as Luva de Pedreiro, is one of the most well-known TikTokers worldwide thanks to his presence on the popular social media platform.

His nickname can be translated as 'worker's glove', deriving from his humble origins and his almost irrational desire to be a professional footballer. As a child, he used to look up to European football stars and was determined to follow into their footsteps.

"I play very well, but I haven't had the chance," he tells MARCA.

More than 31m followers

Iran's dream to introduce himself to his idol, Neymar, came true back in March when he travelled to Paris.

"I met a boy who fights for his dreams and for his family," the Paris Saint-Germain star wrote on social media after meeting Iran.

"I saw myself reflected in him because of his simplicity and happiness. I wish you all the success in the world and may God protect your path. Thank you for your love."

Luva de Pedreiro has more than 16.5 million followers on TikTok, 14.1 million on Instagram and almost one million on Twitter.

"My secret? Believing in dreams and God," he adds.

"I never thought all this would happen."

He can hardly walk in France, let alone in Brazil, without being stopped. Always accompanied by his agent, Allan Jesus, his motto is 'Receba!!!' and he keeps on saying it, as if programmed to do so, accompanying it with his gratitude to God, often embellished with another iconic cry: Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuuuh!'

Curiously, it was the Portuguese star's son, as well as Real Madrid left-back Marcelo, who helped Iran make headlines by joining the trend.

Vinicius' Champions League final goal

Having just reached a collaboration agreement with Amazon, Iran has attracted interest from numerous sponsors.

He recently travelled to Paris where he participated along with Cuban singer Camila Cabello in the advertising campaign of a famous soft drink company ahead of the Champions League final.

"The final will be decided by a goal from Vinicius", he predicted correctly.

"I have friends in both teams. Marcelo, Vinicius [Junior], Rodrygo [Goes], Firmino, Fabinho, Luis Diaz. The first one to contact me was Marcelo, and [Eder] Militao too.