The Game of Becoming: Anoush Dastgir Editorial Illustration Project

This illustration project tells the powerful story of Netherlands U-18 coach Anoush Dastgir, exploring the life experiences that shaped his leadership, values, and vision.

Through a narrative series, the illustrations reflect his journey of growth — from personal challenges and emigration to the deep influence of family and community. Each visual moment captures resilience, identity, and the connections that guide his approach both on and off the football field.

The story concludes with an inspiring forward-looking vision: building football pitches in Afghanistan as safe, inclusive spaces where children can simply be children — places to play, learn, and momentarily leave hardship behind.

Editorial illustration depicting a child walking through a glowing desert landscape while facing a large shadowy adult silhouette on a mountain, symbolizing memory, identity, and the lasting influence of childhood experiences.

Dream Bigger Than Yourself

Editorial illustration depicting a child flying a kite across the pages of an open book with a drawn soccer field, symbolizing imagination, childhood dreams, storytelling, and the freedom of play.

Catching the Wind of Change

Editorial illustration depicting a symbolic family journey through a glowing landscape with silhouettes of parents and children walking toward the horizon, representing memory, childhood, separation, and the passage of time.

Family in Between

Editorial illustration depicting a solitary person standing beneath a large golden autumn tree with falling leaves, symbolizing reflection, the passage of time, and the connection between human life and nature.

Resilience Takes Root

Editorial illustration depicting an adult figure watching children play soccer on a glowing field in a distant landscape, symbolizing memory, childhood dreams, and the lasting impact of youth.

A Pitch for the Future