Famous Iranian Football Players

Ali Daei is an Iranian football manager and former professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities as a striker. He captained the Iranian national team and played in the German Bundesliga for Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin. Daei held the record for the most international goals until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2021. He was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador during his playing career and later served on the FIFA Football Committee. Daei was inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh Jirendeh is an Iranian professional footballer known for his versatility as a right winger and attacking midfielder. He has captained the Iran national team and achieved notable success in the Eredivisie league, becoming the first Asian player to be the top scorer in a major European league. Jahanbakhsh has represented Iran in multiple FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup tournaments, showcasing his talent at both the under-20 and under-21 levels. His skill and achievements have solidified his status as a respected figure in international football.

Ali Karimi is an Iranian football coach and former professional footballer known for his playmaking skills. He played in various leagues, including the Iran Pro League, UAE Pro League, Qatar Stars League, and Bundesliga. Karimi scored 38 goals in 127 matches for the Iran national team and received accolades such as the best scorer of the AFC Asian Cup and Asian Footballer of the Year. He enjoyed success with clubs like Persepolis, Al-Ahli Dubai, Bayern Munich, and Schalke 04, winning league titles and cups. Karimi is revered as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time.

Mehdi Mahdavikia is an Iranian professional football coach and former player known for his versatility as a right winger or right back. He currently serves as a youth coach for Hamburger SV and manages his own youth academy, FC KIA. Mahdavikia is also involved in football governance, representing the Asian Football Confederation in the Football Advisory Panel of the International Football Association Board. Throughout his career, he played for various Iranian and German clubs, earning accolades such as the Asian Young Footballer of the Year and Asian Footballer of the Year awards for his skills in crossing, speed, and dribbling.

Ashkan Dejagah is a retired Iranian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He represented Germany at youth levels before switching to the Iranian national team in 2011. Dejagah helped Iran qualify for major tournaments such as the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Asian Cup, and 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was voted as Iran's best ever left midfielder in 2015. Dejagah had successful stints with clubs like Hertha BSC, VfL Wolfsburg, and Fulham, winning the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg in 2008-09.

Javad Nekounam is an Iranian football manager and former player known for coaching Esteghlal in the Persian Gulf Pro League. He holds the record for the most appearances for the Iranian national football team. Nicknamed Neku, he played as a midfielder and is considered one of the greatest players in Esteghlal Tehran's history. Nekounam represented Iran in 149 international matches, participating in multiple World Cups and Asian Cups. His popularity among Esteghlal fans has only grown since transitioning into coaching.

Reza Ghoochannejhad Nournia, known as "Gucci" in Belgium and the Netherlands, is an Iranian former professional footballer who excelled as a forward. He represented the Iran national team, scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances and participating in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cups in 2014 and 2018, as well as the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. With experience playing at various levels, including the youth team for the Netherlands, Ghoochannejhad made a significant impact on the international football stage during his career.

Masoud Shojaei is an Iranian coach and former professional footballer known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder, winger, and forward. He has played for clubs in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain, notably Osasuna where he competed in 112 matches. As an Iranian international since 2004, Shojaei has participated in multiple World Cup and Asian Cup tournaments, showcasing his skill and experience on the global stage. Currently, he serves as the head coach of Havadar in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Andranik Teymourian is a retired Iranian professional footballer who specialized as a defensive midfielder, with versatility to also play as a wide midfielder. He notably became the first Christian to captain the Iran national team. Teymourian spent time playing for English clubs such as Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, and Barnsley between 2006 and 2010. He represented Iran in various international tournaments including the World Cup and Asian Cup, showcasing his skills and contributions to the national team.

Ali Karimi is a talented Iranian professional footballer known for his skills as a central midfielder. Currently playing for Kayserispor, he has showcased his abilities on the field with impressive performances. Karimi's career is highlighted by his technical prowess, vision, and tactical awareness, making him a valuable asset to his team. With a successful track record in the sport, he continues to make significant contributions to his club, demonstrating his passion and dedication to the game.

Seyyed Jalal Hosseini is a former Iranian professional footballer who played as a centre-back and served as the captain of Iranian club Persepolis. He has a successful career representing Iran in various international competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup. Hosseini also played for Iran's under-23 side, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 Asian Games. Known for his strong defensive skills and leadership on the field, he made significant contributions to both his club and national team throughout his career.

Mehdi Taremi is an Iranian professional footballer known for his striking abilities. After starting his career at Shahin Bushehr and Iranjavan, he gained recognition at Persepolis as a top scorer. Taremi continued his success at Al-Gharafa in Qatar before moving to Rio Ave in Portugal, where he became a joint-top scorer. He then joined Porto and achieved further accomplishments, including winning the domestic double and finishing as the top goal scorer in the league. Taremi has represented Iran at major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.

Karim Bagheri is a former Iranian professional footballer who played for the Iran national team and spent a significant portion of his career at Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as an assistant coach for both Persepolis and the Iran national team. Bagheri's experience as a player, particularly his time with the national team, provides valuable insights and expertise that he now brings to his coaching roles.

Sardar Azmoun is an accomplished Iranian professional footballer known for his skills as a forward. He currently plays for UAE Pro League club Shabab Al Ahli and represents the Iran national team. Azmoun made his national team debut in 2014 and has since been a key player for Team Melli, participating in multiple AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup editions. He holds the title of being the second-most expensive Iranian player and also holds the record for being the youngest Iranian to score in a UEFA Champions League match.

Karim Ansarifard is an Iranian professional footballer renowned for his prowess as a forward for Greek Super League club Aris and the Iran national team. He has often been compared to legendary player Ali Daei, being dubbed as his "successor". Ansarifard has been recognized on a global scale, with honors such as being listed among the best young talents in the world by World Soccer, FIFA.com selecting him as a player to watch, and Goal.com including him in their list of the top 100 young football players worldwide. FIFA has also ranked him as one of the top goalscorers globally and in Asia.

Alireza Haghighi is an Iranian goalkeeper known for his impressive career with the Iranian team Havadar. He has gained recognition for his skills and performance on the field. Haghighi has established himself as a reliable presence in goal, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. With his experience and expertise, he has contributed significantly to his team's success. Haghighi's professional journey is marked by numerous achievements and a strong reputation as a top goalkeeper in Iranian football.

Ehsan Hajsafi, known as the Persian Cheetah, is a versatile Iranian professional footballer playing as a left-back for AEK Athens in the Greek Super League and leading the Iran national team. He is recognized for his ability to excel in multiple positions, including winger, left-back, and defensive midfielder. Hajsafi gained early recognition in 2009 when he was named the most promising player in Asian football by Goal.com. He has showcased his skills on the international stage, representing Iran in multiple FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup tournaments.

Saeid Ezatolahi Afagh is an Iranian professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder for club Shabab Al Ahli in UAE Pro League and the Iran national team. He emerged through Malavan's youth academy, debuting in the first team at a record-breaking young age. Ezatolahi has received recognition for his talent, winning awards such as the Iranian federation's young player of the year. He made history as the youngest goalscorer for the Iran national team before his record was surpassed in 2019.

Hadi Norouzi was an Iranian football striker who played for Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League. He began his career with Persepolis' youth team before being promoted to the first team squad in 2008. He also had a brief stint at Pasargad and Damash Iranian before joining Naft Tehran on loan in 2013. Norouzi returned to Persepolis and became a regular squad player, eventually being named captain two months before his untimely death in 2015 at the age of 30.

Niloufar Ardalan is an Iranian sports figure known for her successful career in football and futsal. She has played for both the Iranian women's national football team and futsal team, captaining both sides. Ardalan has also competed for various clubs, including Rah Ahan Football Club and Futsal Clubs like Tejarat Khane Bandar Abbas, Persepolis, and the Islamic Azad University of Tehran. Despite facing obstacles, she managed to participate in international championships. With numerous accolades, Ardalan transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2017.

Kaveh Rezaei is a prominent Iranian professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Sepahan and the Iran national team. With a successful career, Rezaei has showcased his skills on the field through impressive goal-scoring capabilities and strategic gameplay. His contributions to both his club and national team have earned him recognition and respect within the football community. Rezaei's dedication to the sport and his ability to perform under pressure have solidified his reputation as a talented and valuable asset to the teams he represents.

Ramin Rezaeian Semeskandi is an Iranian professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. Starting as a right-back, he has also excelled as a winger for Esteghlal and the Iran national team. Rezaeian has been a key player in important matches, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his speed, agility, and athleticism. Widely regarded as one of Iran's top fullbacks, he has made significant contributions to both club and country, earning a reputation as a skilled and reliable player.

Sara Ghomi Marzdashti is a highly accomplished Iranian footballer, known for her exceptional skills as a forward. She began her professional career in 2005 with Malavan Bandar Anzali club and went on to become the top goalscorer of Iran's premier league five times during her tenure with the team. With an impressive record of 238 goals, she holds the title of the most prolific Iranian female footballer in history. Currently, she plays for Heyat Football Alborz team and represents the Iranian national team.

Mehdi Torabi is an Iranian professional footballer known for his role as a winger for Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor and the Iran national team. With a successful career in football, Torabi has showcased his skills on the field, contributing significantly to his team's performance. His agility, speed, and technical abilities make him a valuable asset in matches, where he consistently demonstrates his expertise in creating scoring opportunities and assisting his teammates. Torabi's dedication and passion for the sport have earned him recognition as a talented player in the football world.

Morteza Pouraliganji is an accomplished Iranian professional footballer known for his role as a center-back. He currently showcases his skills with Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League and serves as a key player for the Iran national team. Pouraliganji has participated in prestigious tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his talent and dedication on the field. With a strong presence and defensive prowess, he has earned a reputation as a reliable and skilled player in both domestic and international football.

Kia Zolgharnain is an Iranian-American soccer coach and former player with a successful career in both playing and coaching. He currently serves as the head coach and technical director of Akron City FC. Zolgharnain was a standout forward during his playing days, leading the American Indoor Soccer Association in scoring during the 1986–1987 season. Known by his first name alone, he has also dedicated his time to coaching youth soccer in Cleveland, showcasing his passion for developing young talent in the sport.

Eisa Palangi is a versatile professional footballer known for his skills as a winger and left back. He currently plays for Qatar SC, showcasing his talent on the field. Originally from Iran, he has demonstrated his commitment to representing Qatar at the youth level, highlighting his dedication to the sport. With his ability to play in multiple positions and his experience in competitive football, Palangi continues to make significant contributions to his team and the sport as a whole.

Brwa Hekmat Nouri is a professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He currently plays for Swedish Division 2 club Ariana. With experience playing for the Iraq national team, Nouri has showcased his skills and versatility on the field. His presence as a midfielder contributes to the team's defensive strategies and overall gameplay. Nouri's dedication to the sport and his ability to adapt to different playing styles have made him a valuable asset to his club and national team.

Sajjad Shahbazzadeh is an Iranian professional footballer known for his skills as a striker. He currently plays for Mes Rafsanjan in the Persian Gulf Pro League, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team's success on the field. With dedication and hard work, Shahbazzadeh has established himself as a valuable asset in the world of football, earning recognition for his goal-scoring abilities and overall performance as a key player for his club.

Omid Nazari is a professional footballer from Sweden who plays as a midfielder. He has gained recognition for his skills and talent on the field, earning a spot on the Iran national team. Nazari's expertise in midfield play has made him a valuable asset to both his club and national team. He is known for his versatility, tactical awareness, and ability to control the game from the center of the field. Nazari's dedication and hard work have helped him establish himself as a key player in the world of football.

Omid Ebrahimi is an Iranian footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He currently plays for Al-Shamal and is a key player for Iran's National Team. Ebrahimi has showcased his skills and expertise in the midfield, contributing to his team's defensive strategies and overall gameplay. With a successful career in professional football, he has earned recognition for his strong defensive capabilities and tactical awareness on the field. Ebrahimi's presence adds depth and stability to both his club and national team's lineup.

Shojae Khalilzadeh is an Iranian professional footballer known for his pace, artistic tackles, and positional sense. He began his career in Kerman, playing for Mes Rafsanjan and Mes Kerman before moving to Sepahan Isfahan in 2013. He also had successful spells with Talaei Pooshan and Tractor. Khalilzadeh joined Persepolis in 2017, helping the team become a strong force in the continent. In October 2020, he transferred to Qatari side Al-Rayyan.