Tag: Sardar Azmoun

Minutes Played Reveals Iran’s True Iron Men

The record books show Javad Nekounam stands alone with 157 caps for Team Melli, surpassing the iconic Ali Daei. However, this metric only tells part of the story. When total minutes on the pitch are calculated, a different legend emerges: Ali Daei remains the untouchable pinnacle of Iranian football endurance, ruling supreme over all players, past and present.

The table below ranks the top 25 Iranian footballers by total minutes played, revealing a fascinating narrative of longevity across generations.

A testament to his extraordinary legacy, Parviz Ghalenoei’s name still appears on this list a half-century later, holding the 22nd position. Now 78 and in exile, Ghalenoei was just 18 years old when he made his debut in a historic match against East Germany at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His international career was abruptly cut short in 1977 due to his anti-government political activities, yet his impact remains etched in the record books.

He is joined from that era by the revered Ali Parvin, who occupies the 19th spot. Parvin completes a unique trifecta in Iranian football history, having served Team Melli with distinction as a player, captain, and later as a coach.

What makes their achievements truly staggering is the context of their era. With far fewer international matches played in the last century, the high minute totals of Ghalenoei and Parvin underscore their immense consistency and indispensable role in the team, cementing their status as household names decades later.

From the current generation, only three active players have cracked this exclusive list: Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, and Saeid Ezatolahi. With many playing years likely ahead of them, their ascent up the rankings seems inevitable. However, closing the gap on the monumental total set by Ali Daei remains a truly daunting task, a challenge that defines the ultimate test of longevity in Iranian football.

RankNameMinutesStarterSubCaps
1Ali DAEI13,0661456151
2Javad NEKOUNAM12,65614413157
3Ali KARIMI10,20212010130
4Ehsan HAJSAFI9,89911823141
5Jalal HOSSEINI9,6191077114
6Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA9,1541074111
7Andranik TEYMOURIAN7,8489011101
8Karim BAGHERI7,29384387
9Hossein KAEBI7,24884892
10Mehdi TAREMI7,152841599
11Javad ZARINCHEH6,96080181
12Ebrahim MIRZAPOUR6,82479079
13Alireza BEIRANVAND6,81681081
14Mehdi RAHMATI6,68174276
15Yahya GOLMOHAMMADI6,63180282
16Ahmadreza ABEDZADEH6,59674377
17Mohammad NOSRATI6,56174983
18Sardar AZMOUN6,453771491
19Ali PARVIN6,18968472
20Hamidreza ESTILI6,16572981
21Afshin PEYROVANI6,00066268
22Parviz GHLEECHKHANI5,90667067
23Hadi AGHILI5,77166369
24Saeid EZATOLAHI5,662661278
25Alireza VAHEDI-NIKBAKHT5,610661076

Team Melli Begins CAFA Nations Cup 2024 Campaign Against Afghanistan

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The CAFA Nations Cup 2024 is set to kick off on August 29, with Iran’s Team Melli beginning their title defense against Afghanistan in Dushanbe. Host nation Tajikistan will also start their campaign on the same day, facing Malaysia, the sole East Asian representative in the tournament.

Group Stage Fixtures & Key Matches

  • August 29:
  • Iran vs Afghanistan
  • Tajikistan vs Malaysia
  • September 1:
  • Iran vs Malaysia
  • Afghanistan vs Tajikistan
  • September 4 (Final Group Matches):
  • Tajikistan vs Iran (a potential group decider)
  • Afghanistan vs Malaysia

All matches in Group B will be held at Dushanbe’s Central Republican Stadium, while Group A (featuring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Tournament Format & Road to the Final

Only the group winners will advance to the final, scheduled for September 8 in Tashkent. The two runners-up will compete for third place in Dushanbe on the same day.

Team Melli’s Dominance & Expectations

As the defending champions of the CAFA Nations Cup, Iran enters the tournament as the favorite. Having won the inaugural edition in 2023, Team Melli will aim to maintain their regional supremacy under coach Amir Ghalenoei. Key players like Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun are expected to lead the charge.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan, fresh from their impressive 2023 AFC Asian Cup performance, will look to leverage home advantage. Malaysia, invited as a guest team, could be a dark horse, while Afghanistan seeks to make an impact under new management.

Group A Preview: Uzbekistan Favored to Progress

In Tashkent, hosts Uzbekistan are strong contenders, with the Kyrgyz Republic and Oman posing tough challenges. Turkmenistan will aim to spring a surprise in a competitive group. This group is the stronger of the two with a chance of an upset.

CAFA regional has two representatives in the next year FIFA World Cup in Iran and Uzbekistan.

With only one team from each group advancing, every match will be crucial. Football fans across Central Asia can expect an exciting tournament filled with high-stakes clashes.

Team Melli Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei stated:

“Our goal is clear—to defend our title. We respect all opponents, but we are here to win. The players are motivated, and we’ve prepared thoroughly for this challenge.”

Tajikistan’s Head coach, Petar Šegrt emphasized:

“Playing at home is an advantage, but also a responsibility. We want to make our fans proud and prove we belong among Central Asia’s best.”

Afghanistan, under new management, aims to make an impact. Coach Ashley Westwood remarked:

“We’re building something new, and this tournament is a great platform. The players are eager to show their potential.”
Malaysia Head Coach, Peter Cklamovski, described the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 as an important step in the Malaysian national squad’s journey towards building a more competitive team.
“The Nations Cup is an exciting tournament, and it’s an important step in our journey as a national team. We have been waiting for the draw for some time, and we’ve obviously had plan A and B“

He also described the match against Ira as a great opportunity to assess the true level of the Malaysian National Team.
“They (Iran) are going to the World Cup. It is a massive challenge for us, a massive opportunity for us. We will use it as a way to benchmark ourselves against the best. A test of our football against them, we will take our football to them as hard as we can.”
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Team Melli adds Eleven Players Ahead of Final World Cup Qualifiers

According to the official website of the Football Federation, the coaching staff has added eleven players to the national squad attending the training camp ahead of the final two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team is set to face Qatar on June 5th in Doha, followed by a match against North Korea on June 10th at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. These final fixtures are expected to see several changes to the regular lineup.

The following players have been added to the squad, which so far has comprised mainly of domestic league talents:
Mohammad Mehdi Zare (Gol Gohar Sirjan), Sadegh Moharrami (Dinamo Zagreb), Amir Mohammad Razaqnia (Gol Gohar Sirjan), Saeed Ezzatollahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Saman Ghoddos (Ittihad Kalba), Mohammad Ghorbani (Al-Wehda), Mehdi Ghaedi (Ittihad Kalba), Javad Hosseinnejad (Dinamo Makhachkala), Shahriar Moghanlou (Ittihad Kalba), Seyyed Majid Hosseini, (Kayserispor) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan).

Arrival Schedule:

  • Mehdi Taremi will join the camp in Doha following the UEFA Champions League final.
  • Seyyed Majid Hosseini is expected to arrive after the conclusion of the Turkish Süper Lig season.
  • Saman Ghoddos will join the squad on May 30th after returning from Sweden and attending to family commitments.
  • Mohammad Mehdi Zare, Sadegh Moharrami, Amir Mohammad Razaqnia, and Mohammad Ghorbani will begin training with the national team tomorrow (Thursday).
  • Javad Hosseinnejad, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Shahriar Moghanlou, and Mehdi Ghaedi will report to camp on Friday.

Additional players are expected to be called up following the Hazfi Cup final between Esteghlal and Malavan.

Notable Absentees:
The team will be without Alireza Jahanbakhsh (SC Heerenveen), Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli), Ali Gholizadeh (Lech Poznan), and Mohammad Mohebi (FC Rostov), who are sidelined due to injuries and medical concerns.

There are two more players who are not on the list, Ahmad Nourollahi (Al-Wehda) and Mehdi Zare (Tractor) , who seem to be at odds with the head coach, Ghalenoei. The Former has been omitted form the list while the latter who was on the initial list , refused the call-up in protest of unfair and biased practices in the selection process and playing time in Team Melli.

Team Melli to Face Russia in Friendly Match Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has announced that Team Melli will deploy its strongest lineup in an upcoming friendly match against Russia. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for October 6 and is expected to take place at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium—the iconic venue that hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

According to Russian sports outlet Sport 24, which obtained details from the FFIRI, the contract for the match is set to be finalized soon. A federation representative stated, “We are awaiting confirmation, but the match will most likely be held in Moscow, and the stadium selection process is underway.”

The friendly holds significant importance for Iran as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. An FFIRI official emphasized, “This match is crucial for our World Cup preparations, which is why we will call up all our European-based stars. Our strongest squad will face Russia.”

Iran, currently topping Group A in the Asian World Cup qualifiers, has already secured its place in the 2026 tournament, becoming the second Asian team after Japan to do so. As a result, their remaining qualifiers against Qatar and North Korea in June will be largely ceremonial.

In addition to the Russia friendly, Team Melli is also set to compete in the 2024 CAFA Nations Cup, further fine-tuning their squad ahead of the global showdown in two years.
Russia’s National Team: Post-FIFA Sanctions Landscape

Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia’s national team has been suspended from international competitions by both FIFA and UEFA. This has effectively barred the team from taking part in major tournaments, including qualifiers for the 2022 and now the 2026 World Cup.

In response, Russia has turned to organizing friendlies and mini-tournaments with countries outside UEFA’s jurisdiction or those maintaining neutral stances. These matches, such as the upcoming clash with Iran, offer Russia a chance to maintain competitive form and visibility on the international football stage, despite ongoing isolation from the global footballing community.

Iranian Presence in the Russian Premier League

Despite political tensions and international sanctions, footballing ties between Iran and Russia remain active, particularly at the club level. Several Iranian players have found opportunities in the Russian Premier League, showcasing their talent and strengthening bilateral football relations.

One notable example is Mohammad Mohebi, who currently plays for FC Rostov. Mohebi has impressed with his technical skill and adaptability, earning regular minutes and contributing to Rostov’s attacking play. His presence not only reflects the growing reputation of Iranian footballers abroad but also highlights Russia’s openness to talent from non-European nations amid geopolitical shifts.

As these ties grow, Iranian players may continue to seek opportunities in Russian clubs, especially as European transfers become more competitive and politically complicated.

Sardar Azmoun’s road to fame started in Russia and with Zenit St. Petersburg, he reached to peak of his achievement with league titles and winning the best striker, the first Iranian to do so in a European league.

 Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : IR Iran 2 - 2 Uzbekistan

“A great player must help both technically and physically,” said Ghalenoei. “Taremi is one of them, and even though he plays for a great team and is not in good condition and could have missed the season, he played and was with the team and played for the people. 

“He became the best player on the field and I am happy that in most games, he is the best player on the field from the Iranian national team.”

Ghalenoei went on to reiterate that reaching the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico only meant the beginning of more hard work with the wily head coach targeting a first ever knockout stage appearance at the global showpiece.

“I congratulate the Iranian people on this qualification. Qualification was not an easy task. Look at the capabilities of other teams and you will see that the players were able to achieve this qualification through difficult circumstances. 

“We will give a very good plan to the officials in the next two to three weeks and we hope that it will be implemented and we will be able to advance to the Round of 32 in the World Cup.”

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Goals from Hojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev had given head coach Timur Kapadze hope that Uzbekistan themselves could book their spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 but it wasn’t to be.

However, the Central Asians are still very much in control of their own destiny as they hold a four-point lead over United Arab Emirates with two matches remaining.

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“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Iranian national team on qualifying for the World Cup and wish them success in this tournament,” said Kapadze. 

“The game was interesting and exciting, both teams had chances. I think the result was fair. We could have beaten Iran, but it didn’t happen.

“The people of Uzbekistan deserve the World Cup and I thank them for their prayers. We are trying to achieve the desired result in the next game and qualify.”

Team Melli Secures Fourth Consecutive FIFA World Cup Qualification After Draw with Uzbekistan

Team Melli has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the fourth consecutive time and a record seventh time following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium.

In a tense and thrilling encounter, Uzbekistan stunned Iran early when Jasurbek Erkinov capitalized on a defensive lapse to score in the 16th minute. However, Mehdi Taremi leveled the match in the 52nd minute with a spectacular goal, finishing off a brilliant assist from Sardar Azmoun and a sublime pass by Mehdi Ghaedi.

The celebrations were short-lived, as Uzbekistan quickly regained the lead. Just moments after Iran’s equalizer, Fayzullaev curled in a free kick, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand unable to prevent the ball from rolling into the far corner of the net.

Despite the setback, Team Melli remained relentless, dominating possession and pressing forward. Their efforts paid off when Mehdi Taremi struck again, securing Iran’s second equalizer and ensuring the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

With two matches remaining in the qualifiers, Uzbekistan remains in a strong position and is likely to join Iran in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

However, the post-match atmosphere was bittersweet. While the Iranian squad celebrated their qualification, Alireza Beiranvand was overcome with emotion. The Team Melli goalkeeper broke down in tears, having been repeatedly booed by the crowd—a reaction seemingly tied to his role in Uzbekistan’s second goal and other ongoing issues.

In the other Group A fixture, Kyrgyzstan pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar in Bishkek.

Team Melli One Step Away from FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification After 2-0 Victory Over UAE

Team Melli is now just one point away from securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 – to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA – after defeating the UAE national football team 2-0 at Azadi Stadium.

The match, played under heavy rain, saw a strong turnout from fans but was unexpectedly disrupted due to stadium lighting issues. The Korean referee, Ko, was forced to halt the game for nearly 30 minutes. While television broadcasts did not indicate a significant reduction in visibility, one of the floodlight towers suffered multiple failures, reportedly falling below the minimum requirement for play.

Match Summary

From the opening whistle, Team Melli took the initiative, launching relentless attacks. In the 8th minute, Sardar Azmoun delivered a precise pass to Mohammad Mohebbi, but the Rostov forward squandered a golden opportunity with a weak shot, which UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eissa comfortably cleared.

Iran dominated possession, with midfielders Saman Ghoddos and Roozbeh Cheshmi effectively controlling the game and closing down spaces, preventing the UAE from creating meaningful chances.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Ghoddos lofted a perfectly placed ball into the box. Azmoun rose above two defenders and powered a header past Eissa, giving Iran a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The UAE had a rare chance to equalize after an uncharacteristic mistake by Ghoddos, whose misplaced pass was intercepted, leaving the Emirati forward one-on-one with Alireza Beiranvand. However, the striker failed to capitalize, sending his shot wide.

Second Half Action

Iran continued their high-pressing approach in the second half, denying the UAE time on the ball. Midway through the half, Mohebbi seemed to have doubled the lead after an impressive solo run from the halfway line, but his goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Mohebbi, however, was not to be denied. Minutes later, he found the net again—this time legally—after receiving a precise assist from Mehdi Ghaedi. His composed finish secured a 2-0 victory, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Despite several missed chances in the latter stages, the win moves Iran within touching distance of their seventh World Cup qualification. Under the guidance of their national coach, Team Melli now needs just a draw in their next match against Uzbekistan to officially book their ticket to the finals.

Mohebbi, who was voted Man of the Match, received a yellow card from referee Ko, ruling him out of the crucial fixture against Uzbekistan on the 25th March.

Eight Team Melli Players at Risk of Suspension Ahead of Uzbekistan ClashTeam Melli players under the threat of suspension

Eight key Team Melli players face the risk of suspension for Iran’s crucial match against Uzbekistan on March 25 if they receive yellow cards in Thursday’s game against the UAE.

Iran will host the UAE at Azadi Stadium on the final day of the Iranian calendar year 1403 as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will send his team onto the field under the looming threat of potential suspensions, with eight players carrying yellow cards from previous matches.

The players at risk are Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Hossein Kananizadegan, Milad Mohammadi, Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghayedi, Mohammad Mohebi, Aria Yousefi, and Saeed Ezzatollahi—all just one booking away from missing the showdown with Uzbekistan.

If any of these players receive a yellow card against the UAE, they will be ruled out of the Uzbekistan match. Additionally, should any of them receive a caution against Uzbekistan, they risk suspension for Iran’s final two qualifiers.

Disciplinary issues have historically been a weak spot for Team Melli, and this trend has persisted under Ghalenoei’s tenure. Managing player discipline will be crucial in ensuring Iran fields its strongest squad for the decisive matches ahead.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.

The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Statistics: Sardar Azmoun

Sardar Azmoun had an outstanding year with Team Melli, leading the Persians to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Following his transition from the elite European leagues to the less prestigious Persian Gulf Football, there were concerns that the star player might experience a decline in performance, which had prompted his transfer.

However, Azmoun defied expectations. His exceptional goal-scoring ability, combined with his vision and awareness to create spectacular assists for his teammates, proved to be the driving force behind Team Melli’s success. The year 2024 stood out as one of Azmoun’s most successful years with Team Melli, showcasing his prowess and solidifying his status as a key player for the national team.

Azmoun is now the second-highest Team Melli Goal scorer after the Legendary Ali Daei.

This illustration captures the essence of Azmoun’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!