There have been precious few Iranian footballers who have gone on to find success outside of the Iran Pro League over the years, but it seems as though times could be changing. Now there are some highly talented individuals from the country who have hit the big time in Europe.
Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi is one of the hottest footballers from Iran right now and could go on to be regarded as one of the best of all time. At Porto, the striker has fulfilled his dream of playing and scoring in the Champions League. Although he won’t be in the final this term, Taremi has had a major impact at the Portuguese club, scoring over 20 goals across all competitions and assisting plenty as well. These performances have earned the attention of some of the top clubs in Europe.
It may make sense for Taremi to push for a move to an English team, as these sides are dominating in Europe right now. Chelsea and Manchester City both made it to the Champions League final, while Manchester United are favourites in the Europa League winner odds to come away with the silverware. Indeed, the Red Devils can be backed at 1.80 in the Europa League odds to turn Villarreal over in Gdansk.
Sardar Azmoun
Sardar Azmoun is another red hot Iranian forward, who made his debut for the national team at the age of 19. He has been incredibly prolific for his country as well, and has already notched 34 goals in 52 appearances. Indeed, the 26-year-old may be eyeing up Ali Daei’s famous record of 109 international goals – a feat that has never been surpassed on the world stage.
Aside from shining for the nation, Azmoun is setting pitches alight in Europe. He has spent nearly all of his club career in Russia after having moved to Rubin Kazan in 2013. The sharpshooter is currently at Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he has bagged an astonishing 45 goals in 64 league games. He is another player who is attracting interest from the European elite, with Sevilla said to be keeping a close eye on his development.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
Another Iranian who has enjoyed a successful career in Europe to date is Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The pacey winger made the move to the Netherlands in 2013 when he signed for NEC. He quickly made a name for himself and enjoyed his most prolific period at AZ between 2015 and 2018. He managed to put away 35 goals in 86 league showings for the Dutch club, highlighting his dangerous ability from the flanks.
These impressive displays led Brighton & Hove Albion to sign the 27-year-old in 2018. Unfortunately, though, Jahanbakhsh has been more of a bit-part player under Graham Potter and may be wise to seek a move elsewhere in the summer.
These players have forged a path for themselves in some of the toughest leagues in the world. They have proved that it is possible, and should act as a great source of inspiration for other Iranian footballers.