Early Life and Family History: Ali Daei was born in Ardabil, Iran, into a humble family. His father, Mohammad Daei, was a factory worker, and the family faced financial hardships during Ali’s early years. Despite these challenges, Ali showed a passion for football from a young age. He played in the streets of Ardabil and later joined local youth teams, where his talent quickly became apparent.
Career Beginnings and Early Hardships: Ali Daei’s football career began with his local club, Esteghlal Ardabil, before moving to Taxirani FC in Tehran. His early career was marked by determination and hard work, as he balanced playing football with his studies. In 1990, he joined Bank Tejarat, a team that played in Iran’s second division. His performances caught the attention of top-flight clubs.
Rise to Stardom: In 1994, Ali Daei joined Persepolis FC, one of Iran’s most prestigious football clubs. His time at Persepolis was a turning point in his career, as he became the top scorer and led the team to several league titles. His impressive performances earned him a move to Al-Sadd in Qatar and later to Arminia Bielefeld in Germany, making him one of the first Iranian players to play in the Bundesliga.
International Career and Successes: Ali Daei’s international career with the Iranian national team was nothing short of extraordinary. He made his debut in 1993 and went on to become the world’s all-time leading goalscorer in international matches, with 109 goals in 149 appearances. He played in two World Cups (1998 and 2006) and several Asian Cups, helping Iran win the 1996 Asian Games and finish third in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup.
Club Career Highlights: After his stint with Arminia Bielefeld, Daei played for Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in the 1998-1999 season. He then moved to Hertha BSC, where he played in the UEFA Champions League, scoring memorable goals against Chelsea and AC Milan.
Later Career and Retirement: Ali Daei returned to Iran in 2003, joining Saba Battery and later Saipa, where he ended his playing career in 2007. He transitioned into coaching, leading Saipa to the Iranian league title in 2007. He also managed the Iranian national team from 2008 to 2009.
Business Ventures and Personal Life: Apart from football, Ali Daei is a successful businessman, owning several companies and brands, including a sportswear line. He is married to Mona Farrokhzad, and they have two daughters. Ali Daei is known for his philanthropic efforts, including donating to earthquake relief and supporting underprivileged communities in Iran.
Real Name: Ali Daei
Date of Birth: March 21, 1969
Birth Place: Ardabil, Iran
Residence: Tehran, Iran
Profession: Former Professional Football Player, Coach, Businessman
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Islam
Partner: Mona Farrokhzad
Father: Mohammad Daei
Mother: Not publicly known
Horoscope: Aries
Age: 55 (as of 2024)
Weight: 85 kg (187 lbs)
Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black