Early Years and Family History: Javad Nekounam was born in Ray, Iran, and developed a passion for football from a young age. Details about his parents and family background are not widely known, but his talent was evident early on, and he began his youth career at Pas Tehran.
Move to the UAE and La Liga: In 2005, he briefly joined Al-Wahda in the UAE before making a significant move to Osasuna in Spain’s La Liga in 2006. His tenure at Osasuna marked a major milestone in his career, as he became one of the first Iranian players to succeed in a top European league. He spent six years with the club, becoming a fan favorite and a key player.
Return to Iran and Later Career: In 2012, Nekounam returned to Iran to play for Esteghlal, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He had brief stints with clubs such as Al-Kuwait, Al-Arabi, and Saipa before retiring from professional football.
International Career: Nekounam had a distinguished international career with the Iranian national team, earning over 150 caps and scoring 39 goals. He represented Iran in multiple AFC Asian Cups and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, serving as captain for several years.
Successes:
- Becoming one of the first Iranian players to play in La Liga and achieving notable success with Osasuna.
- Winning domestic titles with Esteghlal.
- Leading Iran’s national team as captain and achieving numerous victories in international competitions.
Hardships:
- Injuries that sometimes hampered his performance and consistency.
- The challenges of adapting to different football cultures and environments when moving abroad.
Stardom and Legacy: Javad Nekounam is celebrated for his contributions to both club and country. His successful stint in La Liga brought him international recognition and opened doors for other Iranian players in Europe. As a leader and skilled midfielder, he left a lasting legacy in Iranian football.
Real Name: Javad Nekounam
Date of Birth: September 7, 1980
Birth Place: Ray, Iran
Residence: Tehran, Iran
Profession: Football Coach, Former Football Player
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Islam
Partner: Information not publicly available
Father: Information not publicly available
Mother: Information not publicly available
Horoscope: Virgo
Age: 43 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 78 kg (172 lbs)
Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black