Ali Daei and Abbas Qaderi Meeting: A Legendary Connection (2025 Update)

Ali Daei: The Azeri Legend of Iranian Football

If Abbas Qaderi is the voice of Iranian culture, then Ali Daei is its athletic spirit. Born on March 21, 1969, in Ardabil, Daei rose to become one of the greatest footballers in history, not just in Iran but across Asia. Standing tall at 1.92 meters, Daei was a formidable striker known for his aerial prowess and unmatched goal-scoring ability.

Daei’s football career is a story of brilliance and consistency. He represented top German clubs like Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin, and Arminia Bielefeld, making a name for himself on the global stage. Between 2000 and 2006, he captained the Iranian national team, leading them with distinction and inspiring a generation of footballers.

Daei’s record of 108 international goals, achieved during his illustrious career, was unbroken for years until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2021. Most recently, in 2024, Lionel Messi also surpassed Daei, pushing him to third place. Despite this, Daei’s impact remains unparalleled, especially as he was the first footballer from Asia to gain worldwide recognition for his scoring prowess.

His post-retirement achievements are equally remarkable. In 2001, he became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using his platform to promote social causes. From 2007 to 2013, he served as a member of the FIFA Football Committee, contributing to the development of the sport on a global scale. In 2014, he was inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a footballing giant.