Athletes’ brave defense of Ali Daei against bloodthirsty hyenas
Hashemian started his professional football career with Pas in his homeland. He arrived in Germany for the 1999–2000 season to play for Hamburger SV. Playing alongside his fellow international Mehdi Mahdavikia, he had just 12 appearances, so he left the club for VfL Bochum to show his real ability. He had three good seasons with Bochum, scoring 34 goals in 87 appearances. During his last season there, he scored 16 goals, helping Bochum to finish fifth in the Bundesliga and qualify for the 2004–05 UEFA Cup. This prompted Bayern Munich to grant him a €2 million contract, hence giving him the chance to follow in the footsteps of Ali Daei. After one season with Bayern Munich, he joined Hannover 96 at the start of the 2005–06 season. On April 23, 2008, VfL Bochum officials announced that he would return to their club in the 2008–09 season. Hashemian signed a two-year contract with an option for one extra year. He scored only one goal for the team and was benched most of the time in his first season. On December 30, 2010, Hashemian signed a deal with Pro League side Persepolis. He was able to win the Hazfi Cup. On July 19, 2011, he extended his contract with the Greek club Persepolis for another year. On May 20, 2012, it was announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. On July 21, 2012, on his 36th birthday, he announced his retirement from football.
