Karim Bagheri: The Legend of Football and the Highest-Scoring Midfielder

Return to Persepolis: Captain, Legend, and Icon

In 2002, Bagheri made a triumphant return to Persepolis, where he was greeted as a hero. He was appointed captain of the team, and his leadership qualities played a crucial role in inspiring the team. He continued to perform at a high level, scoring goals, and contributing to the team’s success until his retirement in 2010.

• Captaincy: Bagheri’s appointment as captain was a testament to his leadership qualities and his status within the team.
• Club Legend: His long-standing presence at Persepolis and his contribution to the club’s success have cemented his status as a club legend.
• 228 games and 44 goals: The stats solidify his legendary status.
• Goals: He continued to score goals, his long-range strikes becoming a signature element of his game.
• Retirement (2010): His retirement marked the end of an era.

International Career: A Midfielder of Unrivaled Goal-Scoring Prowess

Karim Bagheri is celebrated as the highest-scoring midfielder in the history of the Iranian national team. His international career was marked by many goals. He was a mainstay of the team and played a vital role in Iran’s success on the international stage.

• International Debut (1993): His debut for Iran in 1993 marked the beginning of a long and illustrious international career.
• 1996 AFC Asian Cup: Bagheri played a key role in Iran’s successful campaign at the 1996 AFC Asian Cup.
• 1998 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Bagheri was a pivotal player in Iran’s qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
• Goal-Scoring Record: With 50 goals, Bagheri holds the record for the most goals scored by a midfielder in the history of the Iranian national team.
• Key Goals: Bagheri scored many goals.
• 2000 AFC Asian Cup: He continued to excel at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup, showcasing his consistency and impact.
• 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualification: Bagheri played a key role in the national team’s efforts to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
• 2006 FIFA World Cup: Though he retired from international football, he returned to play matches.
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification: He returned and played few important matches.
• The Melbourne Goal: Bagheri’s goal against Australia in Melbourne in 1997 is a defining moment in Iranian football history, helping Iran qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.