The Persian scoring machine

I have been making jokes about Ali Daei’s age and the fact that he plays every single minute of every single Team Melli game, be it competitive or friendly. While I pledge to not change my ways, I also submit that the man is undoubtedly the best and most influential player in Iran’s football history.

It was he who for the first time stepped out of the semi-professional Iranian league and made a name for himself in European football.

His move and success in Germany opened the door for many others. Throughout all these years he has been a great ambassador for Iranian football.

Years from now when everyone has forgotten all about me and my jokes, they will remember the great Team Melli captain who broke Ferenc Puskas’s scoring record.