Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Around the turn of the millennium, Islamic Republic of Iran fans witnessed a special time in their country's footballing history as a number of talented players made their breakthroughs.
It can be argued that none of them retains the kind of recognition and fame that Ali Karimi has.
With magical dribbling skills and a knack for the unpredictable, Karimi earned plaudits across the continent for much of the 2000s.
On the day he turns 39, the-AFC.com takes a look back at the career of the 'Asian Maradona.'
Asian Icon: Ali Karimi
Age: 39
Clubs: Fath Tehran, Persepolis, Al-Ahli Dubai, Bayern Munich, Qatar SC, Steel Azin, Schalke 04, Tractor Sazi
International Appearances (Goals): 127 (38)
AFC Player of the Year: 2004
Making a mark
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/asian_club_champs_2000_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_karimi3_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/karimi_park_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_karimi2_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_karimi5_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_karimi4_jpg.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_karimi1_jpg.html
