Mehdi Mahdavikia

Mehdi Mahdavikia, born on July twenty-four, nineteen seventy-seven, is a distinguished Iranian football coach and former player, renowned for his versatility on the field as a right winger and right back. His career has spanned various prestigious clubs, including Bank Melli, Persepolis, Steel Azin, and Damash Gilan in Iran, as well as VfL Bochum, Hamburger SV, and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, where he spent an impressive twelve consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga.

During his illustrious playing career, Mahdavikia made significant contributions to the Iranian national team, serving as captain from two thousand six to two thousand nine. He is celebrated as the fourth most capped player in the history of Iranian football, showcasing his dedication and skill on the international stage.

In addition to his playing achievements, Mahdavikia has transitioned into coaching, currently serving as the head coach of Al Jazeera Al Hamra F.C. in UAE League two. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident through his role as a youth coach at Hamburger SV and the establishment of his own youth academy, FC KIA.

Mahdavikia's influence extends beyond coaching; he has represented the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on the Football Advisory Panel of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) since two thousand nineteen. His contributions to grassroots football were recognized when he was appointed as the AFC Grassroots Ambassador on May fifteenth, two thousand thirteen.

His accolades include being named the Asian Young Footballer of the Year in nineteen ninety-seven and the Asian Footballer of the Year in two thousand three, highlighting his exceptional talent characterized by remarkable crossing ability, speed, and dribbling skills.