Mehdi Mahdavikia

Who is Mehdi Mahdavikia?

Mehdi Mahdavikia is a retired Iranian football player who played for Persepolis, Hamburg SV, Eintracht Frankfurt, Steel Azin, Damash Gilan and also Iran national football team. He has won Asian Young Footballer of the Year award in 1997, as well as Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003. He was the captain of the Iran national football team from 2006 to 2009, and currently is the fourth most capped Iranian International after Ali Daei, Javad Nekounam and Ali Karimi. As a product of Bank Melli, he joined Persepolis and after his performance in FIFA World Cup 1998, he was transferred to Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga, where he played for eight seasons. He usually plays as a right winger or full-back. He is known for his crossing, speed and dribbling. He announced his retirement on 14 March 2013 from football world. His last match as a football player was against Sepahan in Hazfi Cup final on 5 May 2013.

On 15 May 2013, Mahdavikia was appointed as AFC Grassroots Ambassador. He is also technical manager of Iran national under-17 football team.