[custom_adv]
He’s celebrated by both Esteghlal and Persepolis fans, a rare unity divided football culture. Still the only player in Asian football history to win three consecutive AFC Asian Cups. A role model for Iranian athletes who seek to balance excellence in sport with social responsibility. He refused to be part of the 1978 World Cup squad because of political repression under the Shah—even though he was captain. Never returned after the revolution, despite invitations and calls from various political factions.
