As his career progressed, Zelli’s impressive performances at the club level earned him a place in the national team, where he would go on to achieve international recognition. One of the defining moments in Zelli’s career came when he was selected to represent in the 1966 Asian Games, held in Bangkok, Thailand. The tournament was a significant milestone for Iranian football, and Zelli’s role as a goalkeeper was pivotal. He stood tall against some of Asia’s finest teams, displaying a commanding presence in goal that helped elevate the national team’s performances.
