Although he wasn’t the first player to try his luck in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, Ali Karimi is probably the most renowned. A professional career lasting almost 20 years played out in four countries at a variety of clubs, resulted in Karimi becoming one of football’s best-known exports. Born in Karaj, in 1978, Karimi signed his first professional contract for second flight club, Fath Tehran, where he spent two years. A transfer to Persepolis, the top side, ensued in 1998 and the domestic double was won the following season. By this time, Karimi had already won the first of 127 caps for in what was to prove a fourteen-year international career.
An attacking midfielder usually, Karimi was an aggressive ball-winner who contributed to the score sheet regularly. Not especially tall or strongly built, Karimi was nevertheless noted for his strength on the ball intertwined with his stamina. A player who could be deployed playing just off the front two or a little deeper, Karimi was known for his sense of timing and his ability to find space. It was these attributes that contributed to his more than healthy goalscoring record over his career. After three years with Persepolis, Karimi was ready to move on. A transfer abroad was the preferred option and after a trial with Perugia Calcio proved unsuccessful, Karimi signed for United Arab Emirates side Al-Ahli. In four seasons at the club, Karimi contributed to Al-Ahli twice winning the UAE Cup.
