Ali Daei was born on March 21, 1969, in Ardabil, a city in northwestern known for its strong sporting traditions. Coming from a middle-class Azerbaijani family, Daei developed a passion for football at a young age, often playing in the streets and local fields of Ardabil. His dedication and discipline soon became trademarks of his character. Despite his love for the game, Daei prioritized education. He earned a degree in Materials Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran — one of the most prestigious universities.
This rare blend of academic excellence and athletic talent later made him a role model for youth, proving that education and sport could go hand in hand. Daei began his professional football journey in the late 1980s with Esteghlal Ardabil, his hometown club. His exceptional performances led him to Taxirani F.C. and then to Bank Tejarat, where his goal-scoring instincts began to shine. By 1994, his talents could no longer go unnoticed — he joined Persepolis, one most popular and successful clubs. His scoring record there was phenomenal, helping Persepolis secure major domestic titles and elevating him to national hero status.
