Ramin Rezaeian

Ramin Rezaeian
Rezaeian in 2024
Personal information
Full name Ramin Rezaeian Salehrad[1]
Date of birth (1990-03-21) 21 March 1990
Place of birth Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)[2]
Positions
Team information
Current team
 Foolad
Number 69
Youth career
2002–2008 Shahrdari Sari
2008–2009 Shensa-ye Tehran
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2013 Saba Qom 98 (7)
2013–2015 Rah Ahan 54 (11)
2015–2017 Persepolis 40 (9)
2017–2018 KV Oostende 16 (1)
2018–2020 Al Shahania 32 (16)
2020–2022 Al-Duhail 10 (2)
2021–2022 → Al-Sailiya (loan) 24 (5)
2022 Persepolis 13 (0)
2022–2024 Sepahan 56 (15)
2024–2026 Esteghlal 35 (11)
2026 → Foolad (loan) 6 (1)
2026– Foolad 1 (0)
International career‡
2015– Iran 77 (10)
Medal record
Representing  Iran
CAFA Nations Cup
Winner2023 Kyrgyzstan – UzbekistanTeam
Runner-up2025 Tajikistan–UzbekistanTeam
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 27 February 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 27 June 2026

Ramin Rezaeian Salehrad Semeskandi[a] (born 21 March 1990) is an Iranian professional footballer who plays as a Right back for Foolad Club in the Persian Gulf Pro League and Iran national team. He is Iran's highest ever goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup with three goals.

He started his career as a right-back, but he often plays as a winger. Rezaeian was Carlos Queiroz's first choice on the right side of the defence of the Iran men's national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. Known for his great speed, agility, and athleticism, he is often regarded as one of Iran's best ever fullbacks.

Early life

Ramin Rezaeian was born on 21 March 1990 in Samaskandah, a village in Sari County, Mazanderan Province.[3][2]

Club career

Saba Qom

Rezaeian played his entire career for Saba Qom before signing for Rah Ahan in 2013.[4] He made 98 appearances for the club scoring seven goals.

Rah Ahan

Rezaeian signed a three–year with the Tehran-based club Rah Ahan in 2013. After several good performances in the 2014–15 season, Rezaeian was recognized as one of the best fullbacks in the league and was called up to the national team. On 3 April 2015, Rezaeian scored his team's first goal in a 2–2 draw against Persepolis. Two weeks later, on 17 April, he scored a brace in a 2–2 draw against Esteghlal Khuzestan.

Esteghlal FC vs Al-Gharafa FC

Persepolis

Rezaeian joined Persepolis on 27 June 2015 with a two-year contract.[5] He scored his first goal for Persepolis in a 2–0 victory against Siah Jamegan. On 26 December 2015, Rezaeian scored a 30-yard free kick against Padideh in stoppage time to earn them a 2–2 draw. After initially signing a contract with Turkish Süper Lig club Rizespor in the summer of 2016,[6] Rezaeian cancelled his contract and re–joined Persepolis.

Oostende

After rejecting an offer from Tehran rivals Esteghlal F.C., Rezaeian joined Belgian club K.V. Oostende on 9 July 2017 with a two-year contract after a successful trial period at the club. Ramin made his debut on 27 July 2017 in a 3rd round Europa League qualifier against French club Olympique de Marseille. Oostende lost the match 4–2 and Rezaeian played the full 90 minutes.

Al Shahania

On 6 November 2018, Rezaeian joined Qatar Stars League side Al Shahania.[7] In his first match with the club, on 8 November, Ramin scored a free kick goal in his team's 5–1 loss to Al Duhail. On 23 November, in his second match with his club, Ramin assisted his team's only goal in a 1–0 win against Al-Kharitiyath.

Al-Duhail

On 22 August 2020, Rezaeian signed a two-year contract with Qatar Stars League champion, Al-Duhail.[8]

Al-Sailiya

After the engagement of the new trainer from Al-Duhail, Rezaein was loaned to Al-Sailiya.[9]

Persepolis

On 12 February 2022, Rezaeian signed a contract with Persian Gulf Pro League champions Persepolis.[10][11]

Sepahan

On 15 July 2022, Rezaeian signed a contract with Persian Gulf Pro League side Sepahan.[12]

match between Esteghlal of Iran and Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia

Esteghlal

In December 2024 while with Esteghlal, Rezaeian was summoned by Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran after hugging a female fan, months after goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini was also summoned by the federation and faced a suspension and fine for embracing a female fan in April 2024.[13] In his first game for Esteghlal against Shams Azar in Qazvin, he changed the outcome of the game in favor of Esteghlal with an assist to Mohammad Hossein Eslami in the final minutes, and the game ended with a 2-1 victory for Esteghlal.[14] Rezaian played in his second game for Esteghlal against Malavan in Qazvin and managed to score two goals from the penalty spot for the Blues, and in addition to his first goal for Esteghlal, he was named the best player on the field.[15] He also managed to register an assist in Tehran Derby.

His first Asian goal with Esteghlal came against Qatar's Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite, and on the day Esteghlal defeated their Qatari rival 3-0, he also scored one of these goals, making it her first Asian goal with the Iranian blue team.[16]

He also scored his first goal for Esteghlal in the Hazfi Cup, where he scored in extra time for Esteghlal in the round of 16 of the Hazfi Cup against Shams Azar.[17]

International career

Rezaeian (in white) at the 2018 FIFA World Cup (Iran–Portugal match)

He was called into Iran's 2015 AFC Asian Cup squad on 30 December 2014 by Carlos Queiroz.[18] He made his debut against Iraq in a friendly on 4 January 2015. He also played a friendly match against Sweden. Rezaeian scored his first international goal on 17 November 2015 in a 6–0 victory against Guam. In May 2018, he was named in Iran's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[19][20]

Rezaeian was called up to the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[21] In the group stage match against Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on 25 November 2022, Rezaeian scored the second goal to secure 2–0 victory for Iran.[22]

On June 15, 2026, Rezaeian scored Iran's first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in their opening match against New Zealand which ended 2–2, making him the oldest Asian player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup game.[23] He also assisted Mohammad Mohebi for Iran's second goal and was named man of the match.[24] It was also the first time an Iranian player had ever tallied both a goal and an assist in a World Cup match.[25] On June 26, he netted a goal and was named Man of the Match in a 1–1 draw with Egypt, becoming Iran's all-time top scorer at the World Cup with three goals, breaking the tie with Mehdi Taremi.[26] In addition, his goal against Egypt within the first 14 minutes was the fastest scored by an Iranian player in FIFA World Cup history.[27]

Style of play

Rezaeian is skilled in long and fast starts as well as long passes, corner and free kicks.[28] He also has good scoring skills.[29]

BBC Persian wrote about him: "On the right side, Ramin Rezaeian is the key player of Branko. He is considered Branko's savior with his scoring power in difficult situations."[30]

Personal life

Rezaeian and fans in Tehran in 2019

He is popular among Iranian football fans, especially Persepolis fans.[31][32] His father is a retired doctor and he has one older sister. He has announced that he controls his diet and loves ice cream.[33]

Political views

After Iranian attacks on Israel during the Twelve-Day War, Rezaeian posted online, saying that "We are the Iranian people and we do not pay ransom to anyone. Long Live Iran."[34][35]

In April 2026, Rezaeian offered his condolences to the Iranian nation on the assassination of Ali Khamenei by Israeli forces.[36][37] He also stated that he will fight as a "soldier for Iran on the national team".[36][37]

Career statistics

Club

As of 27 February 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Saba 2009–10 Iran Pro League 20100——201
2010–11 22110——231
2011–12 24020——260
2012–13 3140010—324
Total 9763010001016
Rah Ahan 2013–14 Iran Pro League 27232——304
2014–15 27920——299
Total 54115200005913
Persepolis 2015–16 Iran Pro League 28520——305
2016–17 1241010—144
Total 409301000449
Oostende 2017–18 Belgian First Division A 161202051252
Al Shahania 2018–19 Qatar Stars League 11400——114
2019–20 211300—102213
Total 32170000103317
Al Duhail 2019–20 Qatar Stars League 000031—31
2020–21 102——00102
Total 102003100133
Al Sailiya 2020–21 Qatar Stars League 113200050183
2021–22 132—0052184
Total 2452000102367
Persepolis 2021–22 Iran Pro League 13010——140
Sepahan 2022–23 Persian Gulf Pro League 29720————317
2023–24 2785175——3914
Total 56157175007021
Esteghlal 2024–25 Persian Gulf Pro League 281042101—4213
2025–26 71103010121
Total 351152131105414
Foolad 2025–26 Persian Gulf Pro League 6100——61
Career total 3837628527717345591

International

Ramin Rezaeian during Iran men's national football team's practice at Moscow's Locomotive Club in June 2018
As of 26 June 2026[38]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Iran 201571
201691
201780
2018110
2019100
202231
2023103
202470
202550
202674
Total7710
Scores and results list Iran's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Rezaeian goal.
List of international goals scored by Ramin Rezaeian
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
117 November 2015GFA National Training Center, Dededo, Guam7 Guam3–06–02018 FIFA World Cup qualification
210 November 2016Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia15 Papua New Guinea8–18–1Friendly
325 November 2022Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar47 Wales2–02–02022 FIFA World Cup
428 March 2023Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran50 Kenya2–12–1Friendly
516 November 202357 Hong Kong4–04–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification
621 November 2023Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan58 Uzbekistan1–02–22026 FIFA World Cup qualification
729 May 2026Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey73 Gambia2–13–1Friendly
84 June 202674 Mali2–02–0
915 June 2026SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, United States75 New Zealand1–12–22026 FIFA World Cup
1026 June 2026Lumen Field, Seattle, United States77 Egypt1–11–12026 FIFA World Cup

Honours

Persepolis

Al-Sailiya

Sepahan

Esteghlal

Individual

Notes

  1. ↑ Persian: رامین رضائیان سمسکندی

References

  1. ↑ https://kawowo.com/2026/06/16/iran-twice-recovers-from-a-goal-down-to-smile-with-a-point-against-new-zealand-in-group-g-2026-fifa-world-cup/
  2. 1 2 "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Squad list: IR Iran (IRN)" (PDF). FIFA. 15 November 2022. p. 15. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  3. ↑ "ملی پوشان مازندرانی در پی درخشش در جام جهانی فوتبال" [Mazanderani national players looking for a shine at the Football World Cup]. IRIB News (in Persian). Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  4. ↑ "Iranian Premier League Stats: 2018-2019 Season". IPLstats.com. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  5. ↑ "بازیکن تیم ملی فوتبال ایران سرخپوش شد" [Iran national team player became a red-wearer]. FC-Perspolis.com (in Persian). Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  6. ↑ "فوتبالی‌ترین - پاسخ منفی رضاییان به پیشنهاد تیم ترکیه‌ای". footballitarin.com.
  7. ↑ "Qatar's Al Shahania Signs Iranian Ramin Rezaeian". tasnimnews.com. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  8. ↑ "Al-Duhail signs Iranian winger Ramin Rezaeian". Mehr News Agency. 23 August 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  9. ↑ "Ramin Rezaeian joins Al Sailiya club". Tehran Times. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  10. ↑ "رسمی؛ رامین رضاییان به پرسپولیس پیوست (عکس)". ورزش سه (in Persian). Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  11. ↑ "رامین رضاییان رسماً به پرسپولیس برگشت- اخبار فوتبال ایران - اخبار ورزشی تسنیم | Tasnim". خبرگزاری تسنیم | Tasnim (in Persian). Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  12. ↑ "رضاییان به سپاهان پیوست (عکس)". ورزش سه (in Persian). Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  13. ↑ "Iran football federation summons player after hugging female fan". Iran International.
  14. ↑ "نقش پررنگ رامین رضاییان در برتری استقلال؛ آقای سوپراستار وارد می‌شود". فوتبال 360. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  15. ↑ خلاصه بازی استقلال 2 - ملوان 2- ویدیو ورزش سه (Video) (in Persian). ویدیو ورزش سه. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  16. ↑ حرکت دیدنی رامین؛ گل دوم استقلال به الغرافه- ویدیو ورزش سه (Video) (in Persian). ویدیو ورزش سه. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  17. ↑ "گل دوم استقلال به شمس آذر (رامین رضاییان)". فوتبالی (in Persian). Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  18. ↑ "Queiroz Names Team Melli Squad". AFCAsianCup.com. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  19. ↑ "World Cup 2018: All the confirmed squads for this summer's finals in Russia". BBC. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  20. ↑ "Queiroz names Iran World Cup squad". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  21. ↑ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "Iran (2022)". www.national-football-teams.com. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  22. ↑ "World Cup: In tense match, Ramin Rezaeian helps Iran come back to tie New Zealand". Orange County Register. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  23. ↑ Mendez, Emmanuel (15 June 2026). "Iran vs. New Zealand Player Ratings: Man of the Match, Winners and Disappointments". athlonsports.com. Retrieved 15 June 2026.
  24. ↑ "Iranian football star named man of match against New Zealand". en.irna.ir. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  25. ↑ Carr, Harry (16 June 2026). "Iran 2-2 New Zealand Stats: Just and Rezaeian Impress in Thrilling Group G Draw". theanalyst.com. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  26. ↑ "Egypt reach knockouts as IR Iran await fate". FIFA. 27 June 2026.
  27. ↑ "FIFA World Cup 2026 stats: Dembele first since Ronaldo; Mbappe joins Messi, Klose; Cape Verde make history". ESPN. 27 June 2026.
  28. ↑ اسپورت, آی. "تفاوت سبک محرمی و رضاییان: بازی در فضا". آی اسپورت (in Persian). Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  29. ↑ "ببینید | آنالیز جذاب عملکرد رضاییان؛ چرا جذب رامین برای پرسپولیس حیاتی بود؟". خبرآنلاین (in Persian). 16 February 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  30. ↑ "لیگ برتر فوتبال ایران؛ جدال کروات‌ها در ورزشگاه آزادی". BBC News فارسی (in Persian). 1 February 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  31. ↑ "چند دلیل برای بازگشت رامین رضاییان به پرسپولیس؛ از چراغ سبز یحیی تا آخرین فرصت حضور در جام جهانی". قوه قضائیه | خبرگزاری میزان | Mizan Online News Agency (in Persian). 10 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  32. ↑ "رامین رضاییان و قرمزترین حالت ممکن". خبرگزاری ایلنا (in Persian). Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  33. ↑ فتوکده (22 July 2020). "بیوگرافی رامین رضاییان (بازیکن فوتبال) با عکس جدید آماندا" (in Persian). Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  34. ↑ Weiss, Neri (13 June 2026). "Greatest Iranian soccer player supports Israel: "We are Iran, not the Islamic Republic"". Israel National News. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  35. ↑ Staff, All Arab News (15 April 2024). "Iranian sports celebrities show support for Israel on social media following Iran attack". All Arab News. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  36. 1 2 "ببینید | جمله رامین رضاییان بعد از شنیدن نام رهبر شهید انقلاب". خبرآنلاین (in Persian). 29 April 2026. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  37. 1 2 jahannews.com (28 April 2026). "رامین رضائیان هم به مدافعان خیابان پیوست | جهان نيوز". جهان نيوز (in Persian). Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  38. ↑ Ramin Rezaeian at National-Football-Teams.com
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