Esteghlal FC
Encyclopedia
Esteghlal Cultural and Athletic Club is an Iran
ian sports club
most widely known for its professional football
team based in Tehran
. It was founded as Taj , meaning 'Crown
' in Persian
and renamed after the Islamic Revoloution
in 1979. Founded in 1945, they play in the IPL
and have spent almost all of their history in the top tier in Iranian football
; they spent one season in Iran's second division in 1993-1994. The club also had a similarly successful futsal
section.
They play their home games at the 100,000 capacity Azadi Stadium
in Tehran
, and their average home attendance in the past 5 years is 25,000. The club's traditional kit
colours are royal blue shirts, shorts and socks.
Esteghlal have been Asian Champions
for 2 times and have also won 6 National Championship titles. Esteghlal together with Al-Hilal Riadh of Saudi Arabia are the second most successful clubs in Asian Champion's League, after Pohang Steelers of South Korea, with 2 champions titles and 2 runner up.
ian military officers
Mirzani, Jananpour and Navab started a sports club on Ferdowsi
Street, Tehran
. Since the founders of the club were mostly interested in cycling, the club's original name was Docharkheh Savaran , meaning 'The Cyclists' in Persian
. Docharkheh Savaran football
club played its first official match in 1946, and in 1947 was able to win the Tehran
Hazfi Cup.
after some years, and won numerous league championships, Hazfi Cup
s and Asian Club Championships.
The club has been successful in recent years and is always a contender for the league championship. In the past few years it has finished 2nd or 3rd in the league, and Amir Ghalenoei
was able to get the team its first championship in the IPL in the 2005-06 season after his third and final year as the manager.
in Iran
, the club was confiscated by the newly established Islamic government and put under the control of the Physical Education Organization of Islamic Republic
of Iran
, a governmental organization, and change its name to Esteghlal , 'Independence' in Persian
. Taj means 'Crown
' in Persian
; after the revolution, any sign of the previous monarchist regime was not tolerated.
The club's main rival and its opponent in the Tehran Derby
is Persepolis F.C. The first derby match between the clubs took place on April 5, 1968 at Amjadieh Stadium. Today, all derbies and home matches occur at the 100,000 capacity Azadi Stadium
which is invariably sold out for the derby
.
Ali Samereh
scored the earliest goal in Tehran derby for Esteghlal F.C. against Persepolis F.C. which came less than a minute into the game.
In 1995, IRIFF began to invite foreign referees to officiate the derby to ease fan and player suspicions of referee bias. This occurred after the events of the 38th derby. In the 38th derby (January 11, 1995) Persepolis was leading in the match by a score of 2-0 until the last 10 minutes of the match. Esteghlal scored 2 goals in quick succession, including one which was a penalty. This angered the Persepolis fans and players who felt the referee was biased towards Esteghlal (There was speculation about Esteghlal bribing the referee and the officials). Persepolis fans stormed the field, and fights broke out on the pitch between fans and players. Following this match it was decided that Iranian referees would no longer be used for the derby. After 13 years of foreign referees, the second leg of the 2008-09
season Derby saw an Iranian once again refereeing the game. The game ended a draw with goals coming from Mojtaba Jabari and Maziar Zare
.
Over the years, Esteghlal has 23 wins and Persepolis has won 17 derbies.
with 2 champions titles and 2 runner up finishes, tied with Al-Hilal Riadh Saudi Arabia
.
.
after the AFC
did not receive the club's player list for the tournament in time. Despite efforts by the club management to reverse the decision, AFC upheld its decision and the club's board resigned soon after.
Esteghlal's home stadium is The Azadi , a football
stadium
in Tehran
, Iran
. The Stadium's former name was Aryamehr Stadium but was changed after the Iranian Revolution
. The stadium has an official capacity of 100,000 but has been filled over capacity on numerous occasions, for example when it faces rivals Persepolis F.C. in the Tehran Derby
or in several AFC Champions League
matches. Prior to the construction of Azadi, Esteghlal used to play their games at Amjadieh Stadium
For recent transfers, see List of Iranian football transfers, winter 2011–12.
1978 FIFA World Cup
Iraj Danaeifard
Andranik Eskandarian
Hassan Nazari
Hassan Rowshan
1998 FIFA World Cup
Parviz Broumand Alireza Mansourian
Mehdi Pashazadeh
Javad Zarincheh
2006 FIFA World Cup
Reza Enayati
Amir Hossein Sadeghi Vahid Talebloo
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian sports club
Sports club
A sports club or sport club, sometimes athletics club or sports association is a club for the purpose of playing one or more sports...
most widely known for its professional football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
team based in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
. It was founded as Taj , meaning 'Crown
Crown (headgear)
A crown is the traditional symbolic form of headgear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour and glory of life after death. In art, the crown may be shown being offered to...
' in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
and renamed after the Islamic Revoloution
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
in 1979. Founded in 1945, they play in the IPL
Iran's Premier Football League
The Iran Pro League , is a professional football league competition for clubs located at the highest level of the Iranian football league system.The league system resembles the system being used in England currently...
and have spent almost all of their history in the top tier in Iranian football
Football in Iran
Football in Iran is quite possibly the most popular sport, with only wrestling and volleyball being able to match its popularity. Football has been a part of life for Iranians for many decades now and is played in schools, alleys, streets and football clubs nationwide.-History of football in...
; they spent one season in Iran's second division in 1993-1994. The club also had a similarly successful futsal
Futsal
Futsal is a variant of association football that is played on a smaller pitch and mainly played indoors. Its name is a portmanteau of the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol de salón , which can be translated as "hall football" or "indoor football"...
section.
They play their home games at the 100,000 capacity Azadi Stadium
Azadi Stadium
The Azadi Stadium formerly Aryamehr Stadium is Iran's national stadium and the largest in the country. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 100,000 people and was built to host the 1974 Asian Games...
in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, and their average home attendance in the past 5 years is 25,000. The club's traditional kit
Kit (football)
In association football, as in a number of sports, kit refers to the standard equipment and attire worn by players. The term "kit" should be distinguished from a "strip" , which refers to just the shirt, shorts and socks, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably...
colours are royal blue shirts, shorts and socks.
Esteghlal have been Asian Champions
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
for 2 times and have also won 6 National Championship titles. Esteghlal together with Al-Hilal Riadh of Saudi Arabia are the second most successful clubs in Asian Champion's League, after Pohang Steelers of South Korea, with 2 champions titles and 2 runner up.
Establishment
On 26 September 1945, three IranIran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian military officers
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
Mirzani, Jananpour and Navab started a sports club on Ferdowsi
Ferdowsi
Ferdowsi was a highly revered Persian poet. He was the author of the Shahnameh, the national epic of Iran and related societies.The Shahnameh was originally composed by Ferdowsi for the princes of the Samanid dynasty, who were responsible for a revival of Persian cultural traditions after the...
Street, Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
. Since the founders of the club were mostly interested in cycling, the club's original name was Docharkheh Savaran , meaning 'The Cyclists' in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
. Docharkheh Savaran football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
club played its first official match in 1946, and in 1947 was able to win the Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
Hazfi Cup.
Emerging success
In 1949, the club officially changed its name to Taj. The club became the most beloved team in IranIran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
after some years, and won numerous league championships, Hazfi Cup
Hazfi Cup
The Hazfi Cup is a knockout cup competition in Iranian football, run by the Iranian Football Federation. The competition wasn't regarded important by clubs until the IRIFF decided to award one of Iran's four AFC Champions League spots to the champion....
s and Asian Club Championships.
The club has been successful in recent years and is always a contender for the league championship. In the past few years it has finished 2nd or 3rd in the league, and Amir Ghalenoei
Amir Ghalenoei
Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of Tractor Sazi...
was able to get the team its first championship in the IPL in the 2005-06 season after his third and final year as the manager.
1979 Revolution
After the 1979 Islamic RevoloutionIranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, the club was confiscated by the newly established Islamic government and put under the control of the Physical Education Organization of Islamic Republic
Islamic republic
Islamic republic is the name given to several states in the Muslim world including the Islamic Republics of Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Mauritania. Pakistan adopted the title under the constitution of 1956. Mauritania adopted it on 28 November 1958. Iran adopted it after the 1979 Iranian...
of Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, a governmental organization, and change its name to Esteghlal , 'Independence' in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
. Taj means 'Crown
Crown (headgear)
A crown is the traditional symbolic form of headgear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, immortality, righteousness, victory, triumph, resurrection, honour and glory of life after death. In art, the crown may be shown being offered to...
' in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
; after the revolution, any sign of the previous monarchist regime was not tolerated.
Tehran Derby
- Main articles: Tehran DerbyTehran derbyThe Tehran derby known locally as the derby Tehran is a football local derby match that takes place twice a year between the two most popular clubs in Iran: Esteghlal F.C. and Persepolis F.C....
The club's main rival and its opponent in the Tehran Derby
Tehran derby
The Tehran derby known locally as the derby Tehran is a football local derby match that takes place twice a year between the two most popular clubs in Iran: Esteghlal F.C. and Persepolis F.C....
is Persepolis F.C. The first derby match between the clubs took place on April 5, 1968 at Amjadieh Stadium. Today, all derbies and home matches occur at the 100,000 capacity Azadi Stadium
Azadi Stadium
The Azadi Stadium formerly Aryamehr Stadium is Iran's national stadium and the largest in the country. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 100,000 people and was built to host the 1974 Asian Games...
which is invariably sold out for the derby
.
Ali Samereh
Ali Samereh
Ali Samereh is an Iranian football player who currently plays for Mes Sarcheshmeh in the Persian Gulf Cup. He usually plays in the striker position.-Club career:...
scored the earliest goal in Tehran derby for Esteghlal F.C. against Persepolis F.C. which came less than a minute into the game.
In 1995, IRIFF began to invite foreign referees to officiate the derby to ease fan and player suspicions of referee bias. This occurred after the events of the 38th derby. In the 38th derby (January 11, 1995) Persepolis was leading in the match by a score of 2-0 until the last 10 minutes of the match. Esteghlal scored 2 goals in quick succession, including one which was a penalty. This angered the Persepolis fans and players who felt the referee was biased towards Esteghlal (There was speculation about Esteghlal bribing the referee and the officials). Persepolis fans stormed the field, and fights broke out on the pitch between fans and players. Following this match it was decided that Iranian referees would no longer be used for the derby. After 13 years of foreign referees, the second leg of the 2008-09
Persian Gulf Cup 2008-09
The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2008/09 football season. This season will be the 8th season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Persepolis are the defending champions.-Teams:...
season Derby saw an Iranian once again refereeing the game. The game ended a draw with goals coming from Mojtaba Jabari and Maziar Zare
Maziar Zare
Maziar Zare Eshghdoust is an Iranian Football player. He currently plays for Persepolis in the Iran Pro League...
.
Over the years, Esteghlal has 23 wins and Persepolis has won 17 derbies.
AFC Champions League
Esteghlal is one of the most successful clubs in Asian Champion's LeagueAFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
with 2 champions titles and 2 runner up finishes, tied with Al-Hilal Riadh Saudi Arabia
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club , also known simply as Al-Hilal, is a Saudi Arabian sports club based in the country's capital of Riyadh and best known for its professional football team, known as Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club...
.
.
ACL 2007
Esteghlal was dropped from the 2007 edition of the Asian Champion's LeagueAFC Champions League 2007
The 2007 AFC Champions League was the 26th edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament and the 5th edition under the current AFC Champions League title....
after the AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
did not receive the club's player list for the tournament in time. Despite efforts by the club management to reverse the decision, AFC upheld its decision and the club's board resigned soon after.
Stadium
- Main articles: Azadi StadiumAzadi StadiumThe Azadi Stadium formerly Aryamehr Stadium is Iran's national stadium and the largest in the country. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 100,000 people and was built to host the 1974 Asian Games...
Esteghlal's home stadium is The Azadi , a football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
stadium
Stadium
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
. The Stadium's former name was Aryamehr Stadium but was changed after the Iranian Revolution
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
. The stadium has an official capacity of 100,000 but has been filled over capacity on numerous occasions, for example when it faces rivals Persepolis F.C. in the Tehran Derby
Tehran derby
The Tehran derby known locally as the derby Tehran is a football local derby match that takes place twice a year between the two most popular clubs in Iran: Esteghlal F.C. and Persepolis F.C....
or in several AFC Champions League
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
matches. Prior to the construction of Azadi, Esteghlal used to play their games at Amjadieh Stadium
Shahid Shiroudi Stadium
The Shahid Shiroudi Stadium is a sports stadium in Tehran, Iran, currently used only for Athletic competitions. Until 2009 it was used mostly for football matches....
Players
- See also: Esteghlal F.C. season 2011-12
First-team squad
.For recent transfers, see List of Iranian football transfers, winter 2011–12.
Out on loan
Notable former players
World Cup Players
1978 FIFA World Cup1978 FIFA World Cup
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
Iraj Danaeifard
Iraj Danaeifard
Iraj Danaeifard is a retired Iranian football player.-Club career:Danaeifard became involved in football very early. His father, Ali Danaeifard was one of the founders of Taj F.C. football club. He became famous in Iran while playing for the club, winning the Iranian league in 1971. He also...
Andranik Eskandarian
Andranik Eskandarian
Andranik Eskandarian is an Armenian Iranian-American footballer. He played as a defender for the F.C. Ararat Tehran, Taj F.C. and New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League....
Hassan Nazari
Hassan Nazari
Hassan Nazari is a retired Iranian footballer. He usually played as a defender.-Playing career:He began his career in his hometown of Abadan, playing for clubs like 'Sepah Abadan' and Sanat Naft. His good play got him a transfer to one of Iranian football's better teams, Taj. There he could win...
Hassan Rowshan
Hassan Rowshan
Hassan Rōshan is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player. He usually played as a striker. As of 15 July 2011, He is Head of Technical Committee of Esteghlal.- Early life :...
1998 FIFA World Cup1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
Parviz Broumand Alireza Mansourian
Alireza Mansourian
Ali Reza Mansourian is an Iranian football coach and retired player. He is current Head Coach of Iran national under-23 football team.-Club career:...
Mehdi Pashazadeh
Mehdi Pashazadeh
Mehdi Pashazadeh is a former Iranian football defender, and now a football coach.-Club career:He played for several clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Bayer Leverkusen , Fortuna Köln , Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz ....
Javad Zarincheh
Javad Zarincheh
Javad Zarincheh is a retired Iranian, ethnic Persian football player, coach and a current football administrator. He is a member of Board of Directors of Esteghlal....
2006 FIFA World Cup2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
Reza Enayati
Reza Enayati
Gholamreza Enayati is an Iranian football player who currently plays for Saba Qom in Iran Pro League and former member of Iran national football team. He usually plays the striker position.-Club career:...
Amir Hossein Sadeghi Vahid Talebloo
Vahid Talebloo
Vahid Talebloo is an Iranian football goalkeeper who currently plays for Iran's Premier Football League club Shahin Bushehr.-Club career:Talebloo was very impressive in Esteghlal's goal even though he was competing with another national team goalie, Mehdi Rahmati.He began receiving media attention...
Club captains
| Name | Nat | Career in Esteghlal |
Captaincy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hassan Rowshan Hassan Rowshan Hassan Rōshan is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player. He usually played as a striker. As of 15 July 2011, He is Head of Technical Committee of Esteghlal.- Early life :... |
 |
1969-1978 1984-1988 |
1975-1978 |
| Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi nicknamed "Ostureh" ; was an Iranian football player and coach who most notably played for Esteghlal Tehran.... |
|
1967-1977 1980-1986 |
1980-1986 |
| Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of Tractor Sazi... |
|
1989–1996 | 1990–1996 |
| Javad Zarincheh Javad Zarincheh Javad Zarincheh is a retired Iranian, ethnic Persian football player, coach and a current football administrator. He is a member of Board of Directors of Esteghlal.... |
|
1986–2001 | 1997–2001 |
| Mehdi Pashazadeh Mehdi Pashazadeh Mehdi Pashazadeh is a former Iranian football defender, and now a football coach.-Club career:He played for several clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Bayer Leverkusen , Fortuna Köln , Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz .... |
|
1997–1998 2000–2003 |
2001–2003 |
| Mahmoud Fekri Mahmoud Fekri Mahmoud Fekri Juybari is a former Iranian football player who was the head coach of Shirin Faraz in the Iran Pro League. He usually plays the defender position. He was the assistant coach of Esteghlal from 2008 to 2009 and 2010 to 2011... |
|
1992–1993 1995–2007 |
2003–2007 |
| Alireza Mansourian Alireza Mansourian Ali Reza Mansourian is an Iranian football coach and retired player. He is current Head Coach of Iran national under-23 football team.-Club career:... |
|
1995–1997 2003–2008 |
2007–2008 |
| Farhad Majidi Farhad Majidi Farhad Majidi is an Iranian football striker who currently plays for Esteghlal in Iran's Premier Football League. He was also a member of Iran national football team.- Club career :... |
|
1997–1999 2000–2001 2007– |
2008– |
Notable managers
Only managers who have won at least one trophy are mentioned.| Name | Period | Trophies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | International | ||||
| IPL | HC Hazfi Cup The Hazfi Cup is a knockout cup competition in Iranian football, run by the Iranian Football Federation. The competition wasn't regarded important by clubs until the IRIFF decided to award one of Iran's four AFC Champions League spots to the champion.... |
AL | ACL AFC Champions League The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs... |
||
 Zdravko RajkovZdravko Rajkov Zdravko Rajkov was a Serbian football player and later a football manager.... |
1969-76 | ||||
| Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player.He led many league teams after 1979. He became Head Coach of Iran national football team in 1998 and led it until 2000. Pourheidari as of June 25, 2007 is on the Board of directors of Esteghlal F.C..- Coaching career... |
1995-96 2000-02 |
||||
| Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi nicknamed "Ostureh" ; was an Iranian football player and coach who most notably played for Esteghlal Tehran.... |
1996-99 | ||||
| Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of Tractor Sazi... |
2003-06 2008-09 |
||||
IPL Managers
| Name | Nat | From | To | Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | % | |||||
| Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player.He led many league teams after 1979. He became Head Coach of Iran national football team in 1998 and led it until 2000. Pourheidari as of June 25, 2007 is on the Board of directors of Esteghlal F.C..- Coaching career... |
|
February 2000 | July 2002 | 26 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 50% | |
| Roland Koch Roland Koch (footballer) Roland Koch is a German football coach.Roland Koch played for Meppen and Berrenrath. After finishing his career as a player, he began working in 1981 as amateur coach with 1. FC Köln. In the 1986–87 season he was promoted to assistant coach of Christoph Daum. He worked with Christoph Daum as an... |
|
July 2002 | July 2003 | 26 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 31% | |
| Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of Tractor Sazi... |
|
July 2003 | July 2006 | 86 | 46 | 30 | 10 | 53% | |
| Samad Marfavi Samad Marfavi Abdolsamad Marfavi is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player.-Club career:He played his whole player career for IPL giants Esteghlal.-International career:... |
|
July 2006 | Aug 2007 | 30 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 47% | |
| Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi Nasser Hejazi nicknamed "Ostureh" ; was an Iranian football player and coach who most notably played for Esteghlal Tehran.... |
|
Aug 2007 | Nov 2007 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 36% | |
| Firouz Karimi Firouz Karimi Firouz Karimi is an Iranian football manager and the current manager of Shahin Bushehr.-Early life:Firouz Karimi was born on 13 April 1956 in Tehran, Iran. He was married in 1980 and has three daughters and one son. He is famous inside Iran for his strong sense of humor, often revealed in... |
|
Nov 2007 | May 2008 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 30% | |
| Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of Tractor Sazi... |
|
May 2008 | May 2009 | 34 | 19 | 9 | 6 | 56% | |
| Samad Marfavi Samad Marfavi Abdolsamad Marfavi is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player.-Club career:He played his whole player career for IPL giants Esteghlal.-International career:... |
|
May 2009 | May 2010 | 34 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 47% | |
| Parviz Mazloomi Parviz Mazloomi Parviz Mazloomi is a former Iranian footballer and now manager. He currently coaches Esteghlal.-Early life:He was born on 16 September 1954 in Abadan, Iran... |
|
June 2010 | Present | 48 | 27 | 14 | 7 | 80% | |
Current management team
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Ali Fatollahzadeh Ali Fatollahzadeh Ali Fathollahzadeh is an Iranian football administrator, who is the current chairman of the Esteghlal FC. He is also managing-director of Esteghlal Newspaper. He was elected as chairman of the Esteghlal in 10 May 1996 and was in office until his term was end on 10 May 2003. On 1 May 2007, he was... |
| Deputy Chairman | Ali Nazari Juybari Ali Nazari Juybari Ali Nazari Juybari is the current deputy chairman of the Esteghlal FC and former technical director of the club. He was director of the club when Amir Ghalenoi was head coach. He left Esteghlal after Ghalenoi resigns as his position. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the club on June 2008 by Ali... |
| Head Coach | Parviz Mazloomi Parviz Mazloomi Parviz Mazloomi is a former Iranian footballer and now manager. He currently coaches Esteghlal.-Early life:He was born on 16 September 1954 in Abadan, Iran... |
| Assistant Coach | Michael Henke Michael Henke Michael Henke is a German football coach and a former player. His most notable post was managing 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the 2005/06 season for 14 games. He has spent much of his career working as assistant to Ottmar Hitzfeld. After spending the 2009 season with Koln, Henke moved to Iran in order... |
| First Team Coach | Behtash Fariba Behtash Fariba Behtash Fariba is a retired Iranian football player and now coach.-Club career:He played for a few clubs, including Rah Ahan F.C. and Esteghlal F.C.. With Esteghlal F.C... |
| First Team Coach | Attila Hejazi Attila Hejazi Attila Hejazi is an Iranian retired football player and coach. He is son of former Iranian football goalkepper and manager Nasser Hejazi.-Early life:... |
| Goalkeeper Coach | Hossein Torabpour |
| Fitness Train | Mohammadreza Molaei |
| Football Academy President | Heshmat Mohajerani |
| Technical adviser | Morteza Mohasses Morteza Mohasses Morteza Mohasses is a prominent Iranian football coach and analyst. He also works as a FIFA coaching instructor. He was anaylst of the Iran national football team under the wing of Afshin Ghotbi.... |
| Doctor | Kaveh Sotoudeh |
| Physiotherapist | Akbar Rezaei |
| Psychologist | Abbas Montazeri |
| Analyzer | Mehdi Arjanginia |
| Technical Manager | Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari Mansour Pourheidari is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player.He led many league teams after 1979. He became Head Coach of Iran national football team in 1998 and led it until 2000. Pourheidari as of June 25, 2007 is on the Board of directors of Esteghlal F.C..- Coaching career... |
| Media Officer | Mohammad Hayrani |
Technical Committee
| Name |
|---|
| Hassan Rowshan Hassan Rowshan Hassan Rōshan is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player. He usually played as a striker. As of 15 July 2011, He is Head of Technical Committee of Esteghlal.- Early life :... |
| Alireza Mansourian Alireza Mansourian Ali Reza Mansourian is an Iranian football coach and retired player. He is current Head Coach of Iran national under-23 football team.-Club career:... |
| Javad Ghorab |
| Asghar Hajilou |
Chairmen
| Chairman | Tenure |
|---|---|
 Parviz Khosravani |
|
| Parviz Sheikhan |
|
| Ali Abdullahi Nourozi |
|
| Kazem Oliaei |
|
| Ali Fathollahzadeh |
|
| Hossein Gharib Hossein Gharib Dr. Hossein Gharib was born in Tehran, Iran on February 2, 1940. His father was Dr. Mohammad Gharib , Professor and Chair of Pediatrics at Tehran University , generally regarded as the "Father of Pediatrics" in Iran... |
|
| Kazem Oliaei |
|
| Hossein Gharib Hossein Gharib Dr. Hossein Gharib was born in Tehran, Iran on February 2, 1940. His father was Dr. Mohammad Gharib , Professor and Chair of Pediatrics at Tehran University , generally regarded as the "Father of Pediatrics" in Iran... |
|
| Meghdad Najafnejad |
|
| Ali Fathollahzadeh |
|
| Amir Reza Vaezi Ashtiani |
|
| Ali Nazari Juybari Ali Nazari Juybari Ali Nazari Juybari is the current deputy chairman of the Esteghlal FC and former technical director of the club. He was director of the club when Amir Ghalenoi was head coach. He left Esteghlal after Ghalenoi resigns as his position. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the club on June 2008 by Ali... |
|
| Ali Fathollahzadeh |
Season-by-season
The table below chronicles the achievements of Esteghlal in various competitions since 1945.| Season | League | Pos. | Hazfi Cup Hazfi Cup The Hazfi Cup is a knockout cup competition in Iranian football, run by the Iranian Football Federation. The competition wasn't regarded important by clubs until the IRIFF decided to award one of Iran's four AFC Champions League spots to the champion.... |
ACL AFC Champions League The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1945-46 | Tehran Provincial League | 2nd | Not held | Not held |
| 1946-47 | Tehran Provincial League | 5th | ||
| 1947-48 | Tehran Provincial League | ? | ||
| 1948-49 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1949-50 | _ | Not held | ||
| 1950-51 | Tehran Provincial League | 2nd | ||
| 1951-52 | Tehran Provincial League | 5th | ||
| 1952-53 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | ||
| 1953-54 | Tehran Provincial League | 4th | ||
| 1954-55 | _ | Not held | ||
| 1955-56 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1956-57 | Tehran Provincial League | 2nd | ||
| 1957-58 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1958-59 | Tehran Provincial League | ? | ||
| 1959-60 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1960-61 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | ||
| 1961-62 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1962-63 | Iran Local League | 4th | ||
| 1963-64 | Iran Local League | 2nd | ||
| 1964-65 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | ||
| 1965-66 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | ||
| 1966-67 | _ | Not held | ||
| 1967-68 | Iran Local League | 5th | ||
| 1968-69 | Iran Local League | 4th | ||
| 1969-70 | _ | Not held | ||
| 1970-71 | Iran Local League | 1st | Cup | |
| 1971-72 | Iran Local League | 4th | 3 | |
| 1972-73 | _ | Not held | Did not qualify | |
| 1973-74 Takht Jamshid Cup 1973-74 -Results:-Top goalscorers:... |
Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
2nd | ||
| 1974-75 Takht Jamshid Cup 1974-75 -Results:-Top goalscorers:... |
Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
1st | ||
| 1975-76 Takht Jamshid Cup 1975-76 -Results:-Top goalscorers:... |
Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
4th | 1/8 Final | |
| 1976-77 Takht Jamshid Cup 1976-77 -Results:-Top goalscorers:... |
Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
4th | Cup | |
| 1977-78 Takht Jamshid Cup 1977-78 -Results:-Top goalscorers:... |
Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
4th | Not held | |
| 1978-79 | Takht Jamshid Cup Takht Jamshid Cup The Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league... |
did not finish | ||
| 1979-80 | 1979 Shahid Espandi Cup 1979 Shahid Espandi Cup Shahid Espandi Cup was a nation-wide football tournament in Iran that was played in 1979 in a format of 5 Groups for the group stage followed by a second round and then semi-finals and final. The tournament was won by Persepolis F.C. of Tehran.-Group 2:... |
6th | ||
| 1980-81 | Tehran Provincial League | 4th | ||
| 1981-82 | Tehran Provincial League | 2nd | ||
| 1982-83 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1983-84 | Tehran Provincial League | did not finish | ||
| 1984-85 | Tehran Provincial League | 1st | ||
| 1985-86 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | ||
| 1986-87 | Tehran Provincial League | 3rd | 1/8 Final | |
| 1987-88 | Tehran Provincial League | 2nd | 1/16 Final | |
| 1988-89 | 17th of Shahrivar league 17th of Shahrivar league The following is the final results of the 17th of Shahrivar league's 1988/89 football season.-Results:-Top goalscorers:16 Goals Farshad Pious 8 Goals Samad Marfavi Mohammad Falahati... |
4th | 1/8 Final | |
| 1989-90 | Qods League | 1st | Final | |
| 1990-91 | _ | Not held | 1/8 Final | Cup |
| 1991-92 Azadegan League 1991-92 ----* Azadegan League champions : Pas Tehran* Relegated:Sepahan, Esteghlal Rasht* Promoted:Keshavarz, Sanat Naft, Vahdat Sari, Bargh Shiraz, Polyacryl, Sepirud Rasht... |
Azadegan League | 2nd | Not held | Final |
| 1992-93 Azadegan League 1992-93 The final results of the 1992/1993 Azadegan League, Iran's top division league, are listed bellow.-First round:Group AGroup B-Second round:The final standings of the 1992/1993 Azadegan League, *1.Pas Tehran... |
Azadegan League | 3rd | Not held | Did not qualify |
| 1993-94 | 2nd Division Iran Football's 2nd Division Iranian football's 2nd division is the third-highest football division overall in the Iranian football league system.Before 2001, the 2nd division was known as the 3rd division, but this was changed when Iran's football structure officially became professional.The league consists of two, fourteen... |
2nd | ||
| 1994-95 Azadegan League 1994-95 -First Round:Group AGroup B*Semi-Final1)2)- Final :-Notes:* Azadegan League champions : Saipa F.C.* Relegated teams : Shahin Bushehr , Qods Sari , Nassaji Mazandaran , Teraktor Sazi , Zob Ahan, Sanat Naft, Pars Khodro , Payam Gach Khorasan, Bank Tejarat, Chooka Talesh, Naft... |
Azadegan League | 2nd | ||
| 1995-96 | Azadegan League | 3rd | Cup | |
| 1996-97 | Azadegan League | 6th | Semifinal | |
| 1997-98 | Azadegan League | 1st | Not held | Did not qualify |
| 1998-99 | Azadegan League | 2nd | Final | Final |
| 1999-00 | Azadegan League | 2nd | Cup | Second round |
| 2000-01 | Azadegan League | 1st | Semifinal | 3 |
| 2001-02 IPL 2001/02 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2001–02 football season. This was the first season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Persepolis F.C... |
Iran Pro League | 2nd | Cup | Semifinal |
| 2002-03 IPL 2002/03 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2002/03 football season. This season will be the 2nd season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan F.C... |
Iran Pro League | 9th | First round | |
| 2003-04 IPL 2003/04 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2003/04 football season. This season will be the 3rd season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Pas Tehran F.C... |
Iran Pro League | 2nd | Final | Did not qualify |
| 2004-05 IPL 2004/05 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2004/05 football season. This season will be the 4th season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Foolad Khuzestan F.C... |
Iran Pro League | 3rd | ||
| 2005-06 IPL 2005/06 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2005/06 football season. This season will be the 5th season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Esteghlal F.C. were defending champions.-Final classification:... |
Iran Pro League | 1st | Quarterfinal | |
| 2006-07 IPL 2006/07 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2006/07 football season. This season was the 6th season since the establishment of the Iranian Premier League... |
Iran Pro League | 4th | 1/16 Final | Disqualified |
| 2007-08 | Iran Pro League | 13th | Cup | Did not qualify |
| 2008-09 Persian Gulf Cup 2008-09 The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2008/09 football season. This season will be the 8th season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Persepolis are the defending champions.-Teams:... |
Iran Pro League | 1st | 1/16 Final | First round |
| 2009-10 | Iran Pro League | 3rd | 1/8 Final | Round of 16 |
| 2010-11 | Iran Pro League | 2nd | Semifinal | First round |
National
- Iran Pro League / Azadegan League / Takht Jamshid CupTakht Jamshid CupThe Takht Jamshid Cup was a national football league based in Iran which lasted from 1973 to 1978.-History:In early 70s Iran, football had become a very popular sport and several local leagues existed in various cities. Eventually the football federation of the time decided that a national league...
- Winners (7): 1970–71Local League 1970–71- Group A :- Group B :-Semifinals :*awarded 3-0, abandoned at 1-1 in 80' when Perspolis walked off-Final:...
, 1974-75Takht Jamshid Cup 1974-75-Results:-Top goalscorers:...
, 1989-90, 1997-98, 2000-01, 2005-06, 2008-09Persian Gulf Cup 2008-09The following is the standings of the Persian Gulf Cup's 2008/09 football season. This season will be the 8th season since the establishment of the Iran Pro League . Persepolis are the defending champions.-Teams:... - Runners-Up (8): 1973-74Takht Jamshid Cup 1973-74-Results:-Top goalscorers:...
, 1998-99, 1991-92, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2010-11
- Iran 2nd DivisionIran Football's 2nd DivisionIranian football's 2nd division is the third-highest football division overall in the Iranian football league system.Before 2001, the 2nd division was known as the 3rd division, but this was changed when Iran's football structure officially became professional.The league consists of two, fourteen...
:
- Runner-Up (1): 1994
- Hazfi CupHazfi CupThe Hazfi Cup is a knockout cup competition in Iranian football, run by the Iranian Football Federation. The competition wasn't regarded important by clubs until the IRIFF decided to award one of Iran's four AFC Champions League spots to the champion....
:
- Winners (4): , 1996, 2000, 2002, 2005
- Runners-Up (2): 1999Hazfi Cup 1998-99The Hazfi Cup 1998–99 was the 12th staging of Iran's football knockout competition.-Semifinals:-Final:- References :http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/iran99.html...
, 2004
- Tehran provincial league:
- Winner (1): 1983,
- Runners-Up (2): 1982
Continental
- Asian Club ChampionshipsAFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
:
- Winners (2): 1970Asian Club Championship 1970The Asian Club Championship 1970 was the 3rd edition of the annual Asian club football competition hosted by Asian Football Confederation. Seven clubs from seven countries competed in the tournament. The tournament was held in Tehran, Iran in April...
, 1991Asian Club Championship 1990-91The Asian Club Championship 1990-91 was the 10th edition of the annual Asian club football competition hosted by Asian Football Confederation.Esteghlal FC from Iran won the final and became Asian champions for the second time .... - Runner Up (2): 1992Asian Club Championship 1991-92The Asian Club Championship 1991-92 was the 11th edition of the annual Asian club football competition hosted by Asian Football Confederation.Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia won the final and became the first Asian Championship winner from Saudi Arabia....
, 1999Asian Club Championship 1998-99The Asian Club Championship 1998-99 was the 18th edition of the annual international club football competition held in the AFC region . It determined that year's club champion of association football in Asia....
Sponsorship
- Official shirt sponsors -
- Official shirt manufacturer - UhlsportUhlsportUhlsport is a manufacturer of football equipment. Based in Germany and founded in 1948, the company's products include goalkeeper gloves, football boots, shin pads, footballs, training clothes, and kits....
- Official Water - Damavand Mineral Water Co.
IPL Shirt sponsors and manufacturers
| Period | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 2001-02 | Daei SWE Daei Sport's Wears & Equipments Daei Sport's Wears & Equipments is a major Iranian manufacturer of apparel, and sports equipment. It is owned and was founded by Iranian football legend Ali Daei and provides football kits for Iran national football team, Iran's Premier Football League teams.... |
LG LG LG may refer to:*LG Corp., a South Korean electronics and petrochemicals conglomerate*LG Electronics, an affiliate of the South Korean LG Group which produces electronic products* Lawrence Graham, a London headquartered firm of business lawyers... |
| 2002-03 | ||
| 2003-04 | Jouraban | Aiwa Aiwa was a Japanese consumer electronics company, founded in 1951.It produced audio and video equipment from the 1970s until the early 2000s.-History:The Aiwa Corporation slid towards bankruptcy until it was purchased by competitor Sony Corporation. As of October 1, 2002, Aiwa ceased to be a separate... |
| 2004-05 | Aghili | Sharp Sharp Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that designs and manufactures electronic products. Headquartered in Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan, Sharp employs more than 55,580 people worldwide as of June 2011. The company was founded in September 1912 and takes its name from one of its founder's first... |
| 2005-06 | Abi Pooshan | SAGEM SAGEM SAGEM was a major French company involved in defence electronics, consumer electronics and communication systems.In 2005, Sagem merged with SNECMA to form SAFRAN... |
| 2006-07 | Merooj | MTN Irancell MTN Irancell Irancell is the second mobile phone network operator of Iran. It is 49% owned by the South Africa-based MTN Group.MTN Irancell operates on GSM 900/1800 and is the first network operator of Iran which provides GPRS and MMS service and will let subscribers choose their desired number from between... |
| 2007-08 | CCC | |
| Aghili | Shahrvand Chain Stores Shahrvand Chain Stores Inc. Shahrvand Supermarkets is an Iranian supermarket chain based in Tehran. The establishment has currently 25 branches across in Tehran.Shahrvand, along with Refah supermarket, and Carrefour-owned Hyperstar Market, create the bulk of the Iranian relail industry.... |
|
| 2008-09 | Uhlsport Uhlsport Uhlsport is a manufacturer of football equipment. Based in Germany and founded in 1948, the company's products include goalkeeper gloves, football boots, shin pads, footballs, training clothes, and kits.... |
Iran Mobile Market |
| 2009-10 | ||
| 2010-11 | City Bank City Bank The City Bank was an early bank in Ontario in the 19th century and merged with Royal Canadian Bank to form Consolidated Bank of Canada in 1876.... |
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| 2011-12 |