Who are the most popular athletes in Iran?
From the wrestling mats to the soccer fields, which Iranian stars shine the brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes from Iran and learn how they have made an impact on their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Iran.
Most popular athletes from Iran:
- Ali Daei
- Hadi Saei
- Hossein Rezazadeh
- Kimia Alizadeh
- Alireza Beiranvand
- Komeil Ghasemi
- Zahra Nemati
- Mahdavikia
- Saeid Marouf
- Maryam Mirzakhani
- Ehsan Hadadi
Table of Contents
#1 Ali Daei
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1969
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: World’s All-Time Leading International Goal Scorer
Ali Daei, widely regarded as one of the best Iranian soccer players, holds the world record for the most international goals scored in history. Throughout his career, Daei was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a great leader on the pitch.
His dedication and impact on Iranian soccer have made him an inspiration for generations of players and a national icon.
#2 Hadi Saei
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1976
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Hadi Saei is considered one of the most accomplished Iranian taekwondo practitioners, having won numerous medals at the World Championships and the Olympics. His impressive achievements have significantly boosted the popularity of taekwondo in Iran.
With his dedication and success, Saei has become a symbol of perseverance and excellence in the world of martial arts.
#3 Hossein Rezazadeh
- 🏆 Sport(s): Weightlifting
- 🎂 Born in: 1978
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Hossein Rezazadeh, nicknamed the “Iranian Hercules”, holds a special place in the hearts of Iranians as one of the most successful weightlifters in their nation’s history. His incredible strength and performance in international competitions have made him a symbol of Iranian pride.
Rezazadeh’s hard work and determination have inspired a generation of young weightlifters and elevated the sport’s status in Iran.
#4 Kimia Alizadeh
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1998
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Iran’s First Female Olympic Medalist
Kimia Alizadeh, as Iran’s first female Olympic medalist, has broken barriers for aspiring Iranian female athletes. Her remarkable skills in taekwondo earned her a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, forever etching her name in Iranian sports history.
Alizadeh’s achievements continue to inspire young female athletes, paving the way for greater inclusion and success in Iranian sports.
#5 Alireza Beiranvand
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Achievement: 2018 World Cup Heroics
Alireza Beiranvand, one of the top Iranian goalkeepers, gained global recognition during the 2018 FIFA World Cup for his incredible performances between the posts. His rags-to-riches story and incredible goalkeeping skills have turned him into an inspiration for young soccer players.
Beiranvand’s continued success on the pitch cements his legacy as one of Iran’s finest athletes in recent history.
#6 Komeil Ghasemi
- 🏆 Sport(s): Wrestling
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Silver Medalist
Komeil Ghasemi is known for his exceptional skills in freestyle wrestling, achieving numerous victories at the World Championships and the Olympics. His hard work and dedication to the sport have made him an influential figure in Iranian wrestling.
Ghasemi’s outstanding career showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence and serves as an inspiration for future generations of wrestlers in Iran.
#7 Zahra Nemati
- 🏆 Sport(s): Archery
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Paralympic Gold Medals
Zahra Nemati, a paralympic archer, has defied the odds and reached great heights in her sport. Despite an accident that left her paralyzed, she rose above her challenges and achieved incredible success, winning multiple gold medals in Paralympic and World Championship events.
Her resilience and resolve inspire countless people, proving that determination and hard work can break down barriers and lead to greatness.
#8 Mahdavikia
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1977
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Asian Footballer of the Year (2003)
Mehdi Mahdavikia, a skilled winger known for his precise crosses and goal-scoring abilities, is considered one of Iran’s best soccer players. With a successful career both in the Iranian Football League and the German Bundesliga, he has left a lasting legacy in the sport.
His performances and dedication have inspired countless young footballers in Iran and beyond.
#9 Saeid Marouf
- 🏆 Sport(s): Volleyball
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Best Setter FIVB World League (2014)
Saeid Marouf, Iran’s national volleyball team captain, is a top-class setter known for his impressive tactical skills and leadership abilities. Under his guidance, the Iranian volleyball team has achieved remarkable success on the international stage.
Marouf’s influence on the growth of volleyball in Iran and his unyielding commitment to the sport have made him an iconic figure for future generations.
#10 Maryam Mirzakhani
- 🏆 Sport(s): not applicable
- 🎂 Born in: 1977
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First Female Fields Medalist
We regret the error in including Maryam Mirzakhani as one of the most popular athletes from Iran. She was a brilliant mathematician and the first woman to win the Fields Medal, but her accomplishments are not related to sports. We apologize for any confusion caused.
#11 Ehsan Hadadi
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field (Discus Throwing)
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Silver Medal (2012)
Ehsan Hadadi, Iran’s first Olympic medalist in track and field, has made significant strides in discus throwing. His powerful throws and consistent performances at international events have earned him several medals and records.
Hadadi’s achievements have not only put Iran on the map in the world of athletics but also paved the way for future Iranian track and field athletes to dream big.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Iran?
The greatest athlete in Iran’s history is wrestler Gholamreza Takhti.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Iran?
The most popular female Iranian athlete is taekwondo champion Kimia Alizadeh.
Which sport boasts the most popular athletes from Iran?
Wrestling has the most popular athletes from Iran.
Which athlete from Iran is the most popular internationally?
The internationally most popular Iranian athlete is footballer Ali Daei.
