Karim Bagheri

*Current coach, former football player of Persepolis club and Iran national team*

Karim Bagheri is one of the true legends of Iranian football.

Bagheri began his football career in his hometown club Tractor Sazi Tabriz F.C. where he was discovered by Tehrani scouts which lead him eventually to sign for Keshavarz, one of the more affluent clubs of that era. On 1 August 1996 Bagheri was signed on a free transfer by Persepolis. It was there that Bagheri enjoyed much success winning numerous titles and becoming a firm fan favorite.
He made his debut in Jan 1993 and scored a goal on the debut.

He became a household name as part of the 1996 Team Melli squad that impressed in the Asian Cup.

His impressive displays ended up in Bagheri attracting attention from many European clubs and on 1 August 1997 a year after he signed a contract with Persepolis Bagheri signed with German Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld along with his fellow Iranian international Ali Daei.