Ali Daei is a name that resonates with football fans around the world, particularly those who follow Asian football.
The Iranian striker made history by becoming the first player to score 100 international goals and held the record for most international goals until it was broken by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.
This article will teach you about Ali Daei’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Ali Daei’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ali Daei |
| Nickname | Mr. Goal |
| Age | 55 |
| Born | March 21, 1969 |
| College | Sharif University of Technology |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Salary | – |
| Wife | Mona Farokhazari |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @alidaei |
Early Career
Ali Daei’s football journey began in his hometown of Ardabil, Iran. At 19, he started playing for his local club, Esteghlal Ardabil.
His talent quickly became apparent, and he soon moved to Tehran to play for Taxirani F.C.
After a season there, Daei joined Bank Tejarat, where he spent four years honing his skills and making a name for himself in Iranian football.
Professional Career
Daei’s professional career took off when he joined Persepolis, one of Iran’s most prestigious clubs, in 1994.
His performance 3 caught the attention of international scouts, leading to a move to Qatar’s Al Sadd in 1996. This was just the beginning of his international journey.
His success in Germany led to a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 1998, making him the first Asian player to join the Bavarian giants.
After a season with Bayern, during which he won the Bundesliga title, Daei moved to Hertha BSC, where he became the first Asian player to feature in the UEFA Champions League.
Wife
Ali Daei married Mona Farokhazari in 2005. The couple has 2 daughters, Noura and Deniz.
Daei’s family life has been relatively private, but it’s known that his wife is a successful jewelry trader who owns the “Noor” jewelry brand.
Ali Daei’s Net Worth Details
Ali Daei’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
In 1997, Daei signed a contract worth 1.5 million euros with Arminia Bielefeld. In 1998, he signed a 2.55-million-euro contract with Bayern Munich.
Between 1999 and 2003, Daei played for Hertha Berlin with a base contract of 2.77 million euros, which increased each year.
In 2003, he joined Al Shabab with a contract worth 2 million U.S. dollars. His transfer from Bayern Munich to Hertha Berlin in 1999 was reportedly worth between 5.3-7 million Deutsche Marks.
Endorsements
- Daei Sport’s Wears & Equipment (his own sports apparel company)
- Brand ambassador for various Iranian companies
- Occasional appearances in Iranian commercials
Career Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| International Goals | 109 goals in 149 appearances for Iran |
| First Asian in the UEFA Champions League | Scored 2 goals for Hertha BSC against Chelsea |
| Top Scorer | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifications (Asian round) |
| Asian Footballer of the Year | 1999 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ali Daei?
Ali Daei is a former Iranian footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers. Born on March 21, 1969, in Ardabil, Iran, he played as a striker and captained the Iranian national team from 2000 to 2006. He is also known for his prolific goal-scoring record.
2. What is Ali Daei’s international goal-scoring record?
Ali Daei scored 109 goals in 148 matches for Iran between 1993 and 2006, making him the first male footballer to surpass 100 international goals. His record stood until Cristiano Ronaldo broke it in 2021. He remains one of the top international goal-scorers in history.
3. Which clubs did Ali Daei play for during his professional career?
Ali Daei played for several clubs, including Persepolis in Iran, Al Sadd in Qatar, and three German Bundesliga teams: Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich (where he won the Bundesliga title), and Hertha Berlin. He also featured in the UEFA Champions League with Hertha Berlin.
4. What awards and honors has Ali Daei received?
Ali Daei was named Asian Player of the Year in 1999 and inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also recognized as the top scorer in multiple tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup (1996) and Asian Games (1998).
5. What is Ali Daei’s educational background?
Ali Daei graduated with a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran. He later pursued further studies, earning a master’s degree in physical education from Azad University.
6. What role has Ali Daei played outside football?
Beyond football, Ali Daei is a businessman and philanthropist. He founded the Daei Sportswear Company and served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He has also been involved in FIFA committees and voiced support for social justice causes in Iran.
7. Why is Ali Daei considered a controversial figure in Iran?
While celebrated internationally, Ali Daei faces criticism domestically for his perceived self-interest by some rivals. Additionally, his vocal support for anti-government protests has led to political tensions, including restrictions on his travel by Iranian authorities.
8. What is Ali Daei’s connection to protests in Iran?
Ali Daei publicly supported protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. His criticism of government actions led to his passport being confiscated and restrictions on his family’s travel, highlighting his role as a prominent voice for change.
9. What managerial roles has Ali Daei held after retiring as a player?
Ali Daei transitioned into coaching after retiring, managing clubs like Saipa, Persepolis, and Naft Tehran in Iran’s domestic leagues. He also briefly coached Iran’s national team from 2008 to 2009 but faced mixed results during his tenure.
10. What is Ali Daei’s legacy in football?
Ali Daei’s legacy includes being Asia’s greatest striker, holding international records for over two decades, and inspiring future generations of players globally. His achievements have cemented him as an icon not only in Iran but across the football world.
