Ali Karimi is one of the phenomena of Iranian football. European players have spoken highly of his football technique. Despite facing discrimination and deprivation throughout his sports career, his list of achievements is not less than other famous Asian players. He has been nicknamed the “magician of Iranian football,” but his fame is not limited to the football field. He has also achieved successes outside of the green field.

Ali Karimi is a controversial figure and a outspoken critic of Iranian football. His media controversies have never been for materialistic reasons. You will never see him giving interviews about his overdue rights. He is not one to appear on television programs.

His support for the protesters of the election results, by wearing a green armband during a game against South Korea and refusing to open it during halftime, only added to his popularity among the people. This act also put his football career under the spotlight and led to his dismissal from the national team, despite his qualifications.

Although Javad Nekounam and