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Khodadad Azizi. He is originally from Freeman City. In addition to playing in the Iranian Premier League, he has also played in the German Bundesliga and the United Arab Emirates Premier League.
Azizi played a very important role in Team Melli qualification for FIFA World Cup 1998 in France as a result of that famous goal he scored a measured pass from Ali Daei against Australia.
Aziz was a fast winger and had several nicknames such as sharp-footed gazelle.
Azizi started his professional football in Abo Moslem in Mashahd, his birthplace.
From there he moved to Tehran where he played for Fath Tehran, then in 1995–1997 for Bahman and in 1996–1997 season he played for Persepolis.
Following his performance in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he transferred to Germany in 1997 to play for 1. FC Köln. Azizi, along with several of the Team Melli teammates such as Ali Daei and Karim Bagheri, were among the first Iranians to enter the Bundesliga era.
Having played for three seasons in 1. FC Köln, he signed a contract with California-based club San Jose Earthquakes and became the second Iranian player to play in the United States Major League Soccer. In 2001, Khodadad Azizi was transferred to the United Arab Emirates club Al Nasr, before returning to Iran and joining Pas Tehran.
In 2005, he signed for Admira Wacker in the Austrian Bundesliga. He returned to Iran soon after and signed for lower division club, Oghab. His stay there was not very long as he signed for Rah Ahan in late 2005.
After the 2005–06 season, Azizi retired from club and international football. He finished his international career with 47 caps and 11 goals.
International career
Azizi played at the 1996 Asian Cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Asian Cup. He was named Asian Player of the Year in 1996, as well as the Asian Cup Most Valuable Player in the 1996 Asian Cup.
Azizi is best remembered for scoring the equalizer against Australia in the second leg World Cup qualifier in November 1997, sending Iran into France 98.
Many considered Azizi the best winger Iran has produced in the modern era. His success was hindered by his attitude and temperament and lack of discipline.
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Club:
Oghab
D.O.B:
22-Jun-71
Born:
Fariman
Height:
169 cm
Weight:
70 Kg
International Debut:
Cameroon 02.Oct.92
Position:
Forward
Age:
53
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