Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh
Ahmadreza Abedzadeh | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1966 Abadan, Iran |
| Other names | Eagle of Asia |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer (goalkeeper), Goalkeeping coach, Restaurateur |
| Years active | 1980s–2001 (player), 2001–2012 (coach) |
| Known for | Iran national team goalkeeper, 1998 FIFA World Cup participant |
Ahmadreza Abedzadeh (, born on 25 May 1966) is a retired Iranian football goalkeeper. Throughout his career, he played for Esteghlal, Sepahan, Persepolis, and was a key member of the Iran national team, earning 73 international caps and competing in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Club career
In the Tehran derby, Abedzadeh remained undefeated across 13 encounters, achieving seven victories and six draws. During his tenure with Persepolis, he set a remarkable record by going 802 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
International career
Abedzadeh was selected for Iran's under-20 squad at age 18 and advanced to the senior national team in 1987 under coach Parviz Dehdari. His first appearance came in February 1987 against Kuwait, where he helped secure a 2–1 victory. At the 1990 Asian Games, he played a pivotal role in Iran's gold medal win by saving two penalty kicks and allowing only two penalty goals throughout the competition.
Iran secured qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup by overcoming Australia in the play-offs. Although Abedzadeh missed the opening match due to injury, he captained the team in the subsequent group stage matches against the United States and Germany. After Iran finished third in their group, he retired from international duties.
Post-playing career
A stroke in 2001 abruptly ended Abedzadeh’s professional playing career. Following his hospitalization, he underwent multiple surgeries and continues to deal with residual effects. In 2007, he experienced another personal hardship with the passing of his mother.
After retiring as a player, Abedzadeh took on goalkeeping coaching roles at various clubs including Saipa (2001), Esteghlal Ahvaz (2005), Persepolis (2008–2009), Steel Azin (2010), and Los Angeles Blues (2011–2012).
Legacy
Renowned as the Eagle of Asia for his exceptional goalkeeping abilities, Abedzadeh’s international career extended over eleven years. In 2009, he was honored as Iran's most popular player of the preceding three decades. His standing in Iranian football is often compared to that of fellow goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi.
Personal life
Since marrying in 1988, Abedzadeh has been a father to two children: a daughter named Negar and a son, Amir, who also pursues a professional goalkeeper career with Castellón and the Iran national team. Additionally, Abedzadeh owns and operates a restaurant located in Motelghoo, Northern Iran.
Club
- Esteghlal
- Iranian Football League Champion: 1989–90
- Asian Club Championship Winner: 1990–91, Runner-up: 1991
- Persepolis
National
- Iran
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Articles without Wikidata item
- 1966 births
- Iranian men's footballers
- Iran men's international footballers
- Men's association football goalkeepers
- 1988 AFC Asian Cup players
- 1992 AFC Asian Cup players
- 1996 AFC Asian Cup players
- 1998 FIFA World Cup players
- Esteghlal F.C. players
- Sepahan S.C. footballers
- Persepolis F.C. players
- Persepolis F.C. non-playing staff
- Footballers from Abadan, Iran
- Living people
- Asian Games gold medalists for Iran
- Asian Games footballers for Iran
- Footballers at the 1990 Asian Games
- Iranian restaurateurs
- Association football goalkeeping coaches
- Medalists at the 1990 Asian Games
- AFC Champions League Elite–winning players
- Asian Games gold medalists in football