33·Legends

Ali Daei vs Khodadad Azizi

Iran against Iran. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

AD

Ali Daei

Iran · 1996–2021 · ST

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Iran
#1 of 33

Daei scored four goals between the 66th minute and the 89th in Dubai on 16 December 1996, turning an Asian Cup quarter-final against South Korea into a 6-2 win. First man to 100 international goals, reached against Laos in November 2004, he held the world record until 2021; add the 1996 Asian Cup golden boot with eight, Asian Games gold in 1998, Asian Footballer of the Year in 1999 and a Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich.

vs
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Khodadad Azizi

Iran · 1996–97 · CAM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Iran
#4 of 33
Caps
47 · 11 goals
Clubs
Pas Tehran, 1. FC Köln, San Jose Earthquakes

Australia were two goals up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 November 1997 with 15 minutes left when Karim Bagheri pulled one back and Azizi levelled it, sending Iran to their first World Cup in 20 years on away goals. Asian Footballer of the Year for 1996 and most valuable player of that year's Asian Cup, he played at France 98, including the 2-1 win over the United States, and spent three Bundesliga seasons at Köln. Career record: 47 caps and 11 goals for Iran; club career at Pas Tehran, 1. FC Köln, San Jose Earthquakes.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 87.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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