Khodadad Azizi vs Mehdi Taremi
Iran against Iran. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Mehdi Taremi
Iran · 2021–22 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Iran
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 103 · 56 goals
- Clubs
- Persepolis, Al-Gharafa SC, FC Porto
April 2021, deep into stoppage time against Chelsea, he scored the overhead kick that UEFA later voted the Champions League goal of the season. Porto brought him a Primeira Liga title, two Portuguese cups and the 2022-23 Bola de Prata for 22 league goals; before that came Persepolis league titles and back-to-back Iranian golden boots, and after it Inter Milan and 60 goals for Iran. Career record: 103 caps and 56 goals for Iran; club career at Persepolis, Al-Gharafa SC, FC Porto.
The verdict
The almanac puts Khodadad Azizi ahead by 1 rating point, 87 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.