Mehdi Taremi vs Nasser Hejazi
Iran against Iran. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Nasser Hejazi
Iran · 1970–2000 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Iran
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Esteghlal, Shahin, Mohammedan SC
Scotland could not beat him in Córdoba on 7 June 1978; their only goal was an Iranian own goal, and the 1-1 draw stayed Iran's sole World Cup point for twenty years. The AFC named him the second-best Asian goalkeeper of the twentieth century in 2000, and his medals include the 1976 Asian Cup won in Tehran, Asian Games gold in 1974 and the 1970 Asian club title with Taj. Career record: 62 caps and 0 goals for Iran; club career at Esteghlal, Shahin, Mohammedan SC.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.