World Cup South Africa 2010
History - Groups - Players - Venues
Favorite Players by Country (Germany 2006)
Group D - Iran:
Ali Karimi
Place of Birth: Iran
Date of Birth: November 8th, 1978
Clubs: Fath Football Club, Persepolis, UAE, Bayern Munich
Mohammad Ali Karimi Pashaki started his career in Fath Football Club. He experienced significant improvement during the time he was playing for the Persepolis football club and got offers from Atletico Madrid, among other European clubs. However, Karimi did not accept them and chose to play in the UAE because he wanted to stay close to Iran. He is arguably the best dribbler in Iran and his ball skills are amongst the best in Asia.
Karimi, in 2004 was given the prestigious Asian Player of the Year, like his fellow Iranians, Mehdi Mahdavikia in 2003, Ali Daei in 1999, and Khodadad Azizi in 1996.Ali Karimi performed well at the 2004 Asian Cup, where he tied for most goals scored with five to his name. Iran placed third in the overall tournament, behind Japan and China.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich announce they signed a one year contract with Ali Karimi. Despite initial skepticism, due to the overwhelming uncertainty regarding Karimi's physical aptitude, Karimi did not waste any time in proving his critics wrong. Felix Magath put Karimi on the starting line-up of a 5-2 victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
In the following period, Karimi established himself as a regular in the Munich squad, not a small feat with a stacked midfield featuring Michael Ballack, Sebastian Deisler, Martin Demichelis, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Owen Hargreaves, Mehmet Scholl or Ze Roberto. With his finesse, his playmaking skills and his versatility, he is seen as a great asset. Karimi's contract with Bayern has been extended one more year because he has made his 25th appearance for the club.
Ali Karimi was the Asian Player of the Year in 2004. He currently plays for the German giants Bayern Munich in the 2005–2006 season.
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