Sardar Azmoun is one of the brightest stars in Iranian football and widely regarded as one of the most talented forwards to come from Iran in recent years. Often referred to as the “Iranian Messi” due to his dribbling and vision, Azmoun has made a significant impact both for his national team and in European club football.

Career Highlights:

1. Club Career:

   • Early Years: Azmoun began his career at Sepahan in Iran before making a move to Rubin Kazan in Russia in 2013, at just 18 years old. His time at Rubin Kazan marked the beginning of his rise in European football. He quickly made a name for himself with his excellent technique, pace, and goal-scoring ability.

   • Rising Star in Russia: After his stint at Rubin Kazan, Azmoun joined Rostov in 2015. At Rostov, he truly broke out, becoming one of the most prolific strikers in the Russian Premier League and showcasing his quality in European competitions like the UEFA Europa League. His time at Rostov helped him gain attention from bigger clubs.

   • Move to Zenit St. Petersburg: In 2019, Azmoun signed with Zenit St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s biggest clubs. At Zenit, he solidified his reputation as one of the best strikers in the Russian Premier League. He has been a consistent goal scorer, and his combination of skill, strength, and intelligence on the ball has made him a key player for Zenit.

     • In 2021, he helped Zenit win the Russian Premier League title, and his performances in European competitions have also been impressive.

2. International Career:

   • Iran National Team: Azmoun has been a key figure for the Iran national team since making his debut in 2014. He is known for his dynamic play style, excellent finishing, and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates.

   • World Cup & AFC Asian Cup: He has represented Iran in multiple FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, AFC Asian Cups, and international friendlies. Azmoun has become one of Iran’s most reliable goal-scorers, with a strong goal-scoring record for his country.

   • Partnership with Taremi: Together with Mehdi Taremi, Azmoun forms one of the most potent attacking duos in Asian football. Their partnership has been critical for Iran in recent years, with both players offering different qualities up front — Azmoun’s technical dribbling and link-up play complementing Taremi’s clinical finishing.

3. Style of Play:

   • Technical Ability: Azmoun is known for his silky dribbling, quick feet, and close ball control, which make him a dangerous player in one-on-one situations. He is capable of weaving through defenders and creating chances for himself and others.

   • Finishing: Despite his technical flair, Azmoun is also a clinical striker with a great eye for goal. He is adept at finding the back of the net in a variety of ways, whether it’s from long range, close range, headers, or even in tight spaces in the box.

   • Playmaker: Azmoun isn’t just a typical target man. He has great vision and often drops deeper to link play, providing key assists as well as goals. His ability to bring others into the attack is one of the things that sets him apart from many other strikers.

   • Physical Attributes: At 1.87 meters (6’2″), Azmoun has a strong physical presence, which helps him hold off defenders and win aerial duels. Despite his size, he’s also surprisingly agile, allowing him to perform quick turns and shifts in tight spaces.

4. International Recognition:

   • Azmoun is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the Asian football scene. His performances at both the club and international level have earned him praise from critics and fans alike.

   • In addition to his technical ability, his football IQ and movement off the ball are frequently highlighted, making him a complete striker who can impact the game in many ways.