Ali Karimi

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Ali Karimi's achievements stand as a testament to his extraordinary talent and longevity in world football. He is the only Iranian player to win the Asian Footballer of the Year award, a distinction that highlights his dominance on the continent. His success in the Bundesliga broke significant barriers for Asian athletes, proving they could compete at the highest level in Europe. Beyond trophies, his leadership on the field and his ability to score crucial goals have earned him a place among the all-time greats of Asian football.

AwardsAli Karimi's trophy cabinet includes the prestigious Asian Footballer of the Year award in 2004, recognizing him as the best player on the continent. He was also the top scorer at the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. Domestically, he won multiple Iranian league titles and Hazfi Cups. In Europe, he secured the Bundesliga championship and the DFB-Pokal twice with Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 respectively.

Honours & Distinctions

Asian Footballer of the Year

AFC·2004

Recognized as the best player in Asia

Iranian Footballer of the Year

Iranian Football Federation·2004

Multiple wins throughout his career

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Iranian Footballers

Various Media Outlets·2026

Records & Feats

First Iranian to win Bundesliga

Historic First·2006

First player from Iran to win the German top-flight league title

Most Caps for Iran (at retirement)

Career Milestone·2014

Held the record for most appearances for the Iran national team upon retirement