 |
Ashkan DejagahIranian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 05.07.1986
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Ashkan Dejagah: A Journey Through the World of Football
- Rise in the Bundesliga
- Triumph with Wolfsburg
- International Career
- Controversy and Return to Iran
- Achievements
Ashkan Dejagah: A Journey Through the World of Football
Early CareerAshkan Dejagah, an Iranian footballer, began his professional career with SV Reinickendorf. In 1999, he joined Tennis Borussia Berlin before moving to Hertha BSC a year later. Dejagah spent four years in the Hertha youth team and made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 18 against VfL Bochum.
Rise in the Bundesliga
During the 2005/06 season, Dejagah excelled in the Regionalliga, scoring 12 goals and becoming the league's top scorer. In 2007, he moved to VfL Wolfsburg, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter under coach Felix Magath. In his first season, he netted eight goals, making him one of the club's leading scorers. Wolfsburg secured a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga, their best-ever performance.
Triumph with Wolfsburg
The following season, Dejagah's goalscoring output diminished, but Wolfsburg emerged as Bundesliga champions thanks to the contributions of Edin Džeko, Grafite, and Zvjezdan Misimović. In the summer of 2012, he joined Fulham in the Premier League.
International Career
At the age of 16, Dejagah received his first international call-up, but he initially declined invitations from Iran. In 2004, he joined the Germany U-19 team, scoring seven goals in 15 appearances. He earned a place in the U-21 team in 2005, where he wore the coveted number 10.
Controversy and Return to Iran
In October 2007, Dejagah declined to play against Israel, citing "very personal reasons." His decision sparked controversy, with calls for his expulsion from the German national team. Dejagah insisted that his decision was purely personal and not motivated by political, anti-Semitic, or racist beliefs. After a meeting with DFB president Theo Zwanziger and sporting director Matthias Sammer, he was exonerated and remained in the national squad.
However, after playing for Germany at the U-21 level, Dejagah became ineligible to represent Iran by FIFA regulations. In July 2009, FIFA amended its rules, allowing Dejagah to switch his international allegiance.
Achievements
ClubBundesliga Championship: VfL Wolfsburg (2009)
International
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Germany U-21 (2009)
