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Khodadad AziziIranian football player and football coach
Date of Birth: 22.06.1971
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Early Life and Playing Career
- Middle Eastern and European Stint
- International Career
- The Iconic Goal
- Coaching Career
- Post-Retirement Career
Early Life and Playing Career
Hossein Khodadadi Azizi embarked on his football journey as a player in Iran. In 1997, he ventured to Germany and joined FC Köln, becoming one of the first Iranian players to play in the German Bundesliga alongside his compatriots Ali Daei and Karim Bagheri. After three seasons in Cologne, Azizi moved to the California-based club San Jose.
Middle Eastern and European Stint
In 2001, Azizi signed for Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates. He later returned to Iran, playing for Esteghlal Tehran. In 2005, he signed for Admira Wacker in Austria, but left the club without making an official appearance due to issues with the coach and management. Subsequently, he returned to Iran and joined Oghab FC before making a move to Rah Ahan.
International Career
With the Iranian national team, Azizi participated in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, and the 2000 AFC Asian Cup. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup.
The Iconic Goal
Azizi's most memorable moment came in the 1997 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Australia, when his equalizing goal in the second leg secured Iran's qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Coaching Career
In December 2006, Azizi was appointed coach of Aboumoslem FC in Mashhad, but was dismissed in October 2007.
Post-Retirement Career
Following the 2005-06 season, Azizi retired from club and international football, ending his playing career. He worked as an advisor to the chairman of his former club, Aboumoslem FC. Azizi also became a co-owner of a sportswear company called Majid, which received financial backing from Abdul Majid Saedifar. He invested $400,000 in the venture.
