Ehsan Hajsafi facts for kids
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Hajsafi with Iran during 2022 FIFA World Cup
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 25 February 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Kashan, Iran | ||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.76 m | ||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Left-back | ||||||||||||||||||
| Club information | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current club | AEK Athens | ||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2006 | Sepahan | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | ||||||||||||||||
| 2006–2015 | Sepahan | 204 | (28) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2012 | → Tractor (loan) | 45 | (9) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2016 | FSV Frankfurt | 27 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2016–2017 | Sepahan | 25 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Panionios | 14 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | Olympiacos | 6 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2018–2021 | Tractor | 69 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Sepahan | 13 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021– | AEK Athens | 82 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| National team‡ | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2005–2006 | Iran U17 | 6 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2008 | Iran U20 | 8 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2011 | Iran U23 | 12 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2008– | Iran | 142 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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† Appearances (Goals). |
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Ehsan Hajsafi (born 25 February 1990) is a professional footballer from Iran. He plays as a left-back for the Greek club AEK Athens. Ehsan is also the captain of the Iran national team.
He is known as a utility player, which means he can play in many different positions on the field. He can play as a winger (on the side of the field), a left-back (a defender on the left), or a defensive midfielder (a player who helps protect the defense).
In 2009, a website called Goal.com chose Ehsan as the most promising young player in Asian football. He has played for Iran in many big tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup three times (in 2014, 2018, and 2022). He also played in the AFC Asian Cup four times (in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023).
Contents
Club Career Highlights
Starting with Sepahan
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Ehsan Hajsafi began his football journey at Zob Ahan in 2000. In 2006, he moved to Sepahan. He was discovered by coach Luka Bonačić at Sepahan's youth academy.
Ehsan quickly became an important player for Sepahan. He played in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup. Sepahan also finished second in the 2007 AFC Champions League. He was known for taking set pieces (like free kicks and corners) and scored six goals in the 2007–08 season.
In a very exciting game in 2008, Ehsan scored a goal that almost won Sepahan the league title. However, the other team, Persepolis, scored a winning goal right at the end. He continued to play well and helped Sepahan win the league in the 2009–10 season.
Loan to Tractor
In 2011, Ehsan joined Tractor on a loan. This meant he played for Tractor for a while but was still officially a Sepahan player. He played very well for Tractor, helping them finish second in the league, which was their best result ever. After his loan ended in 2012, he went back to Sepahan.
Back to Sepahan
When Ehsan returned to Sepahan, he continued his success. He helped the team win the Hazfi Cup. In 2014, he almost joined an English club called Fulham, but the move didn't happen because of work permit rules. So, he stayed with Sepahan and helped them win the league again in 2015.
Playing in Germany: FSV Frankfurt
On 30 August 2015, Ehsan moved to Germany to play for FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga, which is a professional football league. He quickly became known for taking set pieces for his new team. He scored his first goal for FSV Frankfurt in March 2016. He even scored an amazing goal from 50 yards away!
After FSV Frankfurt was moved to a lower league, Ehsan left the club and became a free agent. This meant he could sign with any team he wanted.
Playing in Greece: Panionios and Olympiacos
In June 2017, Ehsan signed a contract with Panionios, a club in the Greek Super League. He joined his fellow Iranian player Masoud Shojaei there. He made his first appearance for Panionios in a Europa League qualifying match.
Just six months later, in December 2017, Ehsan moved to another big Greek club, Olympiacos. He signed a long contract and scored a goal on his debut for the club in February 2018.
Return to Tractor
On 2 September 2018, Ehsan returned to Tractor for a second time, signing a three-year contract. He continued to be a key player for them.
Joining AEK Athens
On 3 August 2021, Ehsan joined AEK Athens, another top Greek football team. He quickly became an important player, especially as a left-back. He scored his first goal for AEK Athens in October 2021.
The 2022–23 season was a historic one for AEK Athens. Ehsan played in almost every game and was praised for his calm play and strong defending. In May 2023, he helped AEK win the league championship. A few days later, he also played in the cup final, where AEK won again, completing a "double" (winning both the league and the cup in the same season). He then renewed his contract with AEK Athens. In the 2023–24 season, he played in the Europa League group stages and even provided two assists in a big win against Brighton.
International Career Highlights
Ehsan Hajsafi has played for Iran's national teams at different age levels, including the Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 teams.
On 25 May 2008, Ehsan played his first game for the senior national team in a friendly match against Zambia. He was amazing in his first game, providing two great assists that helped Iran win 3–2. His first international goal was against Qatar in 2008, in a game Iran won 6–1.
He played a big part in Iran's journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played in all three of Iran's matches in the group stages. He was even the captain for the first time in his 57th national game against Kuwait in 2014.
In the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, Ehsan scored the first goal in Iran's opening match against Bahrain and was named the best player of the match.
In 2017, Ehsan faced a temporary issue with the national team due to a club match, but it was quickly resolved. In May 2018, he was chosen for Iran's team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He played his 100th international game in November 2018 at the age of 28.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ehsan and his teammates showed support for important issues happening in their home country. Ehsan has played over 140 games for the national team, making him one of Iran's most experienced players.
Honours and Awards
Ehsan Hajsafi has won many awards and championships throughout his career:
Sepahan
- Persian Gulf Pro League: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2014–15
- Hazfi Cup: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2012–13
- AFC Champions League: Runner-up in 2007
Tractor
- Hazfi Cup: 2019–20
AEK Athens
- Super League Greece: 2022–23
- Greek Cup: 2022–23
Iran National Team
- WAFF Championship: 2008
- CAFA Nations Cup: 2023
Individual Awards
- Persian Gulf Pro League Young Player of the Year: 2007–08
- Persian Gulf Pro League Top Assist Provider: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17
- Persian Gulf Pro League Defender of the Year: 2009–10, 2011–12
- Persian Gulf Pro League Team of the Year: 2011–12, 2016–17
- Super League Greece Team of the Season: 2022–23
Images for kids
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Ehsan Hajsafi playing for Iran against Argentinian star Lionel Messi, 2014 FIFA World Cup
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Ehsan Hajsafi and Sergio Ramos, Iran-Spain in 2018 FIFA World Cup
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Hajsafi captaining Iran, against Portugal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup
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See also
In Spanish: Ehsan Hajsafi para niños
- List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
