PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ali Alipour Ghara |
| Date of Birth | 11/11/1995 (Age: 30) |
| Place of Birth | Qaem Shahr, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 70–77 kg |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Both |
| Squad Number | #9 (Persepolis) |
| Current Club | Persepolis |
| Previous Clubs | Nassaji, Sang Ahan Bafq, Rah Ahan, Persepolis, Marítimo, Gil Vicente |
| International Caps | 15 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America marked a significant milestone for Ali Alipour. The 30-year-old striker from Qaem Shahr had been named in Amir Ghalenoei’s 26-man Iran squad for the tournament, a testament to his consistent performances and return to form with Persepolis.
Alipour’s World Cup debut came against New Zealand in Iran’s opening Group G match. He entered the pitch as a 38th-minute substitute, replacing an injured teammate, and played 37 minutes in a 2-2 draw. His tournament contribution was brief—the only substitute appearance he made—but it represented the culmination of a career that had seen him rise through the ranks of Iranian football, test himself in Europe, and return home to reclaim his place among the national team’s attacking options.
For the striker who had scored 19 goals in the 2017-18 Persian Gulf Pro League season and had become the youngest player ever to score in the Tehran derby, the World Cup was another chapter in a career defined by consistency, resilience, and a knack for finding the net on the biggest occasions. His return to Persepolis in 2024 had reignited his career, and his selection for the World Cup was a reward for his efforts.
Origins
Born on November 11, 1995, in Qaem Shahr, Iran, Ali Alipour began his football journey in his homeland. He made his professional debut in 2012 at the age of 16 with Sang Ahan Bafq in the Azadegan League.
His early career was marked by steady progression through the Iranian football system. He started with Nassaji Mazandaran in 2010, making one appearance, before moving to Sang Ahan Bafq, where he scored three goals in 25 appearances. A move to Rah Ahan followed, where he scored four goals in 25 appearances. His performances attracted the attention of Iran’s biggest clubs, and in January 2015, he signed with Persepolis.
Alipour made his senior debut for Iran in March 2018, coming on as a substitute against Sierra Leone in a friendly match. He has since accumulated 15 caps and scored one international goal for his country.
The European Forge
Persepolis (First Stint, 2015-2020):
Alipour’s first spell at Persepolis was transformative. He scored his first goal for the club on March 11, 2015, and on May 15 of the same year, he scored in the Tehran derby against Esteghlal, becoming the youngest player ever to score in the derby at 19 years and 185 days. He is the only player in Tehran derby history to have scored the winning goal in two derby matches.
The 2017-18 season was his most productive. He finished as the Persian Gulf Pro League top goalscorer with 19 goals, playing a key role in Persepolis’s title-winning campaign. Across his first stint at the club, he made 155 league appearances and scored 56 goals.
Marítimo (2020-2022):
On September 28, 2020, Alipour joined Portuguese Primeira Liga club Marítimo on a two-year contract. Over two seasons, he made 60 league appearances and scored 10 goals. His best season came in 2021/22, when he scored seven goals in 34 appearances. His time in Portugal provided valuable experience in European football.
Gil Vicente (2022-2024):
On May 18, 2022, Alipour joined another Portuguese club, Gil Vicente. Over two seasons, he made 34 league appearances and scored four goals. His time in Portugal was less prolific than his Persepolis days, but it added to his European experience.
Return to Persepolis (2024-Present):
On July 19, 2024, Alipour returned to Persepolis. The move proved to be a revival. In the 2025/26 season, he was a key figure for the club, making 22 appearances and scoring six goals in the Persian Gulf Pro League. He also scored two goals in the Iranian Cup. His return to form earned him a call-up to the Iran national team for the 2026 World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ali Alipour is a versatile striker who can operate as a centre-forward or across the attacking line. Standing at 181 cm, he combines technical ability with physical presence. He is capable of finishing with both feet, a trait that makes him unpredictable in front of goal.
In Possession:
Alipour is a composed finisher with a strong goalscoring record. In the 2025/26 Persian Gulf Pro League season, he scored six goals and provided six assists in 21 appearances, demonstrating his ability to contribute to both goalscoring and creative phases. His 0.29 goals and 0.29 assists per 90 minutes placed him among the most productive forwards in the league. At the World Cup, he completed 55.6% of his passes and attempted one shot in his 37-minute appearance against New Zealand.
Out of Possession:
Alipour contributes to the team’s pressing structure. He has received three yellow cards in the 2025/26 season, reflecting his combative approach.
Psychological Edge:
Alipour’s resilience and consistency are defining traits. His return to Persepolis after a mixed spell in Portugal demonstrated his ability to rediscover his best form. His record in high-pressure matches, including two winning goals in the Tehran derby, speaks to his composure on the biggest stage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Pro League | 22 (20) | 1,942 | 6 | 6 | 3Y 0R |
| Iranian Cup | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 (0) | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
| TOTAL | 24 | 1,979 | 6 | 6 | 3Y 0R |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2011 | Nassaji | Azadegan League | 1 | 0 |
| 2012-2013 | Sang Ahan Bafq | Azadegan League | 25 | 3 |
| 2013-2015 | Rah Ahan | Persian Gulf Pro League | 25 | 4 |
| 2015-2020 | Persepolis | Persian Gulf Pro League | 155 | 56 |
| 2020-2022 | Marítimo | Primeira Liga | 60 | 10 |
| 2022-2024 | Gil Vicente | Primeira Liga | 34 | 4 |
| 2024-Present | Persepolis | Persian Gulf Pro League | 52 | 18 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 352 | 95 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 (0/1) | 37 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Friendlies | 3 | — | 0 | — |
| Iran Senior Career | 15 | — | 1 | 2x World Cup Participant |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Professional Debut | Sang Ahan Bafq at age 16 |
| 2015 | Persepolis Signing | Joined Tehran giants |
| 2015 | Youngest Derby Goalscorer | Scored in Tehran derby at 19 |
| 2017-18 | Pro League Top Scorer | 19 goals in title-winning season |
| 2018 | Iran Debut | vs Sierra Leone |
| 2020-2022 | Marítimo Move | Portuguese Primeira Liga |
| 2024 | Persepolis Return | Re-signed for Tehran giants |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | 37 minutes vs New Zealand |
What these figures reveal is a player of significant experience and consistent goalscoring. Alipour has accumulated over 350 professional appearances and 95 goals. His 15 caps for Iran and his World Cup appearance demonstrate his importance to the national team. His 2017-18 season—19 goals in 28 appearances—remains a career highlight, and his 2025/26 season—6 goals and 6 assists in 22 appearances—shows he remains a productive striker.
The Present Tense
Ali Alipour is 30 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is a key player for Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League and a member of Iran’s World Cup squad following a tournament appearance.
The Persepolis Story:
Alipour returned to Persepolis in 2024 and has been a key figure in the squad. In the 2025/26 season, he made 22 league appearances, scoring six goals and providing six assists. He also scored two goals in the Iranian Cup. He has been a regular starter for the club, contributing to their title challenge. He has been linked with potential moves elsewhere in Iranian football, but his contract with Persepolis remains active.
The World Cup Campaign:
Alipour was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, alongside forwards Mehdi Taremi, Shahriar Moghanlou, and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh. He made one appearance in the tournament, entering as a 38th-minute substitute against New Zealand in a 2-2 draw. He played 37 minutes, attempting one shot and completing 55.6% of his passes. Iran were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Alipour has earned 15 caps for Iran and scored one international goal. He made his debut in March 2018 and has been a squad player for the national team since. He has not scored since his debut, but his selection for the World Cup was a testament to his club form.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ali Alipour is a respected figure in Iranian football. His record in the Tehran derby—the only player to score two winning goals in derby history—has made him a cult figure among Persepolis supporters. He has also been a key player for the club in the AFC Champions League, making eight appearances and scoring one goal in the 2024/25 campaign.
Alipour’s journey from the Iranian second division to the World Cup is a testament to his perseverance. His move to Portugal—first to Marítimo and then to Gil Vicente—expanded his experience, but his return to Persepolis has allowed him to rediscover his best form. His selection for the World Cup at age 30 was a reward for his consistent performances at the club level.
The Verdict from the Camp
WhoScored:
Alipour made one appearance at the 2026 World Cup, playing 37 minutes against New Zealand and rating 6.20.
Statistic:
Alipour has made over 350 professional appearances and scored 95 career goals.
Statistic:
Alipour was the top scorer of the 2017-18 Persian Gulf Pro League season with 19 goals.
Statistic:
Alipour was named in Iran’s 26-man World Cup squad as one of five forwards.
Where Next?
Ali Alipour is 30 years old and entering the latter stages of his career. He is under contract with Persepolis and is expected to continue as a key player for the club. His return to form in the 2025/26 season—6 goals and 6 assists in 22 appearances—demonstrates his enduring quality.
For Iran, Alipour remains a useful squad player. With 15 caps and a World Cup appearance under his belt, he brings experience to the national team. The next chapter of his career, whether at Persepolis or elsewhere, will determine whether he can continue to represent Team Melli in future tournaments.
