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Amir Ghalenoei

Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian football coach and former player. He has managed several Iranian clubs and the Iran national team, and is widely described as one of the most successful coaches in Iranian club football.

Early life and playing career

Ghalenoei was born in Tehran and started his football career with Rah Ahan in the early 1980s. He later played for several clubs, including Esteghlal, where he finished his playing career.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Ghalenoei moved into coaching and worked with a number of Iranian clubs. His coaching career includes spells at Esteghlal, Sepahan, Tractor, Zob Ahan and Gol Gohar.

Iran national team

Ghalenoei has served as head coach of the Iran national football team in separate periods, including an appointment in 2023. Under his leadership, Iran reached the semi-finals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Honours and reputation

He is frequently described as one of the most successful coaches in Iranian football, particularly for his domestic league success. Sources differ on the exact number of league and cup titles, but he is widely credited with multiple major honours.

Key facts

  • Amir Ghalenoei was born in Tehran and played as a midfielder before becoming a coach.
  • He played for clubs including Rah Ahan, Shahin, Al Sadd and Esteghlal.
  • He has coached multiple Iranian clubs, including Esteghlal and Sepahan.
  • He was appointed head coach of the Iran national team in March 2023.
  • He led Iran to the semi-finals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Amir Ghalenoei?
He is an Iranian football coach and former player who has managed both club sides and the Iran national team.
What position did Amir Ghalenoei play?
He played as a midfielder.
Which clubs did Amir Ghalenoei play for?
Sources mention Rah Ahan, Shahin, Al Sadd and Esteghlal.
When was Amir Ghalenoei appointed Iran coach?
He was appointed head coach of Iran in March 2023.
What is Amir Ghalenoei known for as a coach?
He is known for managing major Iranian clubs and for being one of the most successful coaches in Iranian domestic football.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Ghalenoei
    Supports: Basic biography; club playing career; retirement at Esteghlal.
  2. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Ghalenoei
    Supports: Birthplace, playing debut, retirement, national team coaching timeline, 2023 Asian Cup result, 2026 World Cup qualification.
  3. Tehran Times — https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/454960/IPL-most-decorated-coach-Amir-Ghalenoei-turns-57
    Supports: Started playing career at Rah Ahan in 1981; coaching career overview; domestic league titles.
  4. Mehr News — https://en.mehrnews.com/news/198415/Amir-Ghalenoei-reportedly-appointed-new-Iran-football-coach
    Supports: Appointment as Iran national team head coach in March 2023.
  5. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q472003
    Supports: Identity, nationality, occupation, birth date, birthplace, playing position.