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Esteghlal

Esteghlal Football Club is a professional football club based in Tehran, Iran, best known for competing in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

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

Esteghlal Football Club is a professional football club based in Tehran, Iran, that competes in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Founded in 1945, the club was originally known as Docharkheh Savaran and later as Taj until 1979, when it was renamed Esteghlal. It is considered one of Iran's most successful and widely supported clubs.

History

Esteghlal was founded in 1945 and originally competed under the name Docharkheh Savaran. In 1949, the club was renamed Taj. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the club adopted its current name, Esteghlal, which means 'The Independence' in Persian.

Honours

Esteghlal has won the Asian Club Championship twice, in 1970 and 1991. The club is also described as one of the most decorated teams in Iranian football history.

Home ground

Esteghlal plays its home matches at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. The stadium's capacity is reported to be between 78,116 and 100,000, depending on the source.

Identity and support

The club's colours are blue and white. Esteghlal is widely regarded as one of Iran's most popular football clubs. The club is part of a larger multisport organization.

Key facts

  • Esteghlal is a professional football club based in Tehran, Iran.
  • The club was founded in 1945 and was known as Taj from 1949 to 1979.
  • Esteghlal plays in the Persian Gulf Pro League and has won the Asian Club Championship twice.
  • The club's home stadium is Azadi Stadium, and its colours are blue and white.

Frequently asked questions

What is Esteghlal?
Esteghlal is a professional football club based in Tehran, Iran, competing in the Persian Gulf Pro League.
When was Esteghlal founded?
It was founded in 1945.
What was Esteghlal called before 1979?
The club was known as Taj from 1949 until 1979; earlier it was called Docharkheh Savaran.
Where does Esteghlal play home matches?
Its home stadium is Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
How many Asian titles has Esteghlal won?
Esteghlal has won the Asian Club Championship twice.
What does the name Esteghlal mean?
In Persian, Esteghlal means “The Independence.”

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esteghlal_F.C.
    Supports: Club identity, location, league, name meaning, founding year, and former name.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Esteghlal_F.C._honours
    Supports: Honours including domestic and Asian titles.
  3. Esteghlal Official Website — https://fcesteghlal.ir/en
    Supports: Official club description and honours claims.
  4. FotMob — https://www.fotmob.com/teams/101614/overview/esteghlal
    Supports: Home stadium and location.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esteghlal_B_F.C.
    Supports: Alternate club naming, founding history, and organizational context.