BiographyMohammad Panjali
Name:Mohammad
Last Name:Panjali
Date of Birth:Azar 1334 (November-December 1955)
Place of Birth:Tehran
Profession:Football Player
Position:Center Defender
Mohammad Panjali’s Personal Life
Mohammad Panjali, full name Seyed Mohammadreza Panjali Qomi, was born in 1955 in Tehran, in the Nizam Abad neighborhood. He is a legendary player of Persepolis Tehran and Iran’s football history, known as one of the best defenders of his time. With his strong, fighting playing style, he brought glory to the national team for years. After retiring from playing, he has been active as a coach. His 17-year strong presence at Persepolis and as captain of the national team made him one of Iran’s most beloved sports figures.
Where is Mohammad Panjali from?
Many football fans have wondered about his hometown. Mohammad Panjali was born in Tehran, but no reliable information has been published about his family or parents in the media.
Mohammad Panjali and his Wife
Unfortunately, there is no precise or verified information about Mohammad Panjali’s wife in various sources. He has always kept his family life private and has not spoken about his wife or children in interviews or sports news.
Mohammad Panjali’s Children
It’s a bit difficult to specify how many children Mohammad Panjali has, as he hasn’t spoken about this. Based on old interviews and news, he has a son named Sajjad, but no other details about his children are available.
The Beginning of Mohammad Panjali’s Football Journey
From a young age, Mohammad Panjali started playing street football in Tehran neighborhoods. His talent was discovered by coaches like Iraj Gholikhani, and he played as a center defender for the Tehran Electricity team. In 1975, he became champion of Tehran youth competitions with this team and was invited to the Iran youth national team.
Mohammad Panjali at Persepolis
After playing one season with Tehran Electricity, he played for Esteghlal Tehran and AbouMoslem, then joined Persepolis in 1977. Except for a two-year stint when he played for Qatar’s Al-Ittihad (1988-1990), he never played for another team. Known as a core defender of Persepolis, he achieved many titles and starred in Tehran derby matches. His impressive performances made him one of the legends of Tehran’s red team.
Mohammad Panjali in Iran’s National Team
This solid defender played for Iran’s national team for 13 years from 1979, earning 60 caps. He was one of the 14 players who resigned from the national team during the 1986 Asian Games protests. After six months of suspension, he was invited back in 1989. He then became Asian champion in the 1990 Beijing Asian Games with Iran.Ali ParvinHe returned to the national team under coach Ali Parvin. Panjali became Asian champion with Iran in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing.
Mohammad Panjali on the frontlines
This footballer served multiple times on the front lines during the Iran-Iraq war. He played with Haj Mohammad Keshvari, the then commander of Lashkar-e Hazrat Rasul, in AbouMoslem Mashhad, which led him to go to war zones. In his memoirs, he described football matches at Dukouheh Padan and bombing by Iraqi forces, and how football was banned by Sardar Keshvari due to war injuries.
Mohammad Panjali’s Popularity
During his playing career, Persepolis was a dominant force in Iranian football. His loyalty to the red jersey was always a topic among fans. Notably, he was banned for a year after the 38th Tehran derby in December 1994.
Playing Style of Mohammad Panjali
The successful Iranian footballer from earlier years was a strong and intelligent defender, capable of playing both center and left back. He was a respected team leader as captain of Persepolis and Iran. Known for his high technique and playmaking from the defense line, he organized attacks and contributed both defensively and offensively.
Management and Coaching Career of Mohammad Panjali
After retiring, Panjali worked as an assistant coach at Persepolis and Iran’s youth team for several years. In 2013, he was appointed as the club’s academy director, nurturing young talents. Despite his many honors as a player, his coaching career was not notable, and he resigned from Persepolis board due to disagreements with other managers.
Hospitalization and a Sad Message from Mohammad Panjali to Fans
Recent news of Mohammad Panjali’s illness and ongoing treatment has caused concern among Persepolis fans and Iranian football supporters. In a brief statement on Instagram, he thanked fans for their support and patience. The message announced his illness:
“Due to my health condition and my doctor’s advice, I am currently unable to respond to your messages; I hope to be back once fully recovered and after completing treatment.”
Persepolis Club’s Response to Mohammad Panjali’s Illness
Persepolis confirmed Panjali was hospitalized but has since been discharged after receiving necessary medical care. He is now continuing his treatment at specialized centers. The club wished him a speedy recovery and mentioned he currently cannot answer calls or messages.
