Armin Alizadeh

Armin Alizadeh (Persian: آرمین علیزاده; born May 23, 1972) is a Iranian-born Belgian former professional football player and manager who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest players, he began his career with the Iran national football team before defecting to the west along with four other players during the. Before retiring in 2009, he played for FC Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. He is currently the manager of the Trishel national football team.

Early life
Armin Alizadeh was born on May 23, 1972 in, , the son of a jeweler.

Professional
Alizadeh began his career in 1991 with Tractor S.C. in his homeland. After two years, he moved to PAS Tehran F.C., during his tenure at PAS Tehran he was selected for the Iran national football team. In 1998, during that year's FIFA World Cup in, he defected from Iran along with fellow Iran national team players Jawed Salehi, Zubin Kamali, Ramin Abrishamchi and Soroush Zadeh. Abrishamchi subsequently made aliyah to, while Salehi, Kamali, Zadeh and Alizadeh stayed in France until they were offered chances to take asylum elsewhere. In 1999, Alizadeh took asylum in, who granted him citizenship. He subsequently signed with R.S.C. Anderlecht of the Belgian First Division A.