Ashkan Dejagah made his professional debut for Hertha BSC during the 2004-05 Bundesliga season, becoming the youngest player to represent the club since its 1892 founding. Born in Tehran in 1986, he moved to Berlin at age one and later obtained German citizenship. His career spanned top-tier leagues in Germany, England, and Qatar, eventually leading to international prominence.
Early Career in Germany
Dejagah developed within the Hertha BSC system, transitioning from central defense to a forward role. During the 2005-06 campaign, he finished as the team's top scorer with twelve goals across 23 appearances. He also participated in UEFA Cup fixtures before moving to VfL Wolfsburg in 2007. There, he contributed to the squad that secured the Bundesliga title in the 2008-09 season.
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In August 2012, Dejagah signed a three-year contract with Fulham, becoming the third Iranian to play in the Premier League. Throughout the 2013-14 season, he recorded multiple goals and assists, including a decisive winner against Newcastle United and a strike against Everton. Fans subsequently voted him Fulham's player of the year for that season.
International and Late Career
After representing Germany at various youth levels and winning the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Dejagah shifted his allegiance to the Iranian national team in 2011. He was instrumental in helping Iran qualify for the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Asian Cup, and 2018 World Cup. His club career later included stints at Qatari side Al-Arabi, a brief return to Wolfsburg, a spell at Nottingham Forest, and a contract with Tractor in the Iran Pro League.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 July 1986, Tehran
- Citizenship: Iran and Germany
- Professional debut: 2004, Hertha BSC
- Bundesliga champion: 2008-09, VfL Wolfsburg
- Fulham arrival: 31 August 2012
- International debut: 2011, Iran
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
Which major trophy did Dejagah win in Germany?
He won the 2008-09 Bundesliga title with VfL Wolfsburg and the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with the German youth team.
Did he play for any English clubs?
Yes, he played for Fulham between 2012 and 2014, and for Nottingham Forest in 2018.
