Mehdi Taremi emerged as a dominant force in Iranian football before building a substantial career in European competition. Born in Bushehr on 18 July 1992, he developed his skills through local youth academies before securing a position as a prolific striker. His professional journey spans multiple leagues, defined by high scoring records and significant international appearances.
Early Career and Military Service
Before his emergence as a professional, Taremi served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in Bushehr between 2010 and 2012. His club experience began with Shahin Bushehr, where he scored once in seven games. He later moved to Iranjavan in 2013, scoring 12 times in 22 matches and establishing himself as a top-tier attacking prospect.
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He was the league's top scorer in both the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons. His tenure included a notable hat-trick against Al Wahda in the 2017 AFC Champions League. However, a contract dispute regarding a move to Çaykur Rizespor resulted in a four-month ban from FIFA.
International and European Tenure
Taremi moved to Qatar in 2018 to join Al-Gharafa before transferring to the Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2019. At Rio Ave, he tied for the league's top scorer with 18 goals. He subsequently signed with Porto in 2020. During his time at Porto, he became the first Iranian to score in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League, notably executing a bicycle kick against Chelsea in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 July 1992, Bushehr, Iran
- Primary Position: Striker
- Persepolis Top Scorer: 2015–16, 2016–17
- FIFA World Cup appearances: 2018, 2022, 2026
- AFC Asian Cup appearances: 2019, 2023
- First European Medal: 2020 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
Questions readers ask
Did Mehdi Taremi serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in Bushehr between 2010 and 2012.
Why was Taremi banned by FIFA in 2017?
He received a four-month ban due to a contract dispute involving the Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor, which he had agreed to join before returning to Persepolis.
