1. Overview
Masoud Soleimani Shojaei (مسعود سلیمانی شجاعیPersian) is an Iranian professional footballer and coach who primarily played as an attacking midfielder, though he was also adept as a winger or forward. Born on June 9, 1984, in Shiraz, he spent much of his life in Abadan and Tehran. Shojaei is widely recognized for his extensive playing career, including significant spells with CA Osasuna and UD Las Palmas in Spain, and later with Panionios F.C. and AEK Athens F.C. in Greece, where he achieved a league title.
Internationally, Shojaei made his debut for the Iran national football team in 2004 and is a veteran of three World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018) and four Asian Cups. He holds the unique distinction of being the first Iranian player to participate in three World Cups and the only Iranian to compete in seven major international tournaments. Beyond his on-field contributions, Shojaei is notable for his outspoken activism on social and political issues, including supporting the Iranian Green Movement, criticizing corruption in Iranian football, advocating against child sexual abuse, and championing the lifting of the stadium ban for women in Iran. After concluding his playing career, he transitioned into management and is currently the manager of Persian Gulf Pro League club Mes Rafsanjan.
2. Early life and background
2.1. Childhood and early career
Masoud Shojaei was born in Shiraz on June 9, 1984, and spent most of his early life in Abadan and Tehran. He began his football journey at the youth level, joining Sanat Naft Abadan F.C. from 1999 to 2000, followed by a stint with Saipa F.C. from 2000 to 2002. At the age of 19, he commenced his professional career with Sanat Naft in the Persian Gulf Pro League. After one season, he moved to Saipa, where he played for three seasons. During his early twenties, Shojaei considered leaving the sport but was encouraged by his cousin Sami, who urged him to "fight to gain global fame," which ultimately changed his perspective and motivated him to continue his pursuit of a professional football career.
3. Playing career
Masoud Shojaei's professional playing career spanned various clubs across Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Qatar, and Greece, alongside an extensive international career with the Iran national team.
3.1. Club career
Shojaei's club career saw him play for a diverse range of teams across several continents, marking his presence in both Asian and European football leagues.
3.1.1. Early club career in Iran and UAE
Shojaei started his professional career in Iran with Sanat Naft Abadan F.C. during the 2002-03 season, making 12 appearances and scoring 1 goal. Following his debut season, he transferred to Saipa F.C. in Karaj. He played three seasons for Saipa from 2003 to 2006, accumulating 60 appearances and scoring 5 goals.
After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Shojaei moved to the United Arab Emirates to join Al Sharjah SC. He signed a one-year contract valued at approximately 1.20 M USD. He scored his first goal for the club in the UAE Pro League on October 3, against Emirates Club. He played two seasons with Al Sharjah, making 40 appearances and scoring 12 goals.
3.1.2. European career (Spain & Greece)
On June 23, 2008, after attracting interest from clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg in Germany and S.S.C. Napoli in Italy, Shojaei signed a three-year contract with Spanish club CA Osasuna. This move saw him team up with fellow Iranian international Javad Nekounam. The contract included a buyout clause of 6.00 M EUR for the first 18 months, which was later reduced to 3.50 M EUR for the remainder of his stay.
Shojaei made his La Liga debut on August 31, 2008, playing 32 minutes in a 1-1 home draw against Villarreal CF. During his initial two seasons at Osasuna, he primarily featured as a substitute. However, he maintained a regular presence in the squad even after José Ángel Ziganda was replaced by José Antonio Camacho as coach. In the 2010-11 season, he became a regular starter, although his participation was interrupted by a one-month absence for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup with the Iran national team. In late May 2011, he extended his contract with Osasuna for an additional two seasons, with an option for annual renewal.
The 2011-12 season was unfortunately marked by injury, causing Shojaei to spend the entire season on the sidelines. Upon his return, on February 25, 2013, in only his fourth appearance, he scored a spectacular goal that contributed to Osasuna's 2-0 away victory over Levante UD. Despite a strong start to his tenure, Shojaei was ultimately released by Osasuna in June 2013. He was briefly linked with a transfer to Real Valladolid, another La Liga club, but the move did not materialize.
On September 3, 2013, Shojaei continued his career in Spain by joining Segunda División side UD Las Palmas on a one-year contract. He immediately made an impact, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 away victory against CE Sabadell FC in the second round of the Copa del Rey. On March 15, 2014, in a league fixture against the same opponent, he scored two goals and provided an assist in the first half, contributing to a dominant 5-0 home win.
On July 22, 2016, Shojaei moved to Greece, signing a one-year contract with Super League Greece club Panionios F.C.. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading to a contract extension until June 2018. However, on December 25, 2017, he mutually terminated his contract with Panionios. Three days later, he agreed to a six-month deal with fellow Super League team AEK Athens F.C.. Upon joining, he announced on his Instagram account that he would wear the number 24 jersey in tribute to Hadi Norouzi, an Iranian footballer who had passed away in 2015. He made his debut for AEK on January 6, 2018, coming on as a substitute against Panetolikos F.C. and providing an assist in a 4-1 away victory. Three days later, he started his first match, again against Panetolikos in the Greek Football Cup's round of 16, where he contributed another assist in a 1-0 win and was named the most valuable player of the match. On March 1, 2018, Shojaei scored his first goal for AEK in a domestic cup semi-final away against AEL; despite the goal, AEK suffered a 1-2 loss, which also marked their first defeat in 26 matches under coach Manolo Jiménez. Shojaei played a role in AEK Athens' first national championship in 24 years during the 2017-18 season, after which he departed the club.
3.1.3. Return to Asian clubs
After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Shojaei declined an offer from Spanish club Real Zaragoza and opted to move to Al-Shahania Sports Club in the Qatar Stars League, where he was joined by compatriot Mehrdad Pooladi. On December 14, 2014, he scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 away victory against eventual runners-up Al Sadd SC. One year later, following Al-Shahania's relegation from the top flight, he transferred to fellow Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa Sports Club for 1.00 M USD. He played one season with Al-Gharafa, making 25 appearances and scoring 4 goals.
On August 2, 2018, Shojaei signed a three-year contract with Tractor S.C. in Iran. Eight days later, he made his debut in a 3-0 defeat against Esteghlal F.C., a match in which he was chosen as Tractor's first captain. On April 19, 2019, he was assaulted by a supporter of his own team who invaded the pitch after a 1-0 home defeat to Paykan F.C.. Midway through the 2019-20 season, Shojaei was offered the interim managerial position following Mustafa Denizli's departure but declined. Instead, he was named assistant to Ahad Sheykhlari and was involved in decision-making during training sessions.
On October 5, 2021, Shojaei joined Nassaji on a two-year contract, reuniting with former Tractor manager Saket Elhami. Upon his arrival, he was appointed as the team's new captain. On February 27, in the 2022 Hazfi Cup Final, he played the first half of a goalless draw against Aluminium Arak F.C., which his team ultimately won in a penalty shootout, securing the Hazfi Cup title. He later also played for Havadar S.C. during the 2022-23 Persian Gulf Pro League season.
3.2. International career
Masoud Shojaei has had an extensive and distinguished international career with the Iran national football team, representing his country in numerous major tournaments.
3.2.1. Youth and early senior appearances
While playing for Saipa F.C., Shojaei earned a place in the Iran national under-23 football team, which caught the attention of senior national team coach Branko Ivanković. He received his first call-up to the senior squad in November 2004 for a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Laos, earning his first cap. Although this was his only cap before the World Cup finals in Germany, he was included in the final squad. He made one appearance in the tournament, coming on as a substitute for the injured Mohammad Nosrati in the early minutes of Iran's 1-1 draw against Angola.
Shojaei began to feature more regularly in the 2010 World Cup qualification stages, even scoring in a 1-1 draw against South Korea in the final match. However, Iran did not qualify for the tournament in South Africa. During the 2009 World Cup qualifier against South Korea, Shojaei and five other players wore green wristbands to express support for the Iranian Green Movement. While four key players were reportedly banned indefinitely, Shojaei and Javad Nekounam avoided severe punishment by removing their wristbands in the second half. Iran successfully qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with Shojaei being a regular starter throughout the qualifying campaign.
3.2.2. FIFA World Cup appearances
On June 1, 2014, Shojaei was included in Carlos Queiroz's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He appeared as a substitute in Iran's opening 0-0 draw against Nigeria. He was then selected in the starting lineup for the subsequent group stage matches against Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Shojaei also captained the Iranian squad in the 2018 World Cup qualification home matches against China and Uzbekistan. On June 10, 2018, he was selected for the finals in Russia as the team captain, becoming the first Iranian player to travel to three FIFA World Cups. He made his debut in the tournament on June 15, featuring in Iran's 1-0 group stage victory against Morocco. However, he remained on the bench for the subsequent two group matches as Iran was eventually eliminated.


3.2.3. AFC Asian Cup appearances
On December 30, 2014, Shojaei was included in Iran's squad for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He scored the nation's second goal in their opening 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Melbourne. In December 2018, Shojaei was selected for Iran's 23-man squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. With this selection, he became the only Iranian player to participate in seven major international tournaments.
4. Managerial career
After a long and distinguished playing career, Masoud Shojaei transitioned into coaching. In December 2019, midway through the 2019-20 campaign with Tractor S.C., he was offered the interim managerial position after Mustafa Denizli's departure. He declined the head coach role, choosing instead to become an assistant coach to Ahad Sheykhlari and was actively involved in training decisions.
Shojaei took on a managerial role with Havadar S.C. from December 2023 to June 2024. As of November 2024, he is the current manager of Mes Rafsanjan.
6. Personal life
Masoud Shojaei was born into a family with six siblings, two of whom are also involved in football. His sister, Maryam Shojaei, is a notable activist who campaigns for women's rights in Iran, reflecting a shared commitment to social causes within the family. Beyond his professional career, Shojaei's personal life remains largely private, though his public statements and actions often intersect with his broader social and political interests.
7. Honours
Masoud Shojaei has earned several collective and individual accolades throughout his playing career.
AEK Athens
- Super League Greece: 2017-18
Tractor
- Hazfi Cup: 2019-20
Nassaji
- Hazfi Cup: 2021-22
Iran
- Islamic Solidarity Games: Bronze medal 2005
Individual
- Super League Greece Team of the Season: 2016-17
8. Career statistics
Comprehensive statistical data pertaining to Masoud Shojaei's playing and managerial career is presented below.
8.1. Club statistics
Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Sanat Naft | 2002-03 | Persian Gulf Pro League | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 12 | 1 | ||
Saipa | 2003-04 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 14 | 2 | |||
2004-05 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 22 | 1 | ||||
2005-06 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 25 | 2 | ||||
Total | 60 | 5 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 61 | 5 | ||||
Sharjah | 2006-07 | UAE Pro League | 20 | 7 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 20 | 7 | ||
2007-08 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 20 | 5 | ||||
Total | 40 | 12 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 40 | 12 | ||||
Osasuna | 2008-09 | La Liga | 33 | 3 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 36 | 3 | ||
2009-10 | 36 | 2 | 5 | 1 | - | - | 41 | 3 | ||||
2010-11 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 20 | 2 | ||||
2011-12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | ||||
2012-13 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 15 | 1 | ||||
Total | 101 | 8 | 11 | 1 | - | - | 112 | 9 | ||||
Las Palmas | 2013-14 | Segunda División | 29 | 5 | 2 | 1 | - | 0 | 0 | 31 | 6 | |
Al Shahaniya | 2014-15 | Qatar Stars League | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 24 | 5 | ||
Al Gharafa | 2015-16 | Qatar Stars League | 25 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 25 | 4 | ||
Panionios | 2016-17 | Super League Greece | 30 | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | 5 | 0 | 37 | 4 | |
2017-18 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 15 | 3 | |||
Total | 41 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 7 | ||
AEK Athens | 2017-18 | Super League Greece | 12 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |
Tractor | 2018-19 | Persian Gulf Pro League | 25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 26 | 4 | ||
2019-20 | 24 | 3 | 4 | 1 | - | - | 28 | 4 | ||||
2020-21 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||
Total | 65 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 7 | ||
Nassaji | 2021-22 | Persian Gulf Pro League | 24 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 27 | 2 | |
Havadar | 2022-23 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 14 | 1 | ||
Career total | 446 | 56 | 33 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 489 | 61 |
8.2. International statistics
National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Iran | 2004 | 1 | 0 |
2006 | 4 | 0 | |
2007 | 3 | 0 | |
2008 | 10 | 0 | |
2009 | 10 | 3 | |
2010 | 5 | 1 | |
2011 | 4 | 0 | |
2012 | 3 | 0 | |
2013 | 8 | 1 | |
2014 | 7 | 0 | |
2015 | 8 | 2 | |
2016 | 5 | 1 | |
2017 | 3 | 0 | |
2018 | 11 | 0 | |
2019 | 5 | 0 | |
Total | 87 | 8 |
No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | March 28, 2009 | Azadi, Tehran, Iran | 20 | Saudi Arabia | 1-0 | 1-2 | 2010 World Cup qualification |
2 | June 17, 2009 | World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea | 24 | South Korea | 1-0 | 1-1 | 2010 World Cup qualification |
3 | August 12, 2009 | Asim Ferhatović Hase, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | 25 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1-2 | 3-2 | Friendly |
4 | September 7, 2010 | World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea | 31 | South Korea | 1-0 | 1-0 | Friendly |
5 | March 26, 2013 | Al-Sadaqua Walsalam, Kuwait City, Kuwait | 42 | Kuwait | 1-0 | 1-1 | 2015 Asian Cup qualification |
6 | January 11, 2015 | Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia | 56 | Bahrain | 2-0 | 2-0 | 2015 AFC Asian Cup |
7 | November 17, 2015 | National Football Stadium, Tamuning, Guam | 63 | Guam | 4-0 | 6-0 | 2018 World Cup qualification, 2019 Asian Cup qualification |
8 | June 7, 2016 | Azadi, Tehran, Iran | 65 | Kyrgyzstan | 1-0 | 6-0 | Friendly |
8.3. Managerial statistics
Team | From | To | Record | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | +/- | |||
Tractor | December 2020 | February 2020 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 50.00 | 12 | 10 | +2 |
Havadar | December 2023 | June 2024 | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 30.00 | 25 | 36 | -11 |
Mes Rafsanjan | November 2024 | Present | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 40.00 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 32 | 12 | 8 | 12 | 37.50 | 38 | 47 | -9 |