From naval service to the Champions League: the remarkable journey of Mehdi Taremi
In short: Before he was scoring spectacular bicycle kicks against Chelsea, Mehdi Taremi was serving in the Iranian Navy. The striker's career has been defined by dramatic shifts, from military conscription and contract disputes to becoming a symbol of political protest on the European stage.
Born in Bushehr, Iran, in 1992, Mehdi Taremi’s path to professional football was far from linear. Between 2010 and 2012, he served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. His early footballing years were marked by instability; during his military conscription period in 2012, he was unable to join a military club and was forced to serve in a standard garrison.
Taremi's rise through the Persian Gulf Pro League saw him become a prolific scorer for Persepolis, winning the league's top scorer award in both the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons. However, his career has also been shaped by legal and political friction. A contract dispute with the Turkish club Çaykur Rizespor led to a four-month ban for both Taremi and Persepolis during the 2017–18 season.
As his talent took him to Europe, playing for Rio Ave and later Porto, Taremi became a household name. He achieved iconic status with a famous bicycle kick goal against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals, a strike that earned the UEFA.com Goal of the Season award. His time at Porto also saw him secure the Primeira Liga title and multiple domestic trophies.
Beyond the pitch, Taremi has navigated complex political waters. While previously associated with Iranian government figures, he has become increasingly critical of state policies, publicly condemning the repression of civil protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. In 2026, while playing for Olympiacos, he notably refused to celebrate a goal during the Greek Super Cup to protest mass killings during Iranian civil unrest.
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