Veteran defender Ehsan Hajsafi officially became Iran’s most-capped international footballer on Tuesday during a friendly match against Russia. The national team captain achieved his historic 150th appearance at Kazan Arena after entering as a substitute in the 27th minute. Consequently, this milestone cements Hajsafi’s legacy as one of the most durable and iconic figures in Asian football history.
Hajsafi’s 150th cap moved him past former team captain Javad Nekounam, who previously held the record with 149 caps. Furthermore, Hajsafi achieved this individual honor despite Iran suffering a 2-0 defeat, with Russian midfielder Aleksandr Golovin scoring both goals. Nevertheless, sports analysts view Hajsafi’s longevity as a testament to his tactical versatility across multiple generations of players.
Since making his senior debut in 2008, Hajsafi has consistently represented Team Melli across major continental and international tournaments. Specifically, the versatile defender featured prominently in three consecutive FIFA World Cup campaigns and several AFC Asian Cup editions. His international career spans nearly two decades, during which he served as a reliable anchor under various coaching staffs.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei continues preparing the national squad for the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup competition. Although recent friendly matches resulted in defeats against Uzbekistan and Russia, technical staff members value these tests for squad assessment. Moving forward, Iran will compete in Group C at the continental tournament alongside China, Kyrgyzstan, and Syria. Therefore, Hajsafi’s extensive international experience remains a crucial leadership asset as Team Melli aims for continental success.