Gholam Hossein Mazloumi, Iranian footballer and manager (d. 2014)

Gholam Hossein Mazloumi: The Legendary "Golden Head" of Iranian Football

Gholam Hossein Mazloumi (Persian: غلام‌حسین مظلومی; born on 13 January 1950, deceased on 19 November 2014), affectionately known by his iconic nickname "Sar Talaei" (Persian: سرطلایی), which translates to "Golden Head," was a revered figure in Iranian football. His illustrious career spanned multiple pivotal roles as a highly prolific player, a strategic coach, and a dedicated football administrator, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in Iran.

"Sar Talaei": The Emblematic Nickname

The moniker "Sar Talaei" or "Golden Head" was bestowed upon Mazloumi due to his exceptional ability to score goals with his head, a skill that consistently proved to be a decisive advantage for his teams. This nickname became synonymous with his playing style and goal-scoring prowess, highlighting a key aspect of his formidable talent on the pitch.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Mazloumi's playing journey saw him represent several prominent clubs in Iranian football, alongside his significant contributions to the national teams. His club career included spells at:

• Taj Abadan: One of his early clubs where he honed his skills.
• Taj Tehran (now known as Esteghlal FC): He became a celebrated forward for Taj Tehran, which later transformed into Esteghlal Football Club, one of Iran's most popular and successful teams. His time here solidified his reputation as a formidable scorer.
• Shahbaz FC: Another significant club where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities before concluding his playing career.

Beyond club football, Mazloumi was a crucial component of the Iran national football team, distinguishing himself as a leading striker. He also proudly represented the national youth team of Iran, indicating his talent was recognized from an early age. His international goal-scoring record for the senior national team was remarkable, as he netted an impressive 37 goals. This extraordinary achievement positioned him as Iran's all-time top scorer for an impressive twelve years, a testament to his consistent performance and clinical finishing. His long-standing record was eventually surpassed by the legendary Ali Daei, who went on to become one of the world's most prolific international goal-scorers.

Mazloumi’s exceptional talent was further underscored by his individual accolades in major international tournaments:

• He was the top scorer at the 1974 Asian Games, a multi-sport event where football holds significant prestige.
• He also claimed the top scorer title at the 1976 AFC Asian Cup, a premier football competition for national teams in Asia, which Iran famously won on home soil, securing their third consecutive continental title. His goals were instrumental in this historic victory.

Leadership Beyond the Pitch: Coaching and Administration

After a stellar playing career, Gholam Hossein Mazloumi transitioned into coaching and administrative roles, continuing to contribute his expertise to Iranian football. He notably took the helm as manager of Esteghlal (his former club, Taj Tehran) from 1988 to 1989, where he sought to impart his deep understanding of the game to a new generation of players.

His administrative contributions were also significant:

• He served as the chairman of Shahin Bushehr, a professional football club, from 2011 until 2013, demonstrating his commitment to the operational and strategic development of clubs.
• He also held the prestigious position of honorary deputy chairman of Esteghlal, maintaining a strong connection with the club where he had achieved so much as a player.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Gholam Hossein Mazloumi passed away on 19 November 2014, at the age of 64, after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. His death was a profound loss to the Iranian football community. Remembered not only for his "Golden Head" and prolific goal-scoring but also for his leadership and dedication off the pitch, Mazloumi remains an iconic figure whose contributions as a player, coach, and administrator have left an indelible legacy on Iranian football history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gholam Hossein Mazloumi

Who was Gholam Hossein Mazloumi?

Gholam Hossein Mazloumi was a legendary Iranian football player, coach, and administrator, widely regarded as one of Iran's greatest strikers.

What was Gholam Hossein Mazloumi's nickname?

He was affectionately nicknamed "Sar Talaei," which translates from Persian to "Golden Head," a tribute to his exceptional heading ability and prolific goal-scoring with his head.

What clubs did Gholam Hossein Mazloumi play for?

He played for Taj Abadan, Taj Tehran (which is now known as Esteghlal FC), and Shahbaz FC during his distinguished playing career.

What significant records or achievements did Gholam Hossein Mazloumi hold?

Mazloumi was Iran's all-time top scorer for the national football team for twelve years, with 37 goals, a record later surpassed by Ali Daei. He was also the top scorer at the 1974 Asian Games and the 1976 AFC Asian Cup.

When did Gholam Hossein Mazloumi pass away?

Gholam Hossein Mazloumi passed away on 19 November 2014, after battling stomach cancer for two years.