While he did not play the last three months of the year for Persepolis due to a FIFA-imposed suspension regarding his 2016 transfer from Turkey’s Caykur Rizespor, Taremi has been brilliant for both his club and country this year.
The 25-year-old scored 18 goals in the 2016-17 season, topping the Persian Gulf Pro League’s scoring table for a second straight time. He also scored seven goals in the AFC Champions league on the way to the Reds’ first semifinal appearance in 15 years. Taremi’s brilliant national team performances, which included six goals against Qatar and China, were a key factor in Iran’s easy qualification for Russia 2018.
