The 5 Most Decorated Football Teams In Iran: Who Truly Holds The Title 'Most Glorious' (پر ا٠تخار ترین تیم ایران)?
The question of the 'Most Decorated Team in Iran' (پر ا٠تخار تریم تیم ایران) is not just a statistical debate; it is the core of the country's most intense sporting rivalry. As of December 2025, the title of the most successful club hinges on how you weigh domestic dominance versus continental glory, a debate that pits the two Tehran giants—Persepolis FC and Esteghlal FC—against each other in the fierce Tehran Derby, also known as the Blue-Red Derby or Sorkhabi clash. This article breaks down the trophy cabinets of the top Iranian clubs to provide the most current and definitive answer.
The latest updates from the 2024–2025 Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) season show the competitive landscape remains volatile, with clubs like Tractor SC and Sepahan SC challenging the established order. However, historically and by total silverware, the conversation always returns to the two powerhouses who share the massive Azadi Stadium in the capital.
The Great Rivalry: Persepolis FC vs. Esteghlal FC Trophy Comparison
To determine the "most decorated," we must compare the two titans across the three most important categories of Iranian football: the National League, the National Cup, and Continental Competitions. The data below is current, reflecting the most recent achievements in the Iranian football landscape.
Persepolis FC: The King of Domestic Dominance
Often dubbed the "Red Army," Persepolis FC holds an undeniable dominance in the Iranian domestic league. Their success is built on a foundation of consistent top-tier performance, especially in the modern era of the Persian Gulf Pro League.
- Iranian League Titles: Persepolis holds the record with a staggering 16 top-tier league championships. This includes the most recent completed season, the 2023/2024 PGPL title.
- Hazfi Cup (National Cup): They have secured the Hazfi Cup 7 times.
- Iranian Supercup: Persepolis is also the record holder for the Supercup, winning it 5 times.
- Continental Success: The club has one major continental title, the Asian Cup Winners' Cup (1991). They have also been runners-up in the AFC Champions League twice (2018 and 2020), showcasing their recent regional strength.
- Total National Trophies: The club holds a total of 28 national trophies, making them the most successful Iranian club in domestic competitions.
Esteghlal FC: The Pride of Asia
Formerly known as Taj (meaning "Crown"), Esteghlal FC counters Persepolis's domestic record with a stronger claim to continental glory. They are widely recognized as the oldest and most historic football club in Iran.
- Iranian League Titles: Esteghlal has won the Iranian top-tier league 9 times.
- Hazfi Cup (National Cup): They hold the record for the most Hazfi Cup wins, securing the trophy 8 times.
- Iranian Supercup: They have won the Supercup 1 time.
- Continental Success: Esteghlal's most significant achievement is their two victories in the Asian Club Championship (now the AFC Champions League) in 1970 and 1991. This makes them the only Iranian club to have won Asia's premier club competition multiple times.
- Total Trophies: Esteghlal claims a higher total trophy count, often cited around 39 trophies, including the defunct Tehran Clubs League titles, which contributes to their historical claim.
The Verdict: Who is the 'Most Decorated' in 2025?
The title of "Most Decorated" is subjective, but a modern, objective analysis focusing on major, currently recognized competitions points to a clear winner in each category:
- Most Successful Domestically: Persepolis FC. With 16 league titles, they are the undisputed king of Iranian club football, especially in the post-revolution era.
- Most Successful Continentally: Esteghlal FC. Their two AFC Champions League titles give them the ultimate bragging rights in Asia.
Therefore, while Persepolis is the team with the most national league titles, Esteghlal is the team with the most prestigious international titles. The most accurate answer is that Persepolis FC is the most successful club in Iranian domestic history, and Esteghlal FC is the most successful club in Asian continental history for Iran. The rivalry continues to be a battle between domestic consistency and international prestige.
Key Players and Coaches Shaping the 2025 Season
The current competitive environment in the 2024–2025 PGPL is being shaped by new coaching appointments and star player performances. The constant pursuit of the "most decorated" title drives clubs to seek top talent globally.
Persepolis FC: Current Leadership and Legends
Persepolis's recent success has been driven by strategic coaching and the performance of key players. As of late 2025, the team is managed by Osmar Vieira, who aims to secure another PGPL title. Key players like Uzbek international Oston Urunov and forward Thievy Bifouma are central to their current campaign. The club's legacy is also defined by legends such as Ali Daei, Ali Karimi, and Mehdi Mahdavikia, who all had successful careers in the German Bundesliga and remain symbols of the Red Army.
Esteghlal FC: New Era and International Stars
Esteghlal's management has been aggressive in seeking world-class expertise. The club recently appointed decorated South African coach Pitso Mosimane as head coach on a one-year deal, a move that signals serious intent for the 2025/2026 season and beyond. Another prominent name linked to the club is Italian manager Walter Mazzarri. On the field, players like Jaloliddin Masharipov are vital to the team's performance as they push for their 10th league title and a return to Asian glory.
The Other Contenders: Sepahan and Tractor SC
While the focus is on the Sorkhabi, two other clubs have emerged as consistent challengers, adding a new dimension to the title race and increasing the overall topical authority of the Iranian league.
- Sepahan SC: Based in Isfahan, Sepahan is the third most successful club in the PGPL era, having won the Iranian league 5 times. They are a perennial threat and often battle for the top spot, including in the current 2024–2025 season.
- Tractor SC: Hailing from Tabriz, Tractor is one of the most popular clubs in Iran with a massive fanbase. Though they have only won the league once, they are currently challenging at the top of the 2024–2025 PGPL table, demonstrating their growing influence and ambition to break the Tehran duopoly. They have also won the Hazfi Cup.
In conclusion, the title of the "Most Decorated Team in Iran" remains a thrilling debate. Persepolis dominates the national league, but Esteghlal holds the most prestigious continental honours. For fans prioritizing domestic consistency, the answer is Red; for those who value Asian supremacy, the answer is Blue. This enduring competition ensures the Persian Gulf Pro League remains one of the most passionate and followed leagues in the world.
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