Nekonnan, who spent his early years in the Iranian league and the UAE league, was unknown in international football until the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when the Iranian midfield impressed fans. On the pitch, Nekonan plays a back, not only has both offensive and defensive ability, but also has a great general's style, and is a rare midfielder in Asian football. His outstanding skills and outstanding command ability have attracted him the attention of many European clubs.
In the 2006–2007 season, Nekonan joined Spain's Osasuna, becoming the first Iranian player to land in La Liga. In his first season in La Liga, Nekonan made twenty-four appearances in La Liga, contributing two goals and quickly gaining a foothold in the team. In the second season that followed, Nekonan missed for eight months due to a right knee injury and made only two appearances in La Liga in 2007-2008. In the 2008–2009 season, Nekonnan, recovering from injury, revived and made thirty-five appearances in La Liga, contributing eight goals, becoming the team's second scorer and establishing his place in Osasuna. On the field, Nekonan has always played an important role as the team's midfield hub, not only making a good connection between the front and back, but also often being able to score on his own.
Fight on the pitch for an active Inner Konan
During his six seasons, Nekonán made 149 league appearances, contributing 24 goals and one assist. After the 2011/2012 season, Nekonan returned to Iran to join Tehran Independent. However, two seasons later, Osasuna was relegated, so they recalled the Iranian veteran in the hope that his experience would help the team return to La Liga. In the 2014-2015 season, Nekonan made twenty-two appearances in the La Liga, scoring five goals, and although he failed to help Osasuna return to La Liga, he still showed the strength of the best midfielder in Asia.
My own autographed card of Nekonan Ossuna
In terms of the national team, Nekonan has represented Iran in two World Cups and four Asian Cups, and is an absolute hero of Iranian football. In his international career, he made a total of 151 appearances for Iran, contributing 39 goals.
Nekonnan celebrating the goal
After retiring from the military, Nekonan accumulated coaching experience as an assistant coach of the Iranian national team. Today, Nekonam is the head coach of the Iranian Premier League team Khuzistan and led the team to win the 2020-2021 Iran Cup. Young Marshal Nekonan can look forward to the future.