Overview
Aziz Asli (born Aziz Aslimanesh; 9 April 1938 – 23 April 2015) was an Iranian sportsman and artist known primarily for his career as a football goalkeeper and later as a manager. Beyond sport, he pursued painting and appeared in Iranian cinema before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He was born in Tabriz and was of Azerbaijani heritage.
Playing career
Asli rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, playing for several Iranian clubs and representing his country at international level. He is most often associated with Persepolis F.C., one of Tehran's leading teams, and was regarded as one of the better goalkeepers in Iran during his playing years, which extended into the early 1970s. Known for his reflexes and presence in goal, he combined athletic skill with durability to sustain a long career.
Coaching and later roles
After retiring as a player, Asli took on coaching responsibilities, including a brief spell managing Zob Ahan Isfahan F.C. His experience as a goalkeeper informed his coaching outlook, and he remained involved in Iranian football circles while also developing his artistic pursuits.
Art, film and public profile
Outside sport, Asli worked as a painter and as an actor in several Iranian films produced before the 1979 revolution. His dual identity as an athlete and creative professional made him a recognizable public figure in mid-century Iran, a period when many sportspeople also engaged with the arts and media.
Legacy and death
Aziz Asli is remembered as a multifaceted figure in Iranian cultural and sporting history: a national-team goalkeeper, a club stalwart, a short-term manager, and a participant in Iran's pre-revolution film and arts scene. He died in Munich, Germany, on 23 April 2015 at the age of 77.