Former Chelsea, Sunderland and Fulham stars are among the exceptionally talented footballers who are clearly more suited to playing at a higher level than in Iran.
The Persian Gulf Pro League is one of the most competitive football leagues in Asia and numerous prominent teams have made a significant impact in the league over the past few decades.
Here are five players who stood out to us as we reviewed the team rosters of every club in the Iranian top league.
Steven N’Zonzi
The French midfield player experienced an intriguing trajectory from a cult hero at Blackburn and Stoke to champion of the Europa League with Sevilla and also a winner of the World Cup in 2018.
Since turning thirty, the holding midfielder has spent time in Italy, Turkey, France, Qatar, and now Iran. He joined Sepahan last summer and became a teammate with another player listed below this one.
Didier Ndong
To this day, Ndong is still Sunderland's record signing. His surname is also a moderately used insult in certain areas of Wearside.
He arrived at the Stadium of Light in 2016 and Black Cats supporters likely remember the Gabon international with limited fondness. Ndong encountered challenges in displaying his top form at Sunderland, and his first season ultimately concluded with relegation.
Prior to his arrival in Iran this summer, the holding midfielder previously played in France, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Playing for Esteghlal alongside Kakuta, he'll undoubtedly be pocketing a sizable salary for not having a fixed schedule of football matches. Some life.
Gael Kakuta
Eden Hazard has described the DR Congo winger as one of the most naturally gifted players he has ever encountered.
“You asked me about talent. Kakuta is number one. I mean, talent. Wow,” Hazard told the Obi One Podcast.
It's clear-cut to say now, but I think he perhaps went a bit too early to Chelsea. He was just 16 when he moved from France to Chelsea. And making that step at 16 is a massive move.
Although he clearly had significant abilities, Kakuta's time at Chelsea never quite took off. Being indirectly to blame for the club facing a transfer ban wasn't a promising situation either.
Although he had some successful moments in France with clubs like Lens and Amiens, after spending his entire career playing in Europe, he relocated to Iran last summer to play for Esteghlal.
The thirty-three-year-old has made thirteen appearances since making the change to this new position, yet he remains with an unbroken record, awaiting a goal.
Lucas Joao
The player, Joao, during his peak was known to cause great concern among Championship defences.
The Luxembourg international scored 74 goals during his stint in England and since 2018, he’s been playing in various Asian leagues.
After brief stints in China and Qatar, the 31-year-old made the move to Iran and joined Persepolis.
At the time of writing, he has made seven appearances for Persepolis but has yet to score his first goal for the club.
Aboubakar Kamara
The notorious former Fulham forward, nicknamed AK.47, has been a beloved cult icon at several teams throughout his career.
His time in England was certainly memorable as he won two promotions from the Championship during his days at Craven Cottage.
He is still young, having only turned 29, and there is still plenty of life ahead of him. Having most recently played in Greece, he made the move to Iran last summer to join Sepahan, who top the league alongside other teams.
