Mehdi Rahmati

Early career

Rahmati started his professional career with Fajr Sepasi in 2000, he stayed for four years at the club and made 40 appearances before transferring to Sepahan. After only one season with Sepahan, Rahmati again transferred, this time to Esteghlal. Although he had good performance in the Esteghlal squad, Vahid Talebloo had better performances and he proved himself as the number one keeper for Esteghlal Rahmati again left this time to Mes Kerman where he played very well. He continued performing well in Mes and helped the club qualify for the AFC Champions League for the first time in the club's history. Persepolis showed some interest on him but he reject the bid.

Sepahan

On July 14, 2009, Rahmati signed a two-year contract with Sepahan for an approximate sum of $450,000 turning down an offer from Norwegian club Rosenborg BK. At Sepahan he was the first choice keeper for the entire season and one of the most important players that helped the club win the league. He repeated the same feat with Sepahan the next season, he was regarded as the league's best goalkeeper after his performances with Sepahan.

Esteghlal

He joined Esteghlal in July 2011 where he won the Hazfi Cup in the first season. He extended his contract for another season on June 18, 2012. On April 12, 2013, Rahmati achieved a recorded twenty-four clean sheets, equalling with Iker Casillas in a season. He also helped his team to win league title after four years. At the end of…

He was part of the Iran national team in 2004 AFC Asian Cup but he did not play any match. He won the 2004 West Asian Football Federation Championship with Team Melli. He was again part of the team in 2007 AFC Asian Cup but he did not play any match again. Since the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, he has been the number one keeper for Team Melli. He also played for Team Melli in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification. He was one of the best players for Iran in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification and 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification where his saves played an important role. Rahmati was the first choice keeper in West Asian Football Federation Championship 2010 and 2011 Asian Cup.

Retirement

On January 20, 2012, Mehdi Rahmati announced his temporary retirement from the national team, he stated in an interview "Maybe I cannot be at the service of Team Melli, so I temporarily announce my resignation." He added, "Due to some problems, I prefer not to say anything for the time being, but I have to say just one thing that I am not at the service of Team Melli for a while." After the announcement Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz made a comment that he respected Rahmati's decision and would not invite him any more. Many in the Iranian FA tried to convince him to invite Rahmati again but Queiroz said that he was not involved in the decision and he could not see any reason to negotiate this matter with Rahmati. In March 2013 Rahmati made a comment that…

As of 6 November 2019

Rahmati's family is of Persian and Iranian Azerbaijani from the Osku city of East Azerbaijan Province. Mehdi Rahmati married in 2004. He has two children, Ali and Ata.