Ali Daei (Persian: علی دایی (help·info) pronounced ; born 21 March 1969) is an Iranian former footballer and businessman. Daei is record holder for the world's all-time leading goalscorer in the history of men's international. He is the owner and CEO of Daei Sport. He was a captain of the Iran national football team, having played as a striker for clubs such as Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC.
From June 2007 until 2013, Daei was a member of the FIFA Football Committee. In 2001, Daei was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Daei was born in Ardabil, Iran and is an Iranian Azeri. Daei graduated from Sharif University of Technology in Materials Engineering (Metallurgical) with a B.Sc. degree. Born in Ardabil, he played for his hometown club, Esteghlal Ardabil, when he was 19. His next club was Taxirani F.C. in Tehran, where he played for one season, before joining another Tehran-based club, Bank Tejarat F.C.. He stayed four years with Bank Tejarat, scoring 49 goals in 75 games for the club. Daei's fame is attributed mostly to his renowned goal scoring ability.