The history of the Tehran Derby, often celebrated as the greatest football game in Asia, dates back nearly 60 years, with the first encounter between Esteghlal and Persepolis taking place in 1968. For fans looking to keep up with the game on their mobile devices, downloading the app 1Win APK has become a popular choice for staying informed about the latest updates and streaming opportunities for matches like the Tehran Derby. Esteghlal, initially known as Taj, was founded in 1945, while Persepolis came into existence in 1968. Since that first showdown, the two clubs have faced off 94 times across all competitions. In these fierce encounters, Esteghlal leads with 26 victories compared to Persepolis's 24, while 44 matches have ended in a draw.
One of the most memorable matches took place in October 1983, when an estimated 128,000 fans entered Azadi Stadium, far exceeding its official 100,000 capacity. The stadium was so packed that some spectators climbed the metal bases of the stadium floodlights just to catch a glimpse of the action. To this day, that game holds the record for the highest number of spectators in the history of the Tehran Derby.
Why Tehran Derby is the Greatest Football Game in Asia?
The Tehran Derby has achieved a level of notoriety that extends beyond the borders of Iran. In June 2008, World Soccer magazine ranked it as the greatest football game in the entire continent of Asia. The game routinely attracts over 100,000 fans to Azadi Stadium, which serves as the home ground for both Esteghlal and Persepolis. What makes the atmosphere of this stadium so unique is that it is evenly split between the supporters of both teams, ensuring there is no advantage for the "home" team on Derby day.
The passion of the supporters on both sides is electric, with the red side of Tehran, Persepolis, often called "The Red Army," being recognized as Asia's most popular football club with over 30 million fans across Iran. On the other hand, the blue side, Esteghlal, is the only Iranian club with continental silverware, having claimed two titles in Asia's biggest club competition—one in 1970 and another in 1990.
The Tehran Derby is so significant to the people of Tehran that on the day of the game, many businesses close to ensure their staff can attend or watch. The pressure from fans is immense, to the point that avoiding defeat in the Derby has become more critical than winning the game. Managers and players often say that their performance in the Derby is more important than their overall standing at the end of the season. You could finish in the middle of the league, but winning the Derby can eclipse even a league title for the supporters.
One particularly heated match between Esteghlal and Persepolis occurred on December 29, 2000. The tension in the stadium peaked when Persepolis tied the match in the 88th minute. Esteghlal’s goalkeeper, Parviz Broumand, punched Persepolis striker Payan Rafat in the face, igniting a massive brawl on the field. The aftermath was chaotic, with over 250 city buses reported damaged, three players arrested, and 60 fans taken into custody. It is this intensity and the deep passion that makes the Tehran Derby truly unique, setting it apart from other games in Asia.
Why is the Tehran Derby So Important to the Iranian People?
The significance of the Tehran Derby to Iranian fans cannot be overstated. After a particularly contentious match in 1995, where another brawl broke out between players and spilled over into violence among supporters, the Iranian Football Federation decided that foreign referees should handle the Derby. This decision was made to avoid any undue pressure on local referees, who might be influenced by media coverage or public sentiment. Over the next decade, referees from countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy were called upon to officiate the match.
The passion behind this game stems primarily from the fact that the majority of Iranians support either Persepolis or Esteghlal, regardless of their city of residence. For instance, if Esteghlal plays an away match in Isfahan, it's common to see half the stadium filled with Esteghlal supporters. This devotion is not just limited to Tehran - fans from all over the country travel great distances to watch the Derby live. Many camp outside Azadi Stadium overnight to secure entry when the gates open, illustrating the lengths fans will go to witness the spectacle.
The outcome of the Derby carries massive repercussions. A win or loss in this game can dictate the fate of a coach or even affect players' careers. Several coaches have been sacked following a defeat in the Derby, and there are countless stories of players hiding in their homes to avoid the ire of angry fans. The emotional impact extends beyond the players - it’s felt in the everyday lives of supporters. Friends and family members who support opposite teams live in the same city, and often the same household. As a result, going to work or school the day after a Derby loss can be a daunting task.
The political and cultural significance of football in Iran adds another layer to the importance of the Tehran Derby. After the Iraq-Iran War in the 1980s, Iranian football, and the Derby in particular, saw a resurgence in popularity, coinciding with the broader revival of athletic activity in the country, including an increase in women's participation. Football became more than just a sport - it became a medium for expressing political sentiments. Major matches often serve as a stage for public celebrations, particularly by young Iranians advocating for reform.
The intersection of football and politics is not lost on experts. James Dorsey, a specialist in Middle Eastern soccer politics, noted that "soccer poses an opportunity and a threat to a non-democratic regime." He explained that the emotions evoked by football are inherently tribal, which can quickly turn the sport into a platform for protest. With the spotlight on such matches, authorities are acutely aware of the potential for large gatherings to become opportunities for voicing discontent with the political status quo.
The Impact of Tehran Derby on Society
The Tehran Derby is more than a football match - it is an annual cultural event that has shaped Iranian society in profound ways. The passion that Esteghlal and Persepolis evoke among their followers transcends sport, permeating social relationships and even the political landscape. During the 90s, with the increased demand for political liberalization, football became a channel for the youth to gather and indirectly voice their desire for change. The Derby, being the biggest game in the country, was often a key moment for such expressions.
Sports possess a strong ability to unite, yet they can also create divisions. Football stadiums, especially Azadi Stadium, often serve as microcosms of society where issues of gender, politics, and socioeconomic status unfold before an engaged audience. Despite existing societal restrictions, the increasing presence of women at football matches highlights the broader push for gender equality. In these moments of collective unity, the significance of the Tehran Derby becomes clear, offering fans a rare experience of togetherness that transcends societal pressures.
Moreover, the Tehran Derby has become an integral part of Iranian pop culture. Stories, chants, and legends around the game are passed down through generations, fostering a shared history and sense of belonging among supporters. Esteghlal and Persepolis are not just clubs - they are symbols representing different facets of Iranian identity. The red and blue divide is a conversation starter, an icebreaker, and in many ways, a rite of passage for football-loving Iranians.
The fact that the Tehran Derby retains its intensity after almost 60 years is a testament to its deep roots in Iranian culture. This match, perhaps more than any other, has the power to bring out the very best and the worst in its players and supporters, and its significance reaches far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. For millions of Iranians, the Derby is not just about winning or losing - it is about passion, identity, and the shared experience of being a part of something much larger.