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Paykan Football Club (Persian: باشگاه فوتبال فرهنگی ورزشی پيکان, Bâšgâh-e Futbâl-e Peykân) is a football team based in Tehran, Iran. The team is sponsored by Iran's main automobile manufacturer Iran Khodro and is named after one of its older products; the Paykan car. Paykan F.C. is the football club of the multisport Paykan Sport Club which also includes basketball and volleyball teams.

Key Information

History

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Establishment

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The club was established in 1967 by Mahmoud Khayami with financial help from the Iran Khodro factory. The main objective was to promote their factory's products, and improve their reputation. In 1969 the team became the Tehran City League's champions. The team was dissolved in 1970 after a series of difficulties between the players and management.

Rebirth of Paykan

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Paykan against Persepolis, 21 January 2005

Paykan still operated without a football team specifically in the 1980. Paykan did not have a football team until the year 2000, when they were able to buy Bahman's shares and participate in the top level of Iranian football after 30 years. The team participated in the 2000–01 Azadegan League with Bahman's squad but with a different coach.

The team had little success and were relegated from the Iran Pro League in the 2004–05 season. They were back in the IPL for the 06–07 season where they finished 7th.

Relocation to Qazvin

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In 2008 Paykan was moved to Qazvin because the city of Tehran had many football teams with low attendance figures. They started the season well but toward the end their results got worse. The team changed their coach in the last weeks of the 2008–09 season and finished mid-table. Although they finished in the top half of the table in 2009–10 season the club chairman decided to replace Hamid Derakhshan with Mohammad Ahmadzadeh as the head coach. Paykan were relegated in 2010–2011, but the following year they earned their promotion back to the Iran Pro League for the 2012–2013 season.

Tehran and Qods

[edit]

Paykan moved back to Tehran and started playing in the newly renovated Takhti Stadium. Paykan was relegated to Azadegan League again in April 2013. Before the start of the 2013–14 season Paykan once again relocate and this time to the city of Qods. In the 2013–2014 season Paykan finished 2nd in the Azadegan League, thus giving them a shot at Iran Pro League promotion. Paykan defeated Siah Jamegan 3–1 on aggregate and advanced to play Iran Pro League club Fajr Sepasi in a promotion play-off. The first game in Shiraz ended 0–0 with neither team getting the upper hand. But, in the return leg in Qods, Paykan achieved promotion with a lone goal in the 65th minute. Paykan announced they will be playing in that city for the 2014–15 Persian Gulf Pro League season. At the end of the 2014–15 season, Paykan finished 15th and was relegated.

In the 2015–16 Azadegan League season, Paykan finished first and were directly promoted to the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Seasons

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Year Division Pos. Hazfi Cup Notes
2001–02 Pro League 7th Semifinal
2002–03 5th Quarterfinal
2003–04 7th
2004–05 15th Quarterfinal Relegated
2005–06 Azadegan League 2nd Promoted
2006–07 Pro League 7th Quarterfinal
2007–08 7th 1/8 Final
2008–09 8th 1/16 Final
2009–10 11th 1/16 Final
2010–11 17th Round of 32 Relegated
2011–12 Azadegan League 1st Third Round Promoted
2012–13 Pro League 17th Round of 32 Relegated
2013–14 Azadegan League 2nd Third Round Promoted
2014–15 Pro League 15th Round of 16 Relegated
2015–16 Azadegan League 1st Third Round Promoted
2016–17 Pro League 6th Round of 32
2017–18 6th Round of 32
2018–19 11th Round of 32
2019–20 13th Round of 16
2020–21 7th Round of 32
2021–22 9th Round of 16
2022–23 11th Quarterfinal
2023–24 15th Round of 16 Relegated
2024–25 Azadegan League 2nd Quarterfinal Promoted

Individual Records

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All Top Appearances

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Rank Name Nationality Apps
1 Mohammad Reza Tahmasebi Iran Iran 240
2 Mohammad Hossein Memar Iran Iran 170
3 Amir Mirbozorgi Iran Iran 163
4 Arman Ghasemi Iran Iran 160
5 Mohammad Sadegh Barani Iran Iran 132
6 Mehdi Tajik Iran Iran 126
7 Ebrahim Salehi Iran Iran 122
8 Meysam Rezapour Iran Iran 118
9 Faraz Emamali Iran Iran 95
10 Hojjat Haghverdi Iran Iran 94

All Top Scorers

[edit]
Rank Name Nationality Goals
1 Mohammad Reza Tahmasebi Iran Iran 32
2 Morteza Aghakhan Iran Iran 23
Iman Heydari Iran Iran 23
4 Morteza Aziz-Mohammadi Iran Iran 17
5 Shahriyar Moghanlou Iran Iran 16
Ali Asghar Modir Roosta Iran Iran 16
7 Godwin Mensha Nigeria Nigeria 15
Faraz Emamali Iran Iran 15
Amir Mirbozorgi Iran Iran 15
10 Jahangir Asgari Iran Iran 14

Sponsorship

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Official sponsors

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For the 2007/08 season it has been announced that Paykan's official kit sponsor will be ISACO.

Kit providers

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Club chairmen

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Club managers

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Managerial history

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Players

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First-team squad

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As of 18 August 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  IRN Ahmad Gohari
4 DF  IRN Behzad Salami U25
5 DF  IRN Milad Bagheri
6 MF  IRN Mansour Bagheri
7 FW  IRN Morteza Tabrizi
8 MF  IRN Mehdi Najafi U23
9 FW  IRN Faraz Emamali
10 MF  IRN Sajjad Jafari
11 MF  IRN Farid Amiri
12 DF  IRN Meysam Teymouri
14 MF  IRN Shahin Tavakoli
15 DF  IRN Nima Ahmadi U21
18 DF  IRN Amir Ali Madadizadeh U21
19 FW  IRN Mohammad Aghamohammadi U23
22 GK  IRN Erfan Esfandiyari
No. Pos. Nation Player
23 DF  IRN Mohsen Azarbad
27 DF  IRN Mohammad Ali Faramarzi
28 DF  IRN Nima Entezari
32 MF  IRN Saber Hardani
33 GK  IRN Mehdi Younespour U19
35 MF  IRN Aydin Fathi U19
66 MF  IRN Ali Asghar Sadeghinasab U25
70 MF  IRN Iliya Karami U17
77 FW  IRN Erfan Jamshidi U23
80 MF  IRN Afshin Sadeghi U21
81 MF  IRN Omid Fahmi U23
90 FW  IRN Kasra Taheri (on loan from Rubin Kazan) U21
98 FW  IRN Mohammad Pourmohammadi U19
— FW  IRN Alireza Khodadadi

Former players

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For notable former players, see Category:Paykan F.C. players.

Honours

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National

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Provincial

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Paykan F.C.

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from Grokipedia
Paykan F.C. is a professional football club based in , , founded on November 30, 1967, by the automotive manufacturer to promote health and sports among its employees. Sponsored by the company and named after its iconic car model—meaning "arrow" in Persian—the club has grown into one of Iran's established teams, participating in various sports disciplines while focusing on football as its flagship activity. Competing in the , Iran's top-tier professional football division, Paykan F.C. plays its home matches at Shohada Shahr-e-Qods Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 8,500 built in 2005. The club has a history of fluctuating between divisions, with notable achievements including winning the (Iran's second tier) in the 2015–16 and 2011–12 seasons, securing promotions to the top flight on multiple occasions, such as in 2024–25 after defeating Mes Kerman 2–1. Earlier successes include the Tehran Clubs League title in 1969–70, reflecting its roots in local competition. Beyond football, Paykan operates as a multi-sport entity under , fostering talent across men's and women's programs and earning a reputation for producing national athletes. The club's blue-and-white colors symbolize its automotive heritage, and it maintains a dedicated fan base known for supporting its resilient performances in domestic leagues. As of the 2025–26 season, Paykan continues to compete in the , aiming to establish greater stability in the elite division.

History

Establishment and early years

Paykan F.C. was founded on November 30, 1967, by Mahmoud Khayami, a co-founder of (then known as Iran National), with substantial financial backing from the automobile manufacturer. The club's creation was driven by Khayami's passion for football—stemming from his earlier involvement as a player with Shahin F.C.—and served as a promotional vehicle to boost visibility for 's products, particularly the newly launched Paykan car model. As one of 's earliest corporate-sponsored football teams, Paykan operated under the industrial giant's patronage, integrating sports with commercial interests in the post-World War II era of economic modernization. The team rapidly gained traction in local competitions, achieving its first significant milestone by clinching the Tehran Clubs League championship in 1969. This triumph, under the guidance of early management tied to the factory, showcased Paykan's competitive edge in Tehran's crowded football landscape, where it competed against established clubs like Daraei and . The success drew attention to the club's role in fostering through industrial sponsorship, though detailed records of matches and tactics from this period remain limited. Paykan's early squad featured a mix of local talents and emerging players, including goalkeeper Mehdi Asgarkhani and defender Jafar Kashani, who would later become prominent figures in Iranian football. However, the club's brief existence was marred by escalating internal conflicts, particularly disputes between players seeking better terms and management lacking a robust professional framework, culminating in its dissolution in 1970. These challenges underscored the difficulties of sustaining a fledgling corporate team amid 's evolving football ecosystem.

Rebirth and initial league participation

In 2000, , the major Iranian automobile manufacturer, revived the Paykan football club by acquiring the shares of F.C., a struggling team in the top flight, and rebranding it as Paykan F.C. to honor the legacy of the original club founded in 1967. This move allowed Paykan to enter the 2000–01 , Iran's premier division at the time, utilizing Bahman's existing squad under new management. The sponsorship from provided crucial financial backing, enabling the club to compete professionally and reestablish its presence in Iranian football after decades of dormancy. Paykan's debut season in the 2000–01 Azadegan League resulted in a solid mid-table finish of 5th place out of 12 teams, with 28 points from 22 matches and a goal difference of 19–29, demonstrating stability in their inaugural campaign. Following the league's reorganization into the Iran Pro League for the 2001–02 season, Paykan maintained competitive form, securing 7th place with 38 points and a 28–22 goal tally in a 14-team competition. Subsequent seasons saw further mid-table consistency, including 5th place in 2002–03 (37 points, 27–24 goals) and another 7th in 2003–04 (32 points, 24–26 goals), highlighting the club's ability to hold steady among established rivals during its early revival phase. However, performance declined in the 2004–05 Iran Pro League, where Paykan finished 15th out of 16 teams with only 24 points and a negative of 22–34, leading to relegation to the . This marked the end of their initial five-year stint in the top division, underscoring the challenges faced despite the foundational support from .

Relocations and promotion-relegation cycles

Following its rebirth through the acquisition of F.C., F.C. earned promotion back to the for the 2006–07 season, where it finished 7th with 41 points. The club maintained mid-table stability in the top flight over the next few seasons, placing 9th in 2007–08 and 8th in 2008–09. However, attendance issues in prompted a relocation to in 2008, as the capital hosted numerous teams that diluted crowd support for smaller clubs like . Playing as Paykan Qazvin, the team achieved a mid-table finish of 8th in 2008–09 but struggled thereafter, ending 11th in 2009–10 before relegation as 17th place in 2010–11. After relegation, Paykan competed in the during the 2011–12 season, winning the title to secure promotion back to the Pro League for 2012–13. The club returned to that year, basing operations at the renovated Takhti Stadium to reconnect with its local roots. Despite the homecoming, performance faltered, culminating in another relegation as 17th in the Pro League. For the 2013–14 campaign, Paykan relocated once more to Shahr-e Qods, a west of , seeking better facilities and reduced competition for fans. There, it finished 2nd and earned promotion via play-offs. The pattern of persisted upon return to the Pro League in 2014–15, where Paykan placed 15th and dropped back to the . It rebounded strongly the following year, topping the in 2015–16 for direct promotion and enjoying relative stability in the top flight through 2023, with finishes ranging from 6th to 13th. This era at Shahr-e Qods Stadium provided some consistency, though the club's "yo-yo" status—five promotions and four relegations since —highlighted ongoing challenges in sustaining top-tier presence. More recently, Paykan finished 15th in the 2023–24 Pro League, leading to relegation on the final matchday. In the 2024–25 Azadegan League, it secured 2nd place and promotion after a 2–1 victory over Mes Kerman. Entering the 2025–26 Pro League, the team has shown early poor form, recording 1 win, 5 draws, and 3 losses for 8 points as of November 19, 2025, placing it 13th. These relocations and league cycles have strained the fan base, with moves away from Tehran contributing to fragmented support and lower attendance, while frequent tier changes have undermined long-term performance stability and squad development.

Ground and facilities

Shahr-e Qods Stadium

Shahr-e Qods Stadium, located in Shahr-e Qods, , , serves as the primary home ground for Paykan F.C.. The venue has a capacity of 8,500 spectators, providing a substantial increase in seating compared to the club's earlier facilities. Owned by the Municipality of Qods and operated by Paykan F.C., the stadium was constructed in 2005 and features a natural grass pitch measuring 105 meters by 68 meters, suitable for professional matches. Paykan F.C. adopted Shahr-e Qods Stadium as its main venue starting from the 2013–14 season, following a relocation from . The stadium includes modern lighting systems installed by Fael LUCE using LIGHTMASTER ONE technology, ensuring high-quality illumination for evening fixtures. These features support both competitive play and daily training sessions for the team. The stadium has played a key role in boosting fan engagement for Paykan F.C., with reports of strong local support contributing to higher attendance figures than at previous grounds. It hosts matches and has been the site of significant club events, including the 2–1 victory over Mes Kerman on May 18, 2025, which secured promotion to the 2025–26 season and sparked celebratory gatherings among supporters.

Previous venues

Paykan F.C. was initially established in 1967 under the sponsorship of , the club's founding backer, and played its early Tehran City League matches at facilities provided by the automobile manufacturer in from 1967 to 1970. The club was disbanded shortly thereafter due to internal conflicts but was revived in 2000 through the acquisition of F.C.'s shares, allowing entry into the ; during this post-rebirth period from 2000 to 2008, Paykan utilized F.C.'s primary grounds in the metropolitan area, including Shariati Stadium in nearby , to host home matches. In 2008, the club relocated to amid challenges with low attendance figures in , where multiple professional teams competed for limited fan support, and played at Shahid Rajaei Stadium from 2008 to 2012. This move was partly driven by licensing considerations for league participation, as Tehran's saturated market complicated stadium approvals and operational sustainability. By 2012, Paykan returned to for the 2012–2013 season, utilizing the newly renovated Takhti Stadium to better align with the sponsor 's headquarters and improve logistical proximity, before relegation prompted further changes. These venue shifts reflected the club's nomadic history, influenced by attendance dynamics, regulatory hurdles, and strategic ties to its automotive sponsor.

Management

Club presidents

Paykan F.C. was established in 1967 by the management of Iran National Company (later renamed Iran Khodro), as part of efforts to promote sports and employee welfare within the automotive industry. The club's founding aligned with the company's expansion under its leadership, providing initial financial backing for team operations and facilities. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the club was disbanded amid broader nationalizations but was revived in 2000 by Iran Khodro executives as a strategic initiative to revive worker sports and community engagement. This rebirth involved key acquisition decisions, including integration into Iran Khodro's multisport framework, which ensured sustained financial support from the parent company to stabilize the team in lower divisions. Since the revival, Paykan F.C. has been administered by a succession of executives serving as presidents or chairmen, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than individual tenures. These leaders have directed major off-field strategies, including financial infusions from to cover operational costs and player salaries, enabling competitive participation in national leagues. Notable contributions include overseeing relocations, such as the shift to Shahr-e Qods Stadium for improved infrastructure, and investments in youth academy development to foster talent pipelines aligned with the company's goals. In the 2024–25 season, under executive oversight from , the club achieved promotion to the after finishing second in the and defeating Mes Kerman in . This success highlighted the stabilizing role of company-backed leadership in navigating promotion-relegation cycles. Rasoul Khatibi, serving as CEO during this period, played a pivotal administrative role in the promotion campaign.

Head coaches

Paykan F.C. has seen a succession of head coaches since its rebirth in , with managerial changes often triggered by performance fluctuations, including promotions, relegations, and mid-season results. The club's coaches have primarily been Iranian, with occasional foreign appointments, and tenures have varied from brief interim roles to multi-year stints. Key figures have guided the team through critical promotion campaigns in the , while others focused on stabilization in the . The following table outlines the head coaches from the 2000–01 season onward, including tenures, nationalities, and notable outcomes where applicable:
CoachNationalityTenureKey Notes and Impact
Hamid AlidoostiIranJul 2000 – Jun 2001Led early Azadegan League participation; 1.08 points per game (PPG).
Bijan ZolfagharnasabIranJul 2002 – Jun 2004Oversaw initial Pro League entry; 1.33 PPG across 54 matches.
Homayoun ShahrokhiIranAug 2004 – Oct 2004Short stint amid early struggles; dismissed after poor start (0.33 PPG).
Mohammad Mayeli KohanIranOct 2004 – Dec 2004Interim role; limited impact (0.43 PPG in 7 matches).
Mohammadhossein ZiaeiIranDec 2004 – Jan 2005Brief caretaker; 0.50 PPG in 2 matches.
Farhad KazemiIranJan 2005 – Jun 2006Stabilized team in Pro League; 1.32 PPG. Returned multiple times for promotions.
Samvel DarbinyanArmeniaJul 2006 – Apr 2008Longest early foreign tenure; mid-table finishes (1.34 PPG in 62 matches).
Aliasghar ModirroustaIranApr 2008 – Jun 2009Improved form post-Darbinyan; 1.46 PPG.
Hamid DerakhshanIranJun 2009 – Jun 2010Solid mid-table season; 1.17 PPG.
Mohammad AhmadzadehIranJul 2010 – Oct 2010Short tenure amid dip; dismissed after 0.70 PPG.
Hamid AlidoostiIranOct 2010 – Apr 2011Second spell; contributed to survival efforts (1.22 PPG).
Mohammadhossein ZiaeiIranApr 2011 – Jun 2011Caretaker; 1.17 PPG.
Farhad KazemiIranJul 2011 – May 2012Led 2011–12 Azadegan League championship and promotion to Pro League; pivotal in rebirth phase revival.
Abdollah VeisiIranMay 2012 – Jan 2013Took over post-promotion; struggled in return to top flight, sacked after poor results (1.00 PPG).
Firouz KarimiIranJan 2013 – Jun 2013Interim amid relegation; low 0.38 PPG contributed to 2012–13 drop.
Farhad KazemiIranJul 2013 – Jun 2014Secured 2013–14 promotion via playoffs after finishing 2nd in Azadegan; key to quick return.
Mansour EbrahimzadehIranJun 2014 – Nov 2014Brief Pro League spell; 1.19 PPG before dismissal.
Samad MarfaviIranNov 2014 – Jun 2015Could not prevent 2014–15 relegation; 0.60 PPG.
Alireza MarzbanIranJul 2015 – Jun 2016Guided 2015–16 Azadegan League title and promotion; 1.79 PPG, highest in list.
Majid JalaliIranJul 2016 – Dec 2018Longest tenure (893 days); consistent mid-table Pro League finishes (1.37 PPG over 79 matches); sacked after winless streak.
Hossein FarakiIranDec 2018 – Feb 2020Maintained survival; 1.00 PPG, departed amid mid-table position.
Abdollah VeisiIranFeb 2020 – Oct 2020Second spell; helped avoid relegation (1.33 PPG); mutual departure.
Mehdi TartarIranNov 2020 – Jul 2021Steady performance; 1.29 PPG before contract end.
Mojtaba HosseiniIranAug 2021 – Jun 2023Extended tenure (656 days); mid-table stability (1.12 PPG); dismissed post-season.
Rasoul KhatibiIranJun 2023 – Nov 2023Short stint with poor results (0.80 PPG); sacked after early losses.
Gholamreza EnayatiIranNov 2023 – Jun 2024Oversaw 2023–24 relegation; 1.00 PPG.
Omid RavankhahIranJul 2024 – Dec 2024Strong start in Azadegan (2.06 PPG); transitioned to promotion push.
Sirous DinmohammadiIranDec 2024 – May 2025Led 2024–25 promotion via playoff win over Mes Kerman (2–1); 1.67 PPG, decisive impact on return to Pro League.
Saeid DaghighiIranMay 2025 – PresentAppointed post-promotion; early 2025–26 season (0.80 PPG as of Nov 2025); focusing on top-flight adaptation.
Farhad Kazemi stands out as one of the most influential coaches, with three spells and leading two promotions (2011–12 and 2013–14), emphasizing defensive solidity that suited the club's resource constraints and contributed to rapid status. Alireza Marzban's 2015–16 campaign introduced a more attacking style, securing the Azadegan title and enabling four consecutive Pro League seasons thereafter. Majid Jalali's extended leadership from 2016 to 2018 marked a period of relative consistency, avoiding relegation despite limited budgets, though his dismissal followed a tactical shift toward possession play that faltered late. Relegations in 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, and 2023–24 often prompted immediate coach changes, such as after Marfavi's tenure or Gholamreza Enayati's, to facilitate quick rebounds via experienced Azadegan specialists. Sirous Dinmohammadi's recent promotion in 2024–25 highlighted a balanced approach blending youth integration with veteran experience, aiding the playoff success. Saeid Daghighi, appointed shortly after, has begun implementing a compact defensive setup to counter Pro League challenges.

Players

Current squad

As of November 2025, Paykan F.C.'s first-team squad for the 2025–26 season consists of 33 players, all Iranian nationals, with an average age of 25.3 years, reflecting a blend of experienced performers and youth integrations following the club's promotion from the . The roster emphasizes defensive solidity and midfield depth, with key additions bolstering the attack for top-flight competition.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper unit is led by Ahmad Gohari (29), a recent free transfer from Esteghlal Khuzestan, providing reliability between the posts. Erfan Esfandiari (26) serves as the primary backup, while younger talents Armin Abbasi (19) and Mehdi Younespour (18), both academy products, offer depth and potential for rotation.

Defenders

Paykan's backline features ten players, anchored by centre-backs Milad Bagheri (31), signed on a free from , and Shahin Tavakoli (32) for aerial presence. Behzad Salami (23) and Meysam Teymouri (33) add versatility in central defense, with Nima Ahmadi (20) representing a youth promotion. Left-backs include Mohammadali Faramarzi (31) and Amirhossein Gholami (27), while right-backs Farid Amiri (29), Saber Hardani (29), and Amirali Madadizadeh (20) provide width and crossing ability.

Midfielders

The midfield comprises eight players, with defensive options like Mansour Bagheri (27), acquired freely from , Nima Entezari (29) from Mes Rafsanjan, and Amirreza Alimoradi (20) forming a robust pivot. Central midfielders Sajjad Jafari (28), a free signing from Fajr Sepasi Shiraz, Aliasghar Sadeghinasab (24), Aidin Fathi (19, academy integration), and Iliya Karami (18) contribute to build-up play, while attacking Mehdi Najafi (23) links to the forwards.

Forwards

Eleven forwards round out the squad, highlighted by veteran centre-forward Morteza Tabrizi (34), who joined on a free from Zob Ahan to lead the line with his goal-scoring experience. Kasra Taheri (19), on loan from until June 2026, adds youthful pace and finishing as a centre-forward. Wingers include left-sided Faraz Emamali (30), Afshin Sadeghi (20), and Mohammadjavad Rafiei (19), with right-wing threats Omid Fahimi Maleki (22), Erfan Jamshidi (22), and Mohsen Azarbad (36). Additional centre-forwards Alireza Khodadadi (23), Mohammadsadegh Salimi (19, youth promotion), and Mohammad Pourmohammadi (19) provide options for depth. Recent transfers for the 2025–26 season, all free arrivals totaling 27 incomings with a combined of €5.23 million, focused on post-promotion reinforcements, including the aforementioned Gohari, Bagheri (M.), Entezari, Jafari, and Tabrizi to elevate the team's competitiveness in the Pro League. Youth integrations from the academy, such as Abbasi, Fathi, Karami, Salimi, and Pourmohammadi, have been promoted to the first team for the campaign, emphasizing long-term development.

Notable former players

Paykan F.C. has produced and hosted several players who made significant impacts during their time with the club, particularly in promotion campaigns and league stability efforts. Among the all-time top scorers, Mohammad Reza Tahmasebi stands out as the club's leading goalscorer with 32 goals across 267 appearances from 2001 to 2014, contributing crucially to promotions in the early 2000s and establishing himself as a loyal servant of the team before retiring as a coach with Paykan. His consistent performances helped solidify Paykan's presence in the Iran Pro League during multiple seasons. Another key figure from the promotion eras is Shahriar Moghanlou, who netted 18 goals for the club between 2014 and 2017, including pivotal strikes during the 2015–16 Azadegan League-winning campaign that secured direct promotion to the top flight. Moghanlou earned international recognition with the Iran national team shortly after leaving Paykan, later transferring to bigger clubs like Nassaji Mazandaran and even abroad to in the , where he continued as a prolific forward. Defensively, the club benefited from international talents like , the Nigerian World Cup veteran who joined in 2007 but did not make any appearances before his contract was terminated after two months, bringing brief global attention to Paykan due to his prior stints at clubs like and his 45 caps for . Similarly, , a former Aston Villa and defender from , played 28 games in the 2014–15 season, offering pedigree and stability post-promotion, though his career ended tragically in 2018. In goal, , one of 's most capped goalkeepers with over 50 national team appearances, spent the 2014–15 season with Paykan following their promotion, making key saves that helped maintain their top-flight status before moving to Esteghlal, where he won multiple titles. His arrival bolstered the squad's defensive record during a transitional year. Additionally, Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht, a versatile winger with 10 caps for , contributed 1 goal and creative play in 22 appearances during the 2011–12 season, aiding survival efforts before transfers to and international moves to Al-Wasl in the UAE. Earlier in the club's history, Hossein Kalani, an Iranian football icon and national team striker with 35 caps, briefly played for Paykan from 1969 to 1970, scoring during his tenure before becoming a legend and helping qualify for the 1976 Olympics. These players exemplify Paykan's role in nurturing talent that achieved broader success in Iranian and international football.

Records and statistics

Season results

Paykan F.C. has experienced multiple promotions and relegations since its revival in the early 2000s, competing primarily between the (top tier) and the (second tier). The club achieved promotion in the 2005–06, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2024–25 seasons (promotions include direct 1st place and playoff wins for 2nd place finishes). Win percentages vary by era: in the top tier from 2001–02 to 2004–05, Paykan recorded approximately 32% wins; during stable mid-table periods from 2016–17 to 2022–23, it hovered around 25–30%; and in second-tier promotion campaigns, win rates exceeded 50%. The following table summarizes Paykan's league performance from the 2000–01 season to the ongoing 2025–26 season, including division, final position (or current as of November 2025 for 2025–26), and points. Hazfi Cup progress is noted where the club advanced beyond the round of 32, using representative examples of notable runs; early exits (round of 64 or 32) are summarized as "Early rounds" due to consistent preliminary eliminations in most seasons.
SeasonDivisionPositionPointsHazfi Cup Progress
2000–01Iran 2nd Division5th28Early rounds
2001–027th38Semifinals
2002–035th37Quarterfinals
2003–047th32Early rounds
2004–0515th24Round of 16
2005–061st65Early rounds
2006–077th41Quarterfinals
2007–089th46Early rounds
2008–098th47Round of 16
2009–1011th41Early rounds
2010–1117th33Early rounds
2011–121st69Early rounds
2012–1317th25Round of 16
2013–142nd40Early rounds
2014–1515th26Early rounds
2015–161st70Quarterfinals
2016–176th44Round of 16
2017–186th45Early rounds
2018–1911th35Early rounds
2019–2013th29Suspended (COVID-19)
2020–217th40Quarterfinals
2021–229th36Round of 16
2022–2311th28Early rounds
2023–2415th27Round of 32
2024–252nd61Quarterfinals
2025–2614th*8*Ongoing (Third Round)
*Current as of November 19, 2025; 8 points from 10 matches.

Individual player records

The individual player records for since 2000 highlight key contributions in appearances, goals, and defensive metrics, reflecting the club's competitive presence in Iranian football leagues. These statistics encompass all competitions and are updated through the 2025–26 season.

All-time top appearances

The following table lists the top 10 players by total appearances for Paykan F.C. since 2000, often featuring defenders and midfielders from stable league eras.
RankPlayer NamePositionAppearancesGoalsNationality
1Gholamreza BaghiDefender2674Iran
2Hossein BadamakiMidfielder19010Iran
3Mohammad Hossein MemarDefender1617Iran
4Arman GhasemiMidfielder13211Iran
5Amir MirbozorgiDefender1294Iran
6Mohammad Sadegh BaraniMidfielder12815Iran
7Peyman RanjbarDefender12811Iran
8Faraz EmamaliForward10617Iran
9Ali AlizadehDefender1012Iran
10Jahangir AsgariMidfielder989Iran

All-time top scorers

Paykan's leading goalscorers since 2000 include forwards who shone during promotion campaigns, such as the 2015–16 season. The table below ranks the top 10 by total goals in all competitions.
RankPlayer NamePositionGoalsNationality
1Mohammadreza TahmasebiForward26
2Morteza AghakhanForward23
3Jahangir Asgari21
4Aliasghar ModirroustaForward19
5Iman HeidariForward19
6Hossein MoghanlouForward18
7Faraz EmamaliForward17
8Godwin MenshaForward16
9Reza RezaeiForward16
10Peyman Rezapour15

Other records

Among goalkeepers, Ahmad Gohari holds the recent mark for clean sheets in the 2025–26 season with 2, contributing to Paykan's defensive stability early in the campaign. For assists, Faraz Emamali leads all-time with notable contributions across seasons, including 2 in the current year, underscoring his playmaking role. These metrics emphasize individual impacts in Paykan's league performances since 2000.

Sponsorship and apparel

Sponsors

Paykan F.C. has been primarily sponsored by , Iran's largest automobile manufacturer, since the club's founding in 1967. The sponsorship originated from 's (then known as Iran National) initiative to establish the club for promoting employee welfare and sports development, with the company retaining ownership and providing ongoing financial support. This longstanding partnership includes branding elements such as the Iran Khodro logo prominently displayed on the team's kits, enhancing the company's visibility in the Iranian football landscape. During the club's rebirth in the early 2000s, following a period of inactivity in the 1980s and 1990s, additional sponsorship support came from Iran Khodro subsidiaries, including ISACO (Iran Khodro Spare Parts and After-Sales Services Company), which contributed to the team's revival and entry into professional competitions. The sponsorship has delivered significant financial and branding benefits, funding key player transfers and extensive youth academy programs that have produced numerous talents for Iranian football. This support is intrinsically linked to promoting Iran Khodro's automotive legacy, particularly through the club's naming after the iconic Paykan car model produced by the company from 1967 to 2005, symbolizing industrial pride and national identity.

Kit manufacturers

Paykan F.C. has primarily relied on Iranian sportswear brands for its kit production, aligning with the club's domestic roots and sponsorship by . The team's kits have consistently featured a signature palette of and white, with home designs typically emphasizing the primary blue jersey paired with white shorts and socks to evoke speed and precision, in line with the club's name meaning "" in Persian. Away and third kits often incorporate white bases with blue accents or alternative patterns for contrast during matches. The progression of kit manufacturers reflects the club's competitive phases in the and lower divisions, with shifts occurring alongside promotions and league stints since the early 2000s. Early professional era providers included local firms like Daei and Majid, transitioning to a mix of domestic brands in recent years. For instance, during the 2022–23 season, Majid supplied the home kit, featuring graphic blue and white elements, while Yousef Jameh produced the third kit in a white and black design. By the 2023–24 season, ALA took over as the primary supplier, delivering a plain sky blue home kit with subtle white detailing for the campaign. This marked a continuation of Iranian , emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Kit evolution has included occasional special editions tied to milestones, such as promotions; however, designs remain rooted in the blue-white scheme to foster fan identification. In recent seasons, the club has continued to utilize Iranian suppliers. Information on kit suppliers for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons is limited.
SeasonManufacturerKit TypeKey Design Features
2022–23MajidHomeGraphic blue with black and white accents
2022–23Yousef JamehThirdWhite base with black patterns
2023–24ALAHomePlain with white trim

Honours

National competitions

Paykan F.C. has achieved notable success in Iran's second-tier , securing the championship in the 2011–12 and 2015–16 seasons with first-place finishes, earning promotion to the on both occasions. In the 2011–12 campaign, the team topped Group A with 14 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 50 points. In the 2015–16 season, Paykan recorded 18 wins, 16 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 70 points to clinch the title. More recently, Paykan finished as runners-up in the 2024–25 , securing second place with 16 wins, 13 draws, and 5 losses for 61 points, which also resulted in promotion to the top flight. In the premier , 's strongest performance came during the 2002–03 season, where they placed fifth in the standings. The club has participated in the top tier multiple times, achieving several top-half finishes, including seventh place in the 2006–07 season with 11 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses for 41 points. Despite these consistent mid-table results in various stints, Paykan has not claimed a Pro League title. Paykan's deepest run in the Hazfi Cup, Iran's premier knockout competition, has been to the quarterfinals, achieved on multiple occasions, including the 2004–05 and 2024–25 editions. In the 2024–25 tournament, the team advanced to the quarterfinals before suffering a 1–0 defeat to Esteghlal. No further progression to semifinals or finals has been recorded in the competition's history for the club.

Provincial and regional titles

Paykan F.C. achieved its first notable success in provincial football by winning the Tehran Province League championship in the 1969–70 season, marking the club's early prominence in local competitions. This victory in the Tehran Clubs Championship, then the premier regional league for clubs in the capital province, established Paykan as a competitive force among Tehran-based teams during its formative years. The 1969–70 title came after the club's establishment in 1967, reflecting the team's rapid development under the sponsorship of Iran Khodro's division, which aimed to promote the brand through sports. Paykan finished ahead of rivals such as Taj and in the standings, securing the honour in a season that highlighted the club's growing talent pool and organizational support. This provincial triumph provided a foundation for Paykan's subsequent entry into higher national divisions, underscoring the importance of regional leagues in nurturing Iranian football clubs.

References

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  3. https://betsapi.com/t/48325/Paykan
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  29. https://www.transfermarkt.com/iranian-pro-league/weisseweste/pokalwettbewerb/IRN1
  30. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/dd65/31d5420d1d577746eafd75da3cae7c43fd78.pdf
  31. https://www.transfermarkt.com/paykan-fc/datenfakten/verein/6078
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  34. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/paykan-2022-23-home-2-kit/220584/
  35. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/paykan-2022-23-third-kit/212729/
  36. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/paykan-2023-24-home-kit/181469/
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.com/paykan-fc/erfolge/verein/6078
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  39. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/irantehranchamp.html
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