From Cheick to Serge: African Stars Who Left Their Mark on Iran’s Football League

Tehran - BORNA - Aurier, who has 93 international caps and 4 goals for Côte d'Ivoire, has been without a club for over a year. Since helping his nation win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in February 2024), he has not been called up again and is now seeking a competitive platform that could help him return to the national squad in time for AFCON 2025. Having obtained his visa, Aurier is currently training with Persepolis during their preseason camp in Turkey.

In a report, Afrik-Foot highlighted several notable African players who have featured in the Iranian Pro League over the years:

Other Notable African Stars in Iranian Football

Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
With 28 international appearances and 3 goals, Kakuta joined Esteghlal from French club Amiens in summer 2024. He made 18 appearances for the Tehran-based side between August 2024 and February 2025 before moving to Turkish club Sakaryaspor, where he is now under contract until 2026.

Cheick Diabaté (Mali)
The towering Malian forward had stints at both Esteghlal and Persepolis. Since then, he has remained unattached.

Alexis Guendouz (Algeria)
The 29-year-old Algerian national team goalkeeper (10 caps) has been Persepolis’s shot-stopper since last summer, arriving from CR Belouizdad. He is under contract with the Iranian champions until June 2027.

Bryan Dabo (Burkina Faso)
The former Montpellier and Saint-Étienne midfielder played two seasons with Sepahan. As of July 1st, he became a free agent following the end of his contract. Dabo, 33, is a veteran of Burkina Faso’s national team.

Kevin Constant (Guinea)
Now retired, the former Bologna and AC Milan player ended his professional career at Tractor SC. He joined the Tabriz-based side in January 2019 as a free agent and officially retired from football in January 2020.

Didier Ndong (Gabon)
The Gabonese international midfielder, previously with Lorient and Dijon, signed with Esteghlal last summer after a stint at Al-Rayyan. He remains with the club for the upcoming season.

Thievy Bifouma (Congo)
The former Reims and Bastia forward played for Esteghlal Khuzestan last season, recording 5 goals and 5 assists in 26 appearances. The 39-cap Congolese striker (14 international goals) has now signed a two-year deal with Persepolis.

Ayoub El Amloud (Morocco)
The 31-year-old Moroccan right-back, who earned one cap for the Atlas Lions, featured for Persepolis last season. He is currently seeking a new club.

As the Iranian Pro League continues to attract talent from across the globe, African players have carved out a significant legacy, enriching the domestic competition with their experience and flair.

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