Hossein Mahini (born September 16, 1986) is an Iranian former footballer who played as a defender.

Club career

Persepolis

On 7 July 2012, he signed a two-year contract with the leading Tehran team, Persepolis. Mahini is known for his speed and crossing. On 2 May 2014, Mahini extended his contract with Persepolis until 2017. However, he agreed to a loan move to Malavan on 20 October 2014 to spend his conscription service, effective from 1 January 2015. He returned to Persepolis in May 2016 after completing his service at Malavan. On 13 January 2020, Mahini left Persepolis after 7 years playing for the team.

International career

He was recruited to the Iran national football team by Carlos Queiroz for the first time. Previously, Mahini was an Iran national under-23 football team player and won a bronze medal at 2006 Asian Games. On 1 June 2014, he was brought into Iran's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad by Queiroz. He was an unused substitute in the tournament, in which Iran was eliminated in the group stages.

Arrest

Mahini was arrested on September 29, 2022, by Islamic Republic security forces for voicing solidarity and support with the Iranian people during the September 2022 Iranian protests on social media. Fellow footballers such as Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Mohammad Taghavi, Voria Ghafouri and Aref Gholami reacted to his arrest and expressed their support on social media.

Club career statistics

Honours

Club

National