About Ali Karimi Mohammad Ali Karimi Pashaki (Persian: محمد علی کریمی, born on 8 November 1978) is an Iranian professional footballer, who playes as a midfielder. He Currently plays for Iran Pro League's Steel Azin. He was the Asian Player of the Year in 2004. He is often referred to as the "Asian Maradona" and is believed to be one of Asia's greatest players. In 2009, the Iranian government forced his national duty retirement.