Growing up in Tehran during the 1940s and 1950s — a period marked by social transformation and growing urbanization — Kalani’s early life was shaped by the dynamism of post-war Iran. Football was becoming the sport of the youth, a new urban passion that united people across classes. For a boy with both intellectual curiosity and physical talent, the football field offered a natural space for expression and ambition.
Introduction to Football
Kalani began his football journey at the age of 14 with the Shahin Youth Club (known as Poulad) in Tehran. Shahin, under the guidance of the visionary Abbas Ekrami, was more than a football club — it was an academy of moral, social, and athletic education. Ekrami’s philosophy emphasized respect, teamwork, and community service alongside football training. This environment profoundly influenced Kalani’s development as both a player and a person.
Before joining Shahin’s main squad, he played briefly for Dihim Tehran, where he quickly became known for his technical skills, speed, and keen sense of positioning. In a youth match against Shahin’s senior team, Kalani’s performance caught the attention of Abbas Ekrami, who invited him to join Shahin officially at the age of 18.
However, his early career was not without hardship. A serious injury sidelined him for two and a half years, a difficult period that tested his mental resilience. Many young players might have given up after such a setback, but Kalani’s perseverance kept him connected to the sport. He used that time to observe, learn, and refine his tactical understanding — qualities that would later define his style of play.
Rise to Prominence with Shahin Tehran
Kalani’s debut for Shahin came in a match against Shojaat Tehran, where he played alongside greats like Homayoun Behzadi and Hamid Shirzadegan. In that very match, he scored his first senior goal — a moment that marked the beginning of an illustrious career. His playing style combined technical elegance with strategic intelligence; he was known for reading the game several moves ahead, an attribute that made him both a dangerous forward and a valuable playmaker.
The year 1965 was pivotal. Shahin Tehran won the Tehran Club Cup, with Kalani contributing key goals and assists. His partnership with Behzadi — often described as one of the most effective duos in Iranian club football — became legendary. Both players shared a deep understanding on the field, often anticipating each other’s movements with uncanny precision.
