Javad Nekounam

{{infobox football biography

| name = Javad Nekounam

| image = Esteghlal FC vs Malavan FC, 17 August 2023 - 15 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Nekounam with Esteghlal in 2023

| full_name = Javad Nekounam{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Iran |publisher=FIFA |page=14 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|9|7|df=y}}

| birth_place = Rey, Iran

| height = 1.86m

| position = Central midfielder

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 =

| youthclubs1 = Naft Tehran

| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–1998

| youthclubs2 = Pas

| years1 = 1998–2005

| clubs1 = Pas

| caps1 = 179

| goals1 = 45

| years2 = 2005–2006

| clubs2 = Al-Wahda

| caps2 = 11

| goals2 = 5

| years3 = 2006–2012

| clubs3 = Osasuna

| caps3 = 151

| goals3 = 24

| years4 = 2012–2014

| clubs4 = Esteghlal

| caps4 = 44

| goals4 = 8

| years5 = 2014

| clubs5 = Al-Kuwait

| caps5 = 11

| goals5 = 1

| years6 = 2014–2015

| clubs6 = Osasuna

| caps6 = 22

| goals6 = 5

| years7 = 2015–2016

| clubs7 = Saipa

| caps7 = 15

| goals7 = 3

| years8 = 2016

| clubs8 = Al-Arabi

| caps8 = 11

| goals8 = 1

| totalcaps = 444

| totalgoals = 92

| nationalyears1 = 1998–2000

| nationalteam1 = Iran U20

| nationalcaps1 =

| nationalgoals1 =

| nationalyears2 = 1999–2002

| nationalteam2 = Iran U23

| nationalcaps2 = 10

| nationalgoals2 = 2

| nationalyears3 = 2000–2015

| nationalteam3 = Iran{{efn|He has two additional caps awarded by the Iranian FA. Those matches are not considered full internationals by FIFA, which only counts 149.}}

| nationalcaps3 = 149

| nationalgoals3 = 38

| manageryears1 = 2016

| managerclubs1 = Iran (assistant)

| manageryears2 = 2017–2018

| managerclubs2 = Khooneh be Khooneh

| manageryears3 = 2018–2019

| managerclubs3 = Nassaji

| manageryears4 = 2019–2021

| managerclubs4 = Foolad

| manageryears5 = 2021–2023

| managerclubs5 = Foolad

| manageryears6 = 2023–2024

| managerclubs6 = Esteghlal

| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{IRN}}}}

}}

Javad Nekounam ({{langx|fa|جواد نکونام}}; born 7 September 1980) is an Iranian football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He holds the record for the most appearances for the Iranian national team with 149 caps.

Nicknamed Neku by numerous Iranian football fans,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-player-profile--who-is-javad-nekounam-the-iran-midfielder-9198053.html|title=World Cup 2014: Player profile – who is Javad Nekounam, the Iran midfielder?|newspaper=The Independent|date=16 March 2014|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=18 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318221949/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/world-cup-2014-player-profile--who-is-javad-nekounam-the-iran-midfielder-9198053.html|url-status=live}} he played as a midfielder, and is also regarded as one of greatest players of the history of Esteghlal Tehran.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2392722/iran-will-miss-javad-nekounam----the-talisman-that-allowed-them-to-dream|title=Iran will miss Javad Nekounam -- the talisman that allowed them to dream|publisher=ESPN FC|date=12 April 2015|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717070951/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2392722/iran-will-miss-javad-nekounam----the-talisman-that-allowed-them-to-dream|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://90tv.ir/news/341627/%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%AD%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%85-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9-10-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C%DA%A9%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%AE-%D8%A2%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B4%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85|title=نکونام:از حضورم در جمع ۱۰ بازیکن تاریخ آسیا خوشحالم|trans-title=Nekounam: Happy at my inclusion in the top 10 Asian players|publisher=90TV|language=fa|date=27 September 2016|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217114759/http://90tv.ir/news/341627/%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%AD%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%85-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9-10-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C%DA%A9%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%AE-%D8%A2%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B4%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85|url-status=live}} Nekounam represented the Iran national team a record of 149 times,{{Cite web |title=Javad Nekounam - Century of International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nekounam-intl.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.rsssf.org |archive-date=13 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913064955/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nekounam-intl.html |url-status=live }} playing several major tournaments including two World Cups and four Asian Cups. He is currently Hated among Esteghlal fans. After finishing his coaching career at Esteghlal, this popularity in the media decreased.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-17 |title=نکونام بعد از مجیدی بیشترین محبوبیت را دارد |url=https://www.khabarvarzeshi.com/news/417722/%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%85%D8%AC%DB%8C%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.khabarvarzeshi.com |language=fa |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107111741/https://www.khabarvarzeshi.com/news/417722/%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%85%D8%AC%DB%8C%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF |url-status=live }}

Club career

=Early years=

Nekounam was born in Ray, Iran. Having played for Pas Tehran F.C. for several years, appearing in the AFC Champions League with the team, he signed a five-month contract with Al-Wahda F.C. in the United Arab Emirates for US$1 million, in 2005.{{cite web|url=http://home1.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=347894&cpid=22&CLID=1042&lid=&title=Nekounam+states+Euro+ambition&channel=international/|title=Nekounam states Euro ambition|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Babak|last=Golriz|date=24 December 2005|access-date=5 June 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070311230801/http://home1.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=347894&cpid=22&CLID=1042&lid=&title=Nekounam+states+Euro+ambition&channel=international/|archive-date=11 March 2007}}

In January 2006, Nekounam joined Al Sharjah SC, although some European clubs such as 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Tottenham Hotspur had previously shown interest in him.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/jul/10/newsstory.sport2|title=Buh, Bye|newspaper=The Guardian|date=10 July 2005|access-date=3 January 2010|archive-date=19 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919050349/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/jul/10/newsstory.sport2|url-status=live}}

=Osasuna=

After his performance at the 2006 World Cup Nekounam was linked to the likes of Hertha BSC of the Bundesliga and Ligue 1's Olympique Lyonnais, but he eventually joined CA Osasuna on a two-year contract, with an option to a third year and a (about) €5 million minimum release-fee clause.{{Cite web |title=هواداران استقلال نکونام را روی سر گذاشتند! (عکس) |url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1979181/%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D9%88%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%B9%DA%A9%D8%B3 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=ورزش سه |language=fa}} On 22 February 2007, Nekunam finally scored in the 120th minute of the match against FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup to help to a 1–0 home win and aggregate score, and after a particularly successful first season began to attract interest from other European sides, notably Scotland's Rangers who had a £1 million pound offer rejected. On 14 August 2007, Nekounam suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee and, after undergoing a successful surgery in Augsburg, Germany, was sidelined for eight months. His number 24 was given to new signing Jaroslav Plašil, and after some time finally he recovered from his injury.{{Cite web |title=نکونام: هر بازی در آسیا برای ما خاص است/ سرمربی الغرافه محبوبیت بالایی دارد - ایسنا |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1401011709048/نکونام-هر-بازی-در-آسیا-برای-ما-خاص-است-سرمربی-الغرافه-محبوبیت/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.isna.ir |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113712/https://www.isna.ir/amp/1401011709048/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=نکونام: قراردادم و درامدم به خودم مرتبط است |url=https://www.irna.ir/news/83784173/%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D9%88%DB%8C-%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%85%DA%A9%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%B4%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%AF/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.irna.ir |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113701/https://www.irna.ir/amp/83784173/ |url-status=live }} On 31 August 2008, Nekounam scored Osasuna's first goal of the season, from the penalty spot in a 1–1 home draw against Villarreal CF. In November/December he also netted, but the Navarrese failed to win at Málaga CF (4–2 loss) and with Real Valladolid (3–3), also opening the score in the 3–1 away defeat to Real Madrid on 18 January 2009.{{Cite web |title=طعنه نماینده مردم اهواز در مجلس به جواد نکونام - خبرگزاری مهر {{!}} اخبار ایران و جهان {{!}} Mehr News Agency |url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/5718269/طعنه-نماینده-مردم-اهواز-در-مجلس-به-جواد-نکونام/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.mehrnews.com}}{{Cite web |last=نیوز |first=اخبار روز ایران و جهان {{!}} آفتاب |date=2023-10-24 |title=عکس{{!}} نکونام در جشن ۱۰۳ سالگی اوساسونا |url=http://aftabnews.ir/fa/news/869165 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=fa |language=fa}}{{Cite web |title=خبرگزاری فارس {{!}} نکونام: برخی قوانین در فوتبال ما خودزنی است؛ فیفا، فیفا نکنید!/ نیاز نیست عربستان ما را ببرد؛ خودمان می بازیم! |url=https://www.farsnews.ir/amp/14011030000522 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.farsnews.ir |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113701/https://www.farsnews.ir/amp/14011030000522 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=رویکرد دوگانه هواداران استقلال با نکونام/ از اوج نفرت تا اوج محبوبیت! |url=https://www.khabarvarzeshi.com/news/418294/%D8%B1%D9%88%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AC-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AC |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.khabarvarzeshi.com |language=fa |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113701/https://www.khabarvarzeshi.com/news/418294/%D8%B1%D9%88%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AC-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AC |url-status=live }} On 21 May 2011, Nekounam renewed his contract with Osasuna for another two seasons, with the option of an annual renewal of his link.{{Cite web |title=این ۶نفر لیست خرید نکونام هستند {{!}} جواد پرستاره ترین استقلال را از خطیر خواسته است - همشهری آنلاین |url=https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/821858/این-۶نفر-لیست-خرید-نکونام-هستند-جواد-پرستاره-ترین-استقلال-را/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.hamshahrionline.ir |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113705/https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/amp/821858/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=روزنو |first=Roozno {{!}} پایگاه خبری تحلیلی |date=2023-10-25 |title=بزرگ ترین ویژگی جواد نکونام در استقلال {{!}} روزنو |url=http://roozno.com/fa/news/590141 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=fa |language=fa}}

In July of the following year, amidst interest from Iranian club Esteghlal F.C. and unnamed Turkish and Qatari clubs, it was reported that he would only remain with at the El Sadar Stadium if he accepted a salary reduction – he was the highest-paid player.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=ببینید {{!}} غافلگیری بزرگ نکونام؛ خلاصه مسابقه شمس‌آذر - استقلال |url=https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/1832245/%D8%A8%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%84%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%B3-%D8%A2%D8%B0%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84 |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.khabaronline.ir |language=fa |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107113701/https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/1832245/%D8%A8%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%84%DA%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF-%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%B3-%D8%A2%D8%B0%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84 |url-status=live }}

=Esteghlal=

File:Javad Nekounam.JPG

On 21 July 2012, aged almost 32, Nekounam returned to his country and signed a two-year deal with Esteghlal for a record fee of US$1,500,000, which made him the most expensive player in the Iran Pro League history.{{cite web|url=http://kabirnews.com/javad-nekounam-officially-joins-esteghlal/2825/|title=Javad Nekounam officially joins Esteghlal|publisher=Kabir News|date=21 July 2012|access-date=21 July 2012|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213064646/http://kabirnews.com/javad-nekounam-officially-joins-esteghlal/2825/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jamnews.ir/NSite/FullStory/News/?Id=96595&Serv=20|script-title=fa:گرانقیمت ترین بازیکن تاریخ فوتبال ایران با رقم قراداد 4.5 میلیارد تومان!|trans-title=Javad Nekounam: The most expensive player in the history of football in Iran with 9 million dollars contract|publisher=Jam News|language=fa|date=24 July 2012|access-date=25 July 2012|archive-date=1 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101115657/http://www.jamnews.ir/NSite/FullStory/News/?Id=96595&Serv=20|url-status=live}} He scored his first goal for his new club in a 3–2 loss to Foolad F.C. on 28 November, through a penalty.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2012/11/28/esteghlal-loses-to-foolad/|title=Esteghlal loses to Foolad [VIDEO]|publisher=Persian Football|date=28 November 2012|access-date=31 December 2018|archive-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101002808/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2012/11/28/esteghlal-loses-to-foolad/|url-status=live}}

On 5 May 2013, against the same opponent, he also found the net, helping his team secure their 28th league title[http://www.goal.com/iran/news/1825/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86/2013/05/05/3955683/%D9%81%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF-0-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%841-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%AC%D8%B4%D9%86-%D9%88-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1?ICID=OP Esteghlal won the league] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509005014/http://www.goal.com/iran/news/1825/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86/2013/05/05/3955683/%D9%81%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF-0-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%841-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%AC%D8%B4%D9%86-%D9%88-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1?ICID=OP |date=9 May 2013 }}; Goal, 5 May 2013 (in Persian) and winning his second national championship.

=Al-Kuwait=

On 14 January 2014, Nekounam agreed to a four-month contract at Kuwait SC.[http://www.kuwaitclub.com.kw/articles/view/3605/ الإيراني نيكونام كويتاي رسمياً] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116091401/http://www.kuwaitclub.com.kw/articles/view/3605/|date=16 January 2014}}; Kuwait Club, 14 January 2014 (in Persian) He scored his first goal for the club on 2 February, netting the only in an AFC Champions League qualifier against Al Shorta SC.{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-form-duo-win|title=AFC Champions League Wrap: In-form duo win|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=2 February 2014|access-date=31 December 2018|archive-date=31 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194202/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/afc-champions-league-wrap-form-duo-win|url-status=live}}

Nekounam scored three goals in the 2014 edition of the AFC Cup,{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/afcasfeeds/?view=ajax&show=mod_topScorer&stageid=315&disp=all|title=Top Scorers|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|access-date=20 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701072401/http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/afcasfeeds/?view=ajax&show=mod_topScorer&stageid=315&disp=all|archive-date=1 July 2014}} and also won the season's Kuwait Emir Cup.[http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/05/08/one-more-trophy-for-nekounam-in-his-club-career/ One more trophy for Nekounam in his club career] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112011023/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/05/08/one-more-trophy-for-nekounam-in-his-club-career/ |date=12 January 2016 }}; Persian Football, 8 May 2014

=Return to Osasuna=

On 4 August 2014, Nekounam returned to Osasuna by signing a two-year deal.{{cite web|url=http://www.osasuna.es/noticia/_/7472/03-08-2014-javad-nekounam-est-en-pamplona.html|title=Javad Nekounam está en Pamplona|trans-title=Nekounam is in Pamplona|publisher=CA Osasuna|language=es|date=4 August 2014|access-date=4 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805034915/http://www.osasuna.es/noticia/_/7472/03-08-2014-javad-nekounam-est-en-pamplona.html|archive-date=5 August 2014}} He scored in his first game upon his return, a 3–1 Segunda División loss against Deportivo Alavés on 6 September.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/09/06/nekounam-scores-in-osasuna-comeback/|title=Nekounam scores in Osasuna comeback [VIDEO]|publisher=Persian Football|date=6 September 2014|access-date=10 September 2014|archive-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910012951/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/09/06/nekounam-scores-in-osasuna-comeback/|url-status=live}} On 2 November he added another, helping to a 3–2 home victory over Real Betis.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/11/03/nekounam-goal-inspires-osasuna-comeback/|title=Nekounam goal inspires Osasuna comeback|publisher=Persian Football|date=3 November 2014|access-date=6 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104063150/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/11/03/nekounam-goal-inspires-osasuna-comeback/|url-status=live}}

=Saipa=

Nekounam returned to Iran and its Persian Gulf Pro League on 6 July 2015, joining Saipa F.C. for one year.{{cite news|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=247886|title=Saipa signs Javad Nekounam from Osasusna|newspaper=Tehran Times|date=6 July 2015|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112011023/http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=247886|url-status=live}} He scored his first competitive goal for his new team on 6 August, the second in a 2–0 win at Rah Ahan Yazdan FC.

=Al-Arabi=

On 21 January 2016, Nekounam moved to Qatari club Al-Arabi SC on a four-month contract with an option to extend for a further year.{{cite web|url=http://90tv.ir/news/203351/note|title=جواد نکونام به العربی قطر پیوست|trans-title=Javad Nekounam joins Qatar club Al-Arabi|publisher=90TV|language=fa|date=21 January 2016|access-date=21 January 2016|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127161820/http://90tv.ir/news/203351/note|url-status=dead}} In his first match, at home against Qatar SC, he assisted countryman Ashkan Dejagah in an eventual 1–1 draw.

Nekounam left on 30 June 2016, and the 35-year-old announced his retirement two weeks later.[http://www.varzesh3.com/news/1341036/ رسمی؛ خداحافظی جواد نکونام از فوتبال (Official; Nekounam retired from football)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718052921/http://www.varzesh3.com/news/1341036 |date=18 July 2016 }}; IRIB Varzesh, 15 July 2016 (in Persian)

International career

File:Iran vs. Argentina match, 2014 FIFA World Cup 02.jpg against Lionel Messi and Argentina in 2014 World Cup]]

Nekounam received his first call-up to Iran in 2000. He became a starter for the national side during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and, already a key midfield element, played two of the national team's matches during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, being suspended for the final group game against Angola after his second yellow card against Portugal.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853078.stm|title=Portugal 2–0 Iran|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 June 2006|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-date=16 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816004343/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853078.stm|url-status=live}}

Additionally, Nekounam helped Iran win the 2002 Asian Games and the 2004 West Asian Football Federation Championship, and also represented the country in the 2004, 2007 and 2011 AFC Asian Cups.[http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nekounam-intl.html Javad Nekounam – Century of International Appearances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910215355/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nekounam-intl.html |date=10 September 2015 }}; at RSSSF He was Team Melli's leading goalscorer in its successful 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign and, on 1 June 2014, he was selected by Carlos Queiroz for the finals in Brazil,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=quieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|title=Queiroz trims Iran squad to 24|publisher=FIFA|date=1 June 2014|access-date=1 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601164415/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y%3D2014/m%3D6/news%3Dquieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|archive-date=1 June 2014}} where he captained the nation in an eventual group-stage exit.

Nekounam also made the 2015 Asian Cup squad, in December 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.afcasiancup.com/news/en/nekounam-headlines-iranian-squad/10ppu97hz8lxf1ik1ux49b1ve0|title=Queiroz names Team Melli squad|publisher=AFC Asian Cup|date=30 December 2014|access-date=1 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101072926/http://www.afcasiancup.com/news/en/nekounam-headlines-iranian-squad/10ppu97hz8lxf1ik1ux49b1ve0|archive-date=1 January 2015}} In March 2015, he hinted that a friendly against Sweden on the 31st – five days earlier, against Chile, he had become his country's most capped player after surpassing Ali Daei{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/03/27/javad-nekounam-becomes-irans-most-capped-player/|title=Javad Nekounam becomes Iran's most capped player|publisher=Persian Football|date=27 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402141308/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/03/27/javad-nekounam-becomes-irans-most-capped-player/|url-status=live}}– might be his last international, but later went back on that statement{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/03/31/nekounam-changes-mind-over-iran-retirement/|title=Nekounam changes mind over Iran retirement|publisher=Persian Football|date=31 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121936/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/03/31/nekounam-changes-mind-over-iran-retirement/|url-status=live}} only to confirm it the following day and subsequently send an emotional open letter to fans;{{cite web|url=http://www.khabaronline.ir/detail/407200|script-title=fa:بیانیه احساسی جواد نکونام پس از خداحافظی/جلوی هیچکس سرم را خم نمی کنم جز هواداران|trans-title=Nekounam: I only bow to the fans but nobody else|publisher=Khabar Online|language=fa|date=5 April 2015|access-date=28 June 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703023431/http://www.khabaronline.ir/detail/407200|url-status=live}} he scored 39 goals for his country,{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/04/01/javad-nekounam-bids-farewell-to-international-career/|title=Javad Nekounam bids farewell to international career|publisher=Persian Football|date=1 April 2015|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=5 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405033719/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/04/01/javad-nekounam-bids-farewell-to-international-career/|url-status=live}} and shortly after retiring was named Queiroz's assistant.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/04/28/nekounam-appointed-carlos-queirozs-assistant/|title=Nekounam appointed Carlos Queiroz's assistant|publisher=Persian Football|date=28 April 2015|access-date=29 April 2015|archive-date=10 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710093439/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2015/04/28/nekounam-appointed-carlos-queirozs-assistant/|url-status=live}}

Managerial career

File:Shams Azar FC vs Esteghlal FC, 2 November 2023 - 03.jpg in a Persian Gulf Pro League match.]]

Midway through the 2017–18 season, Nekounam became the manager of F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/04/21/javad-nekounam-candidate-to-lead-iran-u23-football-team/|title=Javad Nekounam candidate to lead Iran U23 football team|publisher=Persian Football|date=21 April 2018|access-date=7 May 2018|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221500/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/04/21/javad-nekounam-candidate-to-lead-iran-u23-football-team/|url-status=live}} His team won 23 points from his nine games in charge, and were promoted to the Persian Gulf Pro League after a 24-year absence.{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/04/29/ipl-naft-masjed-soleyman-nassaji-mazandaran-win-promotion/|title=IPL: Naft Masjed Soleyman, Nassaji Mazandaran win promotion|publisher=Persian Football|date=29 April 2018|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605163332/http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/04/29/ipl-naft-masjed-soleyman-nassaji-mazandaran-win-promotion/|url-status=live}}

Career statistics

=Club=

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Cup !colspan="2"\|Continental !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{cite web\|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/javad-nekounam/497/\|title=J. Nekounam\|publisher=Soccerway\|access-date=23 April 2014\|archive-date=25 February 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225041332/http://int.soccerway.com/players/javad-nekounam/497/\|url-status=live}}{{cite web\|url=http://www.varzesh3.com/news/1289103\|title=Javad Nekounam\|publisher=IRIB Varzesh\|language=fa\|access-date=14 December 2015}}{{cite web\|url=http://teamfantasy.varzesh3.com/cns/if/players/player/?idd=1265\|title=Javad Nekounam\|publisher=IRIB Varzesh\|language=fa\|access-date=15 December 2015}}
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="9"\|Pas \|1998–99 \|rowspan="3"\|Azadegan League \|22	2			colspan="2"\|–	22	2
1999–00 \|24	5			colspan="2"\|–	24	5
2000–01 \|21	5			colspan="2"\|–	21	5
2001–02 \|rowspan="5"\|Iran Pro League \|25	4			colspan="2"\|–	25	4
2002–03 \|25	7			colspan="2"\|–	25	7
2003–04 \|25	10			colspan="2"\|–	25	10
2004–05 \|25	9			8	4	33	13
2005–06 \|12	3			colspan="2"\|–	12	3
colspan="2"\|Total !179	45			8	4	187	49
Al Wahda \|2005–06 \|UAE Football League \|11	3	0	0	colspan="2"\|–	11	3
Sharjah FC \|2005–06 \|UAE Football League \|11	5	3	3	colspan="2"\|–	14	8
rowspan="7"\|Osasuna \|2006–07 \|rowspan="6"\|La Liga \|24	2	3	0	12	1	39	3
2007–08 \|2	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|–	2	0
2008–09 \|35	8	2	0	colspan="2"\|–	37	8
2009–10 \|31	3	2	0	colspan="2"\|–	33	3
2010–11 \|26	6	2	0	colspan="2"\|–	28	6
2011–12 \|31	5	5	1	colspan="2"\|–	36	6
colspan="2"\|Total !149	24	14	1	12	1	175	26
rowspan="3"\|Esteghlal \|2012–13 \|rowspan="2"\|Persian Gulf Cup \|27	5	4	1	8	3	39	9
2013–14 \|17	3	1	0	3	0	21	3
colspan="2"\|Total !44	8	5	1	11	3	60	12
Kuwait SC \|2013–14 \|Kuwaiti Premier League \|11	1	2	1	6	3	19	5
Osasuna \|2014–15 \|Segunda División \|22	5	1	0	colspan="2"\|–	23	5
Saipa \|2015–16 \|Persian Gulf Pro League \|15	3	3	0	colspan="2"\|–	18	3
Al-Arabi \|2015–16 \|Qatar Stars League \|11	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|–	12	1
colspan="3"\|Career total !453	95	29	6	37	11	519	112

=International=

File:Iran vs. Montenegro 2014-05-26 (038).jpg in 2014]]

National team	Year	Apps
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year[http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/century.html#caps Players with a Century of Caps] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192800/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/century.html\|date=28 June 2011}}; at RSSSF
rowspan="16"\|Iran \|2000	6	0
2001	11	0
2002	9	0
2003	10	0
2004	18	7
2005	11	4
2006	11	2
2007	8	4
2008	8	4
2009	8	2
2010	6	1
2011	10	5
2012	9	1
2013	8	6
2014	9	0
2015	7	2
colspan="2"\|Total	149	38

:Scores and results list Iran's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nekounam goal.

scope="col"\|No. !scope="col"\|Date !scope="col"\|Venue !scope="col"\|Opponent !scope="col"\|Score !scope="col"\|Result !scope="col"\|Competition !scope="col" class="unsortable"\|{{Abbr\|Ref.\|Reference}}
class="wikitable sortable" \|+ List of international goals scored by Javad Nekounam
align="center"\|*	1 February 2003	Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, China	{{fb\|DEN}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2003 Carlsberg Cup	[http://www.rsssf.com/tablesh/hk-carls03.html]
align="center"\|1	17 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|4–0	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Group-B/]
align="center"\|2	23 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|IRQ\|1991}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–1	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Semifinal/]
align="center"\|3	25 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|4–1	align="center"\|4–1	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Final/]
align="center"\|4	20 July 2004	Olympic Sports Center, Chongqing, China	{{fb\|THA}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|3–0	2004 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/07/20/asia/asian-cup/iran/thailand/255570/]
align="center"\|5	6 August 2004	Workers Stadium, Beijing, China	{{fb\|BHR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|4–2	2004 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/08/06/asia/asian-cup/iran/bahrain/255581/]
align="center"\|6	rowspan="2"\|17 November 2004	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LAO}}	align="center"\|5–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 7–0	rowspan="2"\|2006 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/11/17/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/laos/239159/]
align="center"\|7	align="center"\|7–0
align="center"\|8	30 March 2005	Kim Il-sung, Pyongyang, North Korea	{{fb\|PRK}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–0	2006 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2005/03/30/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-dpr/iran/239260/]
align="center"\|9	29 May 2005	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|AZE}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–1	Friendly	[http://www.11v11.com/matches/iran-v-azerbaijan-29-may-2005-254613/]
align="center"\|10	rowspan="2"\|24 August 2005	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LBY\|1977}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 4–0	rowspan="2"\|Friendly	rowspan="2"\|{{citation needed\|date=January 2025}}
align="center"\|11	align="center"\|4–0
align="center"\|12	16 August 2006	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–1	2007 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/08/16/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/syria/346918/]
align="center"\|13	6 September 2006	Abbasiyyin, Damascus, Syria	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–0	2007 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/09/06/asia/asian-cup-qualification/syria/iran/346920/]
align="center"\|14	rowspan="2"\|2 July 2007	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|JAM}}	align="center"\|1–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 8–1	rowspan="2"\|Friendly	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/02/world/friendlies/iran/jamaica/468149/]
align="center"\|15	align="center"\|3–0
align="center"\|16	15 July 2007	National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia	{{fb\|CHN}}	align="center"\|2–2	align="center"\|2–2	2007 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/15/asia/asian-cup/china-pr/iran/441560/]
align="center"\|17	18 July 2007	National Stadium, Bukit Jalal, Malaysia	{{fb\|MAS}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	2007 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/18/asia/asian-cup/malaysia/iran/441569/]
align="center"\|18	25 May 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|ZAM}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|3–2	Friendly	[http://www.futbol24.com/team/AFC/Iran/results/#statTR-Page=2]
align="center"\|19	22 June 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KUW}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/22/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/kuwait/537244/]
align="center"\|20	6 September 2008	King Fahd International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	{{fb\|KSA}}	align="center"\|1–1	align="center"\|1–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/06/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/saudi-arabia/iran/697088/]
align="center"\|21	15 October 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|PRK}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/15/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-dpr/697098/]
align="center"\|22	11 February 2009	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/02/11/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-republic/697108/]
align="center"\|23	14 November 2009	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|JOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2011 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/11/14/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/jordan/651587/]
align="center"\|24	3 March 2010	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|THA}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2011 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/03/03/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/thailand/651593/]
align="center"\|25	2 January 2011	Jassim Bin Hamad, Doha, Qatar	{{fb\|ANG}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/01/02/world/friendlies/iran/angola/1063534/]
align="center"\|26	rowspan="2"\|2 September 2011	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|IDN}}	align="center"\|1–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 3–0	rowspan="2"\|2014 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/09/02/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/indonesia/1177939/]
align="center"\|27	align="center"\|2–0
align="center"\|28	5 October 2011	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|PLE}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|7–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/05/world/friendlies/iran/palestine/1217804/]
align="center"\|29	15 November 2011	Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia	{{fb\|IDN}}	align="center"\|4–1	align="center"\|4–1	2014 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/11/15/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/indonesia/iran/1177948/]
align="center"\|30	16 October 2012	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2014 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/10/16/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-republic/1269283/]
align="center"\|31	rowspan="3"\|6 February 2013	rowspan="3"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="3"\|{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" \| 5–0	rowspan="3"\|2015 Asian Cup qualification	rowspan="3"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/02/06/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/lebanon/1401823/]
align="center"\|32	align="center"\|3–0
align="center"\|33	align="center"\|5–0
align="center"\|34	rowspan="2"\|11 June 2013	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 4–0	rowspan="2"\|2014 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/06/11/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/lebanon/1269292/]
align="center"\|35	align="center"\|4–0
align="center"\|36	19 November 2013	Camille Chamoun, Beirut, Lebanon	{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|4–1	2015 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/11/19/asia/asian-cup-qualification/lebanon/iran/1401831/]
align="center"\|37	26 March 2015	NV Arena, Sankt Pölten, Austria	{{fb\|CHI}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/26/world/friendlies/iran/chile/1998633/]
align="center"\|38	31 March 2015	Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden	{{fb\|SWE}}	align="center"\|1–2	align="center"\|1–3	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/31/world/friendlies/sweden/iran/1968681/]

Managerial statistics

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
rowspan="2"\| Team !rowspan="2"\| From !rowspan="2"\| To !colspan="5"\|Record
G !W !D !L !Win %
Khooneh be Khooneh \| 1 August 2017 \| 10 January 2018 {{WDL\|22\|12\|8\|2}}
Nassaji Mazandaran \| 1 March 2018 \| 1 January 2019 {{WDL\|29\|12\|11\|6}}
Foolad \| 1 June 2019 \| 23 August 2021 {{WDL\|73\|29\|28\|16}}
Foolad \| 7 November 2021 \| 22 February 2023 {{WDL\|57\|24\|22\|11}}
Esteghlal \|21 June 2023 \|1 October 2024 {{WDL\|38\|21\|12\|5}}
colspan="3"\| Total {{WDLtot\|219\|98\|81\|40}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"

rowspan="2"| Team

!rowspan="2"| From

!rowspan="2"| To

!colspan="5"|Record

!Win %

Khooneh be Khooneh

| 1 August 2017

| 10 January 2018

Nassaji Mazandaran

| 1 March 2018

| 1 January 2019

Foolad

| 1 June 2019

| 23 August 2021

Foolad

| 7 November 2021

| 22 February 2023

Esteghlal

|21 June 2023

|1 October 2024

colspan="3"| Total

Honours

File:Javad Nekounam celebrating IPL title with Esteghlal.jpg]]

=Player=

Pas

Iran Pro League: 2003–04

Esteghlal

Iran Pro League: 2012–13

Al-Kuwait

Kuwait Emir Cup: 2013–14

Iran

Asian Games:2002{{Cite web |date=2002-09-11 |title=اسامي تيم ملي فوتبال اميد براي شركت در مسابقات آسيايي بوسان اعلام شد |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/8106-05505/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=ایسنا |language=fa |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418071013/https://www.isna.ir/news/8106-05505/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85 |url-status=live }}
AFC – OFC Challenge Cup: 2003
West Asian Football Federation Championship: 2004

Individual

Iran football award winners: Player of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.osasuna.es/noticia/el-mejor-jugador-irani|title=El mejor jugador iraní|trans-title=Best Iranian player|publisher=CA Osasuna|language=es|date=13 August 2007|access-date=29 October 2020|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103020309/https://www.osasuna.es/noticia/el-mejor-jugador-irani|url-status=live}}
AFC Champions League Dream Team: 2013
Asian Footballer of the Year nominee: 2013{{cite news|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2013-11/27/content_17133327.htm|title=Zheng Zhi, China's football shine at AFC award gala|newspaper=China Daily|date=27 November 2013|access-date=29 October 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026203342/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2013-11/27/content_17133327.htm|url-status=live}}

=Manager=

Nassaji Mazandaran

Azadegan League: runner-up (promotion) 2017–18

Foolad

Hazfi Cup: 2020–21{{cite web |title=Foolad beat Esteghlal to win Iran's Hazfi Cup |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/463866 |website=Tehran Times |date=8 August 2021 |access-date=9 August 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521115412/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/463866/Foolad-beat-Esteghlal-to-win-Iran-s-Hazfi-Cup |url-status=live }}
Iranian Super Cup: 2021{{cite news |title=Foolad beat Persepolis to win Iran's Super Cup |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/469924 |access-date=2022-02-07 |publisher=Tehran Times |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521115552/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/469924 |url-status=live }}

Esteghlal

Iran Pro League runner-up: 2023–24

Notes

References

External links

{{BDFutbol|1181}}
[https://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/player.php?id=42 profile] at TeamMelli.com
{{NFT player|3215}}
{{FIFA player|185641}}

{{Navboxes

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{{Navboxes

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Category:1980 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Ray, Iran

Category:Footballers from Tehran province

Category:Iranian men's footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Persian Gulf Pro League players

Category:Azadegan League players

Category:PAS Tehran F.C. players

Category:Esteghlal F.C. players

Category:Saipa F.C. players

Category:UAE Pro League players

Category:Al Wahda FC players

Category:Sharjah FC players

Category:La Liga players

Category:Segunda División players

Category:CA Osasuna players

Category:Kuwait SC players

Category:Qatar Stars League players

Category:Al-Arabi SC (Qatar) players

Category:Iran men's under-20 international footballers

Category:Iran men's international footballers

Category:2004 AFC Asian Cup players

Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2007 AFC Asian Cup players

Category:2011 AFC Asian Cup players

Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players

Category:2015 AFC Asian Cup players

Category:Footballers at the 2002 Asian Games

Category:Medalists at the 2002 Asian Games

Category:Asian Games medalists in football

Category:Asian Games gold medalists for Iran

Category:Iranian expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Kuwait

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar

Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates

Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Spain

Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Qatar

Category:FIFA Men's Century Club

Category:Iranian football managers

Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Kuwait

Category:F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran managers

Category:Foolad F.C. managers

Category:Persian Gulf Pro League managers

Category:Esteghlal F.C. managers

Category:21st-century Iranian sportsmen

scope="col"\|No. !scope="col"\|Date !scope="col"\|Venue !scope="col"\|Opponent !scope="col"\|Score !scope="col"\|Result !scope="col"\|Competition !scope="col" class="unsortable"\|{{Abbr\|Ref.\|Reference}}
class="wikitable sortable" \|+ List of international goals scored by Javad Nekounam
align="center"\|*	1 February 2003	Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, China	{{fb\|DEN}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2003 Carlsberg Cup	[http://www.rsssf.com/tablesh/hk-carls03.html]
align="center"\|1	17 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|4–0	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Group-B/]
align="center"\|2	23 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|IRQ\|1991}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–1	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Semifinal/]
align="center"\|3	25 June 2004	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|4–1	align="center"\|4–1	2004 WAFF Championship	[http://www.futbol24.com/international/Arab/WAFF-Championship/2004/Final/]
align="center"\|4	20 July 2004	Olympic Sports Center, Chongqing, China	{{fb\|THA}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|3–0	2004 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/07/20/asia/asian-cup/iran/thailand/255570/]
align="center"\|5	6 August 2004	Workers Stadium, Beijing, China	{{fb\|BHR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|4–2	2004 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/08/06/asia/asian-cup/iran/bahrain/255581/]
align="center"\|6	rowspan="2"\|17 November 2004	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LAO}}	align="center"\|5–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 7–0	rowspan="2"\|2006 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2004/11/17/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/laos/239159/]
align="center"\|7	align="center"\|7–0
align="center"\|8	30 March 2005	Kim Il-sung, Pyongyang, North Korea	{{fb\|PRK}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–0	2006 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2005/03/30/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/korea-dpr/iran/239260/]
align="center"\|9	29 May 2005	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|AZE}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–1	Friendly	[http://www.11v11.com/matches/iran-v-azerbaijan-29-may-2005-254613/]
align="center"\|10	rowspan="2"\|24 August 2005	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LBY\|1977}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 4–0	rowspan="2"\|Friendly	rowspan="2"\|{{citation needed\|date=January 2025}}
align="center"\|11	align="center"\|4–0
align="center"\|12	16 August 2006	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–1	2007 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/08/16/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/syria/346918/]
align="center"\|13	6 September 2006	Abbasiyyin, Damascus, Syria	{{fb\|SYR\|1980}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–0	2007 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/09/06/asia/asian-cup-qualification/syria/iran/346920/]
align="center"\|14	rowspan="2"\|2 July 2007	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|JAM}}	align="center"\|1–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 8–1	rowspan="2"\|Friendly	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/02/world/friendlies/iran/jamaica/468149/]
align="center"\|15	align="center"\|3–0
align="center"\|16	15 July 2007	National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia	{{fb\|CHN}}	align="center"\|2–2	align="center"\|2–2	2007 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/15/asia/asian-cup/china-pr/iran/441560/]
align="center"\|17	18 July 2007	National Stadium, Bukit Jalal, Malaysia	{{fb\|MAS}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	2007 AFC Asian Cup	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/07/18/asia/asian-cup/malaysia/iran/441569/]
align="center"\|18	25 May 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|ZAM}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|3–2	Friendly	[http://www.futbol24.com/team/AFC/Iran/results/#statTR-Page=2]
align="center"\|19	22 June 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KUW}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/06/22/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/kuwait/537244/]
align="center"\|20	6 September 2008	King Fahd International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	{{fb\|KSA}}	align="center"\|1–1	align="center"\|1–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/09/06/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/saudi-arabia/iran/697088/]
align="center"\|21	15 October 2008	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|PRK}}	align="center"\|2–0	align="center"\|2–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/10/15/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-dpr/697098/]
align="center"\|22	11 February 2009	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–1	2010 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/02/11/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-republic/697108/]
align="center"\|23	14 November 2009	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|JOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2011 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/11/14/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/jordan/651587/]
align="center"\|24	3 March 2010	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|THA}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2011 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/03/03/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/thailand/651593/]
align="center"\|25	2 January 2011	Jassim Bin Hamad, Doha, Qatar	{{fb\|ANG}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/01/02/world/friendlies/iran/angola/1063534/]
align="center"\|26	rowspan="2"\|2 September 2011	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|IDN}}	align="center"\|1–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 3–0	rowspan="2"\|2014 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/09/02/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/indonesia/1177939/]
align="center"\|27	align="center"\|2–0
align="center"\|28	5 October 2011	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|PLE}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|7–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/10/05/world/friendlies/iran/palestine/1217804/]
align="center"\|29	15 November 2011	Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia	{{fb\|IDN}}	align="center"\|4–1	align="center"\|4–1	2014 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/11/15/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/indonesia/iran/1177948/]
align="center"\|30	16 October 2012	Azadi, Tehran, Iran	{{fb\|KOR}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|1–0	2014 World Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/10/16/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/korea-republic/1269283/]
align="center"\|31	rowspan="3"\|6 February 2013	rowspan="3"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="3"\|{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" \| 5–0	rowspan="3"\|2015 Asian Cup qualification	rowspan="3"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/02/06/asia/asian-cup-qualification/iran/lebanon/1401823/]
align="center"\|32	align="center"\|3–0
align="center"\|33	align="center"\|5–0
align="center"\|34	rowspan="2"\|11 June 2013	rowspan="2"\|Azadi, Tehran, Iran	rowspan="2"\|{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|2–0	rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 4–0	rowspan="2"\|2014 World Cup qualification	rowspan="2"\|[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/06/11/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/iran/lebanon/1269292/]
align="center"\|35	align="center"\|4–0
align="center"\|36	19 November 2013	Camille Chamoun, Beirut, Lebanon	{{fb\|LIB}}	align="center"\|3–0	align="center"\|4–1	2015 Asian Cup qualification	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/11/19/asia/asian-cup-qualification/lebanon/iran/1401831/]
align="center"\|37	26 March 2015	NV Arena, Sankt Pölten, Austria	{{fb\|CHI}}	align="center"\|1–0	align="center"\|2–0	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/26/world/friendlies/iran/chile/1998633/]
align="center"\|38	31 March 2015	Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden	{{fb\|SWE}}	align="center"\|1–2	align="center"\|1–3	Friendly	[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/31/world/friendlies/sweden/iran/1968681/]

Javad Nekounam

Club career

=Early years=

=Osasuna=

=Esteghlal=

=Al-Kuwait=

=Return to Osasuna=

=Saipa=

=Al-Arabi=

International career

Managerial career

Career statistics

=Club=

=International=

Managerial statistics

Honours

=Player=

=Manager=

Notes

See also

References

External links