Ali Ansarian was an Iranian professional footballer and actor and presenter. His uncle, Hossein, is a famous Shia cleric.
He played professionally in Iran’s Pro League for Persepolis Football Club and cherished by fans across the country.
Iran is mourning the death of two former national team football players who died from Covid-19 within a week of each other in Tehran.
Mehrdad Minavand died on 27 January and Ali Ansarian died on 3 February 2021.
Age
Ansarian was 43 years old.
Ali Ansarian Dies of COVID
He had been admitted to Farhikhtegan Hospital in Tehran on Jan. 21 and was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) after being tested positive for COVID-19.
Ansarian died from COVID-19 at Farhikhtegan Hospital in Tehran on 3 February 2021, at age 43.
Career
After playing for Persepolis F.C. for several seasons, in July 2006 Ansarian joined the club’s fierce rival, Esteghlal F.C.
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On 22 July 2007, he signed with Azadegan League Steel Azin F.C. for reportedly $150,000. After one season playing in a lower league, he returned to Iran Pro League.
Ansarian had a few short call-ups to the national team. He made his debut for Iran in October 1998 against Kuwait.
Tribute
The former teammates are believed to have contracted the coronavirus when they co-hosted an online television special on the derby match between Persepolis FC and Esteghlal FC, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
“As you may have heard in the news in recent days, Mehrdad Minavand has fallen ill with coronavirus,” a spokesperson explained in a video posted to the former footballer’s official Instagram page on January 21.
“He is in critical condition and his doctor tells us that it’s [sic] because he came to the hospital too late,” the spokesperson said.
Health officials at Laleh Hospital in Tehran announced the footballer’s death the night of January 27, about a week after he was first admitted to the hospital.
“Minavand’s condition was promising until 6 pm, his oxygen level was over 90% and his kidney function and blood pressure were stable, but then suddenly his condition worsened,” Laleh Hospital ICU Director Dr Amir Hossein Lotfi told Iran’s semi-official news agency ISNA.
