The People’s Champion: The Football Icon Who Sacrificed Everything to Defy a Regime

One of the most admirable aspects of Karimi’s activism is his refusal to seek political power for himself. He has repeatedly stated that he is not a politician and has no interest in leadership roles; his only goal is to see a "free and prosperous Iran." This humility is rare in the world of political activism and has protected him from the cynicism that often greets those who transition from fame to politics. By positioning himself as a "soldier for the people," he has maintained a level of credibility that crosses provincial, ethnic, and class lines within Iran.