Team kits – Persepolis in red, Esteghlal in blue | |
| Location | Tehran, Iran |
|---|---|
| Teams | Esteghlal Persepolis |
| First meeting | Taj 0–0 Persepolis Exhibition (5 April 1968) |
| Latest meeting | Persepolis 2–1 Esteghlal 2024–25 Persian Gulf Pro League(27 February 2025) |
| Stadiums | Azadi Stadium |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | Official matches: 98 Exhibition matches: 7 Total matches: 105 |
| Most wins | Official Matches:Persepolis (29) Friendly Matches:Esteghlal (3) Total Matches:Persepolis (29) |
| Top scorer | Safar Iranpak (7) |
| Largest victory | Taj 0-6Persepolis |
TheTehran derby (Persian:شهرآورد تهران,romanized: Shahrāvard-i Tehrān), also known asBlue-Red derby (Persian:شهرآورد سرخابی,romanized: Shahrāvard-i Sorkhābi), is afootball match between the two prominentTehran clubsEsteghlal andPersepolis.
It is widely considered the major crosstownderby in thePersian Gulf Pro League. This match was declared as the most important derby in Asia and 22nd most important derby in the world in June 2008 byWorld Soccer magazine.[1][2][3] It is considered one of the world's most intense derbies.[4] Despite being a derby between two teams from Tehran, the match has been played in other Iranian cities as well. Taking place at least twice during the year via the league fixtures, this cross-town rivalry has extended to theHazfi Cup.
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The first derby match between the teams took place on April 5, 1968, atAmjadieh Stadium, where the game finished as a scoreless draw. At the time, Esteghlal was known as Taj SC. Both clubs were relatively young . The rivalry between Shahin and Taj was transferred to its current stage when the Shahin club had to cease operations due to poor relations with theIFF.
Over time, the rivalry became more heated and club fans began attaining collective identities. By the mid-1970s Persepolis was seen as a working class club, while Taj was viewed as a club close to the ruling establishment and supported by the upper class of Iranian society.
Due to the sensitive nature of the matches, fan violence has occurred several times. In minor cases, fans break chairs or throw garbage at the field, but in some cases, fans have stormed the field of play, physical fights between opposing teams and fans have broken out, and public property has been destroyed.
Ever since 1995, federation officials have invited foreignreferees to officiate the game to ease fan and player suspicions of referee bias. This occurred after the events of the 39th derby (see below).
Azadi Stadium has been the stadium where most of the matches took place, butAmjadieh Stadium (now Shiroudi) in Tehran andSahand Stadium inTabriz have all hosted the game at least once.
Hassan Rowshan fromEsteghlal F.C., at the age of 18 years and 357 days is yet the youngest player ever who has scored a goal in the Tehran derby. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win againstPersepolis F.C. On May 25, 1974.Ali Alipour, at the age of 19 years and 185 days, became the youngestPersepolis F.C. player ever to score in Tehran derby. He scored the only goal in their 1–0 victory on May 15, 2010.

As of 27 February 2025, there have been 105 competitive first-class meetings between the two teams since the first league meeting in 1969. In all 98 official competitive meetings since 1968, Esteghlal has won 23 and Persepolis 29.
| Tournament | Matches | Esteghlal wins | Draws | Persepolis wins | Esteghlal goals | Persepolis goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iranian Leagues | 76 | 18 | 34 | 24 | 69 | 84 |
| Iranian Hazfi Cup | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Iranian Super Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | – | – |
| Tehran Competitions | 15 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 9 |
| Total Official Matches | 98 | 23 | 46 | 29 | 87 | 99 |
| Friendlies and Exhibitions | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 5 |
| Grand Total | 105 | 26 | 50 | 29 | 95 | 104 |
| P. | 71 | 72 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 | 13 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 |
•Total: Esteghlal with17 higher finishes, Persepolis with25 higher finishes (till end of the2024–25 Persian Gulf Pro League)
Since the first match in 1968, Tehran Derby matches have been held in 5 stadiums, including 3 outside Tehran. The following table shows the details of the stadiums that hosted the Tehran Derby.
| Tehran Derby stadiums | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium | Results | Notes | |||||
| EST | Draws | PRS | |||||
| Azadi Stadium | 18 | 42 | 25 | The home stadium of both teams since 1971, it hosted more Tehran Derby matches than any other stadium so far. Its primary name was Aryamehr. | |||
| Total: 85 | |||||||
| Shahid Shiroudi Stadium | 8 | 6 | 3 | The home stadium of both teams until 1971, it hosted many Tehran Derby matches. Its primary name was Amjadieh. | |||
| Total: 17 | |||||||
| Azadi Stadium (Bandar Abbas) | 0 | 1 | 0 | The second leg between the two teams in the1994–95 season was held at this stadium without any fans. because fans stormed the field in the previous game. | |||
| Total: 1 | |||||||
| Yadegar-e Emam Stadium (Tabriz) | 0 | 1 | 0 | The home stadium ofTractor. The first leg between the two teams in the2002–03 season was held at there Because the Azadi pitch was being renovated. | |||
| Total: 1 | |||||||
| Imam Khomeini Stadium (Arak) | 0 | 0 | 1 | The home stadium ofAluminium. The first leg between the two teams in the2024–25 season was held at there due to the Azadi seats was under renovation. | |||
| Total: 1 | |||||||
Friendly matches are not included in the following records unless otherwise noted.
| Winning margin | Result | Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Persepolis 6–0 Esteghlal | 7 September 1973 | Iranian League |
| 3 | Persepolis 4–1 Esteghlal | 4 February 1972 | |
| Persepolis 0–3Esteghlal | 8 May 1977 | ||
| Persepolis 3–0 Esteghlal | 15 June 1986 | Tehran Province League | |
| Persepolis 3–0 Esteghlal | 11 July 1997 | Iranian League | |
| Persepolis 0–3Esteghlal | 9 December 2011 | Iranian Hazfi Cup |
| Goals | Result | Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Persepolis 6–0 Esteghlal | 7 September 1973 | Iranian League |
| Persepolis 4–2 Esteghlal | 15 April 2016 | ||
| 5 | Persepolis 4–1 Esteghlal | 4 February 1972 | |
| Esteghlal 3–2 Persepolis | 25 February 2005 | ||
| Esteghlal 2–3 Persepolis | 2 February 2012 | ||
| Esteghlal 3–2 Persepolis | 12 February 2017 |
| Games | Club | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Esteghlal | 15 October 2010 – 9 December 2011 |
| 3 | Esteghlal | 22 August 1969 – 17 January 1971 |
| 3 | Persepolis | 18 October 1996 – 13 December 1998 |
| Games | Period |
|---|---|
| 6 | 30 March 2007 – 2 October 2009 |
| 4 | 24 August 2012 – 17 January 2014 |
| 4 | 15 July 2021 – 20 December 2022 |
| Games | Period |
|---|---|
| 6 | 3 February 2010 – 2 February 2012 |
| 4 | 4 February 1972 – 7 September 1973 |
| 4 | 25 May 1974 – 17 October 1975 |
| 4 | 12 February 2017 – 20 July 2018 |
| Games | Club | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 18 (8 wins) | Persepolis | 20 July 2018 – 27 February 2025 |
| 10 (5 wins) | Esteghlal | 25 May 1990 – 29 December 1995 |
| 10 (4 wins) | Persepolis | 2 February 2012 – 16 September 2016 |
| 9 (5 wins) | Persepolis | 29 December 1995 – 29 December 2000 |
| 9 (2 wins) | Persepolis | 10 March 2006 – 3 February 2010 |
| Games | Club | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 14 (6 wins) | Persepolis | 20 July 2018 – 27 February 2025 |
| 10 (4 wins) | Persepolis | 2 February 2012 – 16 September 2016 |
| 9 (4 wins) | Persepolis | 10 March 2006 – 3 February 2010 |
| 8 (4 wins) | Persepolis | 29 December 1995 – 29 December 2000 |
| 7 (5 wins) | Esteghlal | 25 May 1990 – 29 December 1995 |
| Games | Club | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Esteghlal | 5 March 1992 – 1 January 1993 |
| 4 | Persepolis | 29 December 1995 – 13 November 1998 |
| 4 | Esteghlal | 15 October 2010 – 9 December 2011 |
| 4 | Persepolis | 24 August 2012 – 17 January 2014 |
| 4 | Esteghlal | 24 August 2012 – 17 January 2014 |
| Games | Club | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Esteghlal | 3 November 2006 – 2 February 2012 |
| 8 | Persepolis | 3 November 2006 – 3 February 2010 |

League = "Iranian Leagues" ; Cup = "Hazfi Cup" ; Region = "Tehran Competitions" ; Other = "Friendlies" or "Exhibitions"
| Competition | Player | Club(s) | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iranian Leagues | Persepolis | 6 | |
| Iranian Hazfi Cup | Esteghlal | 2 | |
| Tehran Province League | Esteghlal | 3 | |
| Persepolis Esteghlal | 3 |
| Player | Club(s) | Consecutive matches | Total goals in the run | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persepolis | 3 | 3 | 1970–71 Tehran Province League | 1971–72 Local League (second leg) | |
| Persepolis | 3 | 3 | 1998–99 Azadegan League (first leg) | 1998–99 Hazfi Cup (final) | |
| Esteghlal | 3 | 3 | 2009–10 Persian Gulf Cup (first leg) | 2010–11 Persian Gulf Cup (first leg) |

| Apps | Player | Club(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Persepolis | |
| 19 | Esteghlal Persepolis | |
| 18 | Persepolis | |
| Esteghlal | ||
| 17 | ||
| Persepolis | ||
| 16 | ||
| Esteghlal | ||
| Persepolis | ||

| Player | Club(s) | Period | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esteghlal | 2005–07, 2011–14, 2015–19 | 9 | |
| Esteghlal Persepolis | 1990–93 1994–2001 | 8 | |
| Persepolis | 2016–20, 2022–24 | 7 | |
| Esteghlal | 1969–75, 1980–86 | 5 | |
| Persepolis | 1980–92 | 5 | |
| Persepolis | 2012–15 | 4 |
| Player | Club(s) | Consecutive matches | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persepolis | 4 | 1995–96 Azadegan League (second leg) | 1998–99 Azadegan League (first leg) | |
| Persepolis | 4 | 2012–13 Persian Gulf Cup (first leg) | 2013–14 Persian Gulf Cup (second leg) | |
| Esteghlal | 4 | 2012–13 Persian Gulf Cup (first leg) | 2013–14 Persian Gulf Cup (second leg) |


Ahat-trick is achieved when the same player scores three goals in one match. Listed in chronological order.
| Sequence | Player | No. of goals | Time of goals | Representing | Final score | Opponent | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 3 | 50', 86', 92' | Persepolis | 6–0 | Esteghlal | 13th derby | |
| 2. | 3 | 82', 83', 92' | Persepolis | 3–2 | Esteghlal | 74th derby |
ABrace is achieved when the same player scores two goals in one match. Listed in chronological order.
| Sequence | Player | No. of goals | Time of goals | Representing | Final score | Opponent | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2 | 43', 90' | Persepolis | 4–1 | Esteghlal | 9th derby | |
| 2. | 2 | 40', 87' | Esteghlal | 2–0 | Persepolis | 11th derby | |
| 3. | 2 | 45', 56' | Persepolis | 6–0 | Esteghlal | 13th derby | |
| 4. | 2 | 11', 62' | Esteghlal | 3–1 | Persepolis | 17th derby | |
| 5. | 2 | 15', 34' | Persepolis | 2–1 | Esteghlal | 22th derby | |
| 6. | 2 | 12', 52' | Persepolis | 3–0 | Esteghlal | 28th derby | |
| 7. | 2 | 7', 46' | Persepolis | 2–2 | Esteghlal | 73th derby | |
| 8. | 2 | 95', 99' | Esteghlal | 3–0 | Persepolis | 74th derby | |
| 9. | 2 | 5', 35' | Persepolis | 4–2 | Esteghlal | 83th derby | |
| 10. | 2 | 24', 52' | Esteghlal | 2–2 | Persepolis | 92nd derby | |
| 11. | 2 | 16', 89' | Persepolis | 2–2 | Esteghlal | 99th derby |
| Rank | Head coach | Club | Matches | Win | Draw | Lost | Winning rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esteghlal | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 40% | |
| 2 | Esteghlal | 18 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 33% | |
| 3 | Persepolis | 26 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 23% | |
| 4 | Persepolis | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 50% | |
| 5 | Esteghlal | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 50% | |
| 6 | Persepolis | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 50% | |
| 7 | Persepolis | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 25% | |
| 8 | Esteghlal | 14 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 21% | |
| 9 | Persepolis | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66% | |
| 10 | Persepolis | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66% | |
| 11 | Esteghlal | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40% |
|
| Esteghlal | Competition | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| Regional | ||
| 13 | Tehran Province League | 6 |
| 4 | Tehran Province Hazfi Cup | 2 |
| — | Tehran Tournament | 1 |
| — | Espandi Cup | 1 |
| 1 | Tehran Super Cup | — |
| 18 | Regional Total | 10 |
| National | ||
| 9 | Iranian Leagues | 16 |
| 8 | Iranian Hazfi Cup | 7 |
| 1 | Iranian Super Cup | 5 |
| 1 | Iran Championship Cup | — |
| 19 | National Total | 28 |
| Continental | ||
| 2 | Asian Club Championship | — |
| — | Asian Cup Winners' Cup | 1 |
| 2 | Continental Total | 1 |
| 39 | Grand Total | 39 |
| Titles | Esteghlal | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| Club name after establishment | Docharkhe Savaran Sport Club | Persepolis Sport Club |
| Founding date | 26 September 1945 | Club: 22 November 1963 Football team: 21 March 1968 |
| Stadium | Azadi Stadium | |
| Capacity | 78,116 | |
| Number of seasons inIranian Leagues | 41 (1 relegated) | 41 (1 withdrew due to national duties) |
| Most goals scored in a season in Iranian League | 70(2008–09) | 56(1971–72,1998–99) |
| Most points in a season in Iranian League | 68(2021–22) | 68(2023–24) |
| NationalDouble wins (Iranian League andIranian Hazfi Cup) | — | 3 |
| Regional Double wins (Tehran Province League and Tehran Hazfi Cup) | 1 | 1 |
| Domestic Combined Double Wins (National Competitions and Regional Competitions) | 2 | 1 |
| Domestic/International Double wins (Tehran Province League andAsian Cup Winners Cup) | — | 1 |
| Domestic CombinedTreble Wins (Tehran League, Tehran Hazfi Cup and Iranian Hazfi Cup) | — | 1 |
| Most Consecutive Iranian League trophies | — | 5 times in a row (Glut) |
| Most Consecutive Iranian Hazfi Cup trophies | — | 2 times in a row (Brace) |
| Most Consecutive Tehran League trophies | 4 times in a row (Poker) | 5 times in a row (Glut) |
TheIFFHS Asian Player of the Year is an annual prize presented byInternational Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). It had originally been the predecessor of the AFC Player of the Year, but was revived in 2020.
| Award | Esteghlal | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 | 1 |
| 3rd | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 1 |
TheAFC Player of the Year is an annual prize presented byAsian Football Confederation (AFC). It is awarded to the Asian player who has the best performance at AFC club(s) in a calendar year.
| Award | Esteghlal | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 | 2 |
| 3rd | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 2 |
Best Footballer in Asia is an annual association football award organized and presented byTitan Sports. It is awarded to the player who had the best performance for Asian football during the calendar year.
| Award | Esteghlal | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 0 |
| 2nd | 0 | 0 |
| 3rd | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 0 | 1 |
| Award | Esteghlal | Persepolis |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Boot | 7 | 10 |
Over the years, a number of players have played for both of the heavily supported clubs. Switching sides often angers fans, and players who have done so are heavily booed and mocked in and out of the stadium. WhenMehdi Hasheminasab joined Esteghlal, Persepolis fans booed and swore at him so loudly that he covered his face with his hands to hide his tears.
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| Rank | Referees | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | |
| 2 | 6 | |
| 3 | 3 | |
| 3 | ||
| 5 | 2 | |
| 2 |
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