Strong, composed, and occasionally goal-hungry, Melika Motevalli Taher—commonly known as Melika Motevalli—has become one of the most versatile and influential players in Iranian women’s football. As a defender who knows when to push forward, she stands out for her leadership, tactical intelligence, and knack for scoring in big matches.
Early Life & Rise Through Youth Ranks
Born on May 6, 1998, in Babol, Melika showed early promise on the football field. She rose quickly through the national youth setups—playing in Iran’s U‑16 team in 2012, then earning U‑19 caps by 2014. Her calmness under pressure and reading of the game marked her as a future leader.
Club Career & Position as Defensive Mainstay
Melika plays for Shahrdari Sirjan in Iran’s top women’s league, where she occupies the center-back position and wears the number 4 jersey. Her club career is marked by consistency, leadership, and strong defensive performances that have helped shape Sirjan’s backline during key league campaigns.
International Career: Defender with a Scoring Edge
Earning her first senior cap in 2018, Melika has since made at least 7 appearances for the Iran national team, scoring one goal in addition to her defensive responsibilities.
Her international goals include standout moments:
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Scored in a 7–0 win during Olympic qualifiers in November 2018
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Found the net against Tajikistan in the 2022 Central Asian Women’s Championship
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Netted the winner in a tight 1–0 match during AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification
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Added goals throughout the 2022-23 regional qualifiers and friendlies
Her ability to score from defense highlights her attacking versatility and composure at set pieces and in transition.
Playing Style & Core Strengths
Melika’s mix of defensive grit and attacking awareness makes her a unique asset:
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Composed defender: excels at reading the play and breaking up attacks
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Ball-winning focus: strong in tackles and intercepting through-balls
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Threat in set-piece situations: actively contributes goals from corners or free kicks
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Leadership through presence: calm direction helps organize the defensive line
She bridges the gap between defense and attack, helping her team maintain shape and exploit chances.
Key Achievements & Milestones
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Central figure for Shahrdari Sirjan in Iran’s top division
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Represented Iran at U‑16 and U‑19 levels, moving up to senior side in 2018
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Scored multiple international goals in Olympic qualifiers, CAFA tournaments, and Asian Cup qualifiers
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Known for stepping up in critical matches—defining key moments as a defender with scoring ability
Earnings & Professional Outlook
Her income stems from:
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A professional contract with Shahrdari Sirjan, including base salary and bonuses
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National team fees for camps and international matches
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Occasional performance bonuses tied to match outcomes, clean sheets, or goals
As one of the consistent faces of Iranian women’s football, her experience, leadership, and scoring ability likely place her among the better-compensated players in her league.
What Lies Ahead
At 27, Melika is entering the prime of her career. Her goals include:
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Leading Sirjan to national titles and regional club tournaments
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Cementing her position as a defensive mainstay and occasional goal contributor for Iran
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Possibly pursuing opportunities abroad as Iran’s visibility in women’s football grows
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Mentoring younger players to advance the next generation of Iranian talent
