Ryan Tafazolli

Ryan Sirous Tafazolli (/ˈraɪən/ ry-ən siːruːs tɑːfɑzːəʋliː ; Persian: رایان سیروس تفضلی; Persian pronunciation: [siːruːs-e tɑːfɑːəʋli]; born 28 September 1991) is an Iranian–English[2] professional footballer who plays for EFL League One club Hull City. Born in Sutton, London, he was originally a member of the Southampton youth system.

Ryan Tafazolli
Personal information
Full name Ryan Sirous Tafazolli[1]
Date of birth (1991-09-28) 28 September 1991
Place of birth Sutton, London, England
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Playing position(s) Centre-back
Club information
Current team
 Hull City
Number 3
Youth career
2005–2011 Southampton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2011 Southampton 0 (0)
2009 → Salisbury City (loan) 5 (0)
2011 → Salisbury City (loan) 0 (0)
2011–2012 Concord Rangers
2012 Cambridge City 6 (0)
2012–2016 Mansfield Town 109 (8)
2016–2019 Peterborough United 101 (5)
2019– Hull City 15 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20:54, 22 July 2020 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Ryan Tafazolli originally joined the Southampton Academy in 2005. He went on to captain the successful Under-18 youth team and also the reserve team.[3]

His first taste of first-team football came after he joined Conference Premier team Salisbury City on a one-month loan starting October 2009,[3] but his professional debut against York City on 10 October 2009 was a disaster, as he was sent off in the second half. Nevertheless, Salisbury City won the match 1–0.[4] Tafazolli later played five league games and one FA Cup fixture[5] before returning to his parent club in December.[6] After still not breaking into the squad at Southampton, he returned to Salisbury in 2011 for three months, playing three times in the FA Trophy.[5]

After being released by Southampton,[7] Tafazolli went on trial with Eastleigh[8] and Reading in an effort to win a contract with the club.[9] However, Tafazolli's best efforts to win a contract with these clubs failed.[10] He subsequently joined Isthmian League Premier Division side Concord Rangers, where he had a brief spell.[11]

In April 2012, Tafazolli joined Southern Premier League side Cambridge City on a short-term contract. He played six games for City, helping them reach the promotion playoffs.[12]

Mansfield Town

2012–13

Tafazolli signed for Conference club Mansfield Town on 20 August 2012.[13][14] Tafazolli made his Mansfield Town debut on 15 September 2012, in a 2–0 win over Braintree Town.[15] Despite an injured hamstring for most of the campaign,[16] during which time he only picked up five league appearances, at the end of Mansfield's title-winning season he was offered a new contract with the club.[17][18]

2013–14

At the start of the 2013–14 season, Tafazolli changed his shirt number from 32 to 12.[19] Tafazolli started the season on the bench, making his first start in a 3–0 win over Northampton Town on 21 September 2013.[20] Tafazolli soon suffered a knee injury that kept him out for a month.[21] He made his return on 29 December 2013, when Mansfield Town won 2–1 against Cheltenham Town.[22] From that point on, Tafazolli established himself and joined up with various partners in defence. His first goal for the club came on 8 March 2014 in a 2–1 win over Newport County[23] and he scored another in a 3–0 win over Rochdale a week later.[24] At the end of the 2013–14 season, Tafazolli won three awards; Fans' player of the season, Chairman and Directors' player of the season, and the Stags' Association player of the season despite only making 24 appearances.[25]

On 18 June 2014, Tafazolli accepted a new contract offered by the club.[26]

2014–15

In the pre-season of the 2014–15 season, Mansfield turned down a bid from Scottish Professional Football League side Dundee United for Ryan Tafazolli.[27] The club explained their decision on their website.[28] Tafazolli scored his first goal for the club at the start of the season in a 2–1 win over Oxford United.[29] Things went well until he injured a hamstring during a match against Accrington Stanley in early October, which Mansfield Town lost 1–0.[30] This left him on the sidelines until 15 November 2014 in a 2–0 loss against Shrewsbury Town.[31] Tafazolli was sent off after a second bookable offence in a 1–1 draw against Hartlepool United on 26 December 2014.[32] After serving a one-match ban, Tafazolli suffered a virus that kept him out for weeks.[33] He made his return to the first team in a 0–0 draw against Wycombe Wanderers on 24 January 2015.[34] Tafazolli made 42 appearances and scored once in all competitions.[35] At the end of the season, Tafazolli signed a contract with the club.[36]

2015–16

Tafazolli scored in a 2–0 league win over Stevenage on 29 September 2015.[37]

Peterborough United

On 6 June 2016, Tafazolli signed a three-year deal at League One club Peterborough United.[38] He scored his first goal for the club on 18 October 2016 in a 3–0 victory against Northampton Town.

Tafazolli was named as Peterborough's best defender for the 2016–17 season in April 2017.[39] In May he was also voted as Peterborough's best player of the 2016–17 season.[40]

He was released by Peterborough United at the end of the 2018–19 season.[41]

Hull City

On 18 July 2019, Tafazolli signed a two-year deal with Hull City.[42] Tafazolli made his first appearance for the club in the first match of the 2019–20 season in the 2–1 away defeat to Swansea City, when he came off the bench to replace Jordy de Wijs.[43]

International career

Eligibility

Since Tafazolli has Iranian Citizenship through Jus sanguinis principles, he is eligible to play for Iran. Tafazolli was born in England and is a British citizen; he thus had the choice of either playing for Iran or England.

When asked about his choice in a 2016 interview, he stated:[44]

First off, it would make my family so proud. It would be an honor to play for a football loving nation like Iran and at the same time serve my country of heritage. Playing under Carlos Queiroz would also be a dream – he has coached some of the best players in the world. I'm a physical center back and standing at 6'5 I can offer them a tough backbone that you develop growing up in England. To get called up I know I need to play at a higher level, perhaps league 1/championship being the minimum so hopefully when I make it there I've got a chance. I can also score a lot of goals for a defender as well. Playing for Iran would be amazing.

Personal life

Ryan Tafazolli has Iranian ancestry.[45]

Career statistics
As of 22 July 2020.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Salisbury City (loan) 2008–09[46] Conference Premier 5010–0060
Salisbury City (loan) 2010–11[5] SFL Premier Division 0000–3[lower-alpha 1]030
Mansfield Town 2012–13[47] Conference Premier 5000–0050
2013–14[48] League Two 242000000242
2014–15[49] 36140101[lower-alpha 2]0421
2015–16[50] 445201100476
Mansfield total 10986021101189
Peterborough United 2016–17[51] League One 31340003[lower-alpha 3]0383
2017–18[52] 33162106[lower-alpha 3]0463
2018–19[53] 371401050471
Peterborough total 1015142201401317
Hull City 2019–20[54] Championship 152202100193
Career total 230152326218027719
  1. Appearances in the FA Trophy
  2. Appearance in the Football League Trophy
  3. Appearances in the EFL Trophy
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References
  1. "The Football League Limited: Club list of registered players as at 16th May 2015" (PDF). The Football League. 16 May 2015. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  2. Mahbod (29 April 2016). "Iranian footballers in Europe: Ryan Tafazolli". Iran Sports Press. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  3. "Loan Move for Ryan". Southampton F.C. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  4. "Salisbury City 1–0 York City". BBC Sport. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  5. "Ryan Tafazolli". FootballDatabase.eu. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  6. "Weymouth v Salisbury City preview / Tafazolli returns to Saints". Southampton Daily Echo. 11 December 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  7. "Southampton duo prepare for talks". BBC Sport. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  8. "Eastleigh hand trial to ex-Saint Ryan Tafazolli". Southampton Daily Echo. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  9. "Why Aaron Martin is a great incentive?". Southampton Daily Echo. 8 August 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  10. "Eastleigh Make Late Signings". The Official Football Conference League Website. 15 August 2011. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  11. "Ryan Tafazolli turns out for Southend United to boost hopes of return to league". Echo. 14 March 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  12. "Cambridge City v Swindon Supermarine". Cambridge City FC. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  13. "Mansfield Town sign defender Ryan Tafazolli". BBC Sport. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  14. "Mansfield Town sign former Southampton trainee Ryan Tafazolli". Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  15. "Tafazolli set for debut". Mansfield Town F.C. 15 September 2012. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  16. "Cox will play strongest side v Slough". Mansfield Town F.C. 1 November 2012. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  17. "Mansfield Town give defender Ryan Tafazolli new deal". This is Nottingham. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  18. "Mansfield Town: Lee Beevers one of 11 offered new deals". BBC Sport. 3 May 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  19. "Squad numbers announced". Mansfield Town F.C. 18 July 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  20. "Two changes for Cobblers clash". Mansfield Town F.C. 21 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
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  22. "Match Report: Cheltenham Town 1 – 3 Mansfield Town". Mansfield Town F.C. 29 December 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  23. "Mansfield Town 2–1 Newport County". BBC Sport. 8 March 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  24. "Mansfield Town 3 – 1 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  25. "In pictures: Annual Dinner Awards". Mansfield Town F.C. 8 May 2014. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  26. "Duo agree Football League deals". Mansfield Town F.C. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  27. "Dundee United fail with bid for Mansfield defender Ryan Tafazolli". BBC Sport. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  28. "Stags reject bids for duo". Mansfield Town F.C. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  29. "Mansfield Town 2 – 1 Oxford United". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  30. "Defensive duo face spells on the sidelines". Mansfield Town F.C. 7 October 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  31. "Team news from Greenhous Meadow". Mansfield Town F.C. 15 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  32. "Mansfield Town 1 – 1 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  33. "I've experienced the difference the fans can make says boss". Mansfield Town F.C. 23 January 2015. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  34. "Mansfield Town 0 – 0 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  35. "Tafazolli casts eye to the future". Mansfield Town F.C. 1 May 2015. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  36. "Gaffer expects trio to stay". Mansfield Town. 9 June 2015. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  37. "Match Report". Mansfieldtown.net. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  38. "Ryan Tafazolli & Andrew Hughes join Peterborough United". BBC Sport. 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  39. http://www.peterborough.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=490942#ixzz4gXKmnOKJ
  40. http://www.peterborough.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=491526
  41. "Peterborough United: Aaron Chapman among five transfer-listed as four released". BBC Sport. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  42. "Tafazolli Pens Permanent Deal". Hull City A.F.C. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  43. "Swansea City 2–1 Hull City". BBC Sport. BBC. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  44. Zarandi, Dara (1 May 2016). "Ryan Tafazolli interview". Persianfootball.com. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  45. Reed, Tom (12 August 2014). "Gripped by the Cobblers: The Tom Reed column – Northampton Town show match-winning credentials | Northampton Herald & Post". Northampton-news-hp.co.uk. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  46. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  47. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  48. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  49. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  50. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  51. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  52. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  53. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  54. "Games played by Ryan Tafazolli in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
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