Masoud Shojaei

{{Short description|Iranian footballer (born 1984)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Masoud Shojaei | image = China PR & Iran pre-match conference 7.jpg | upright = | caption = Shojaei with [[Iran national football team|Iran]] in 2019 | full_name = Masoud Soleimani Shojaei<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF|title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – List of Players|publisher=FIFA|date=4 June 2018|access-date=11 June 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619164139/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF|archive-date=19 June 2018}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|6|9|df=y}}<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/masoud-shojaei_prs206850/person.shtml|title=Masoud Shojaei|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref> | birth_place = [[Shiraz]], Iran<ref name=Bio/> | height = 1.85 m<ref name=Bio/> | position = [[Attacking midfielder]] | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = 1999–2000 | youthclubs1 = [[Sanat Naft Abadan F.C.|Sanat Naft]] | youthyears2 = 2000–2002 | youthclubs2 = [[Saipa F.C.|Saipa]] | years1 = 2002–2003 | clubs1 = [[Sanat Naft Abadan F.C.|Sanat Naft]] | caps1 = 12 | goals1 = 1 | years2 = 2003–2006 | clubs2 = [[Saipa F.C.|Saipa]] | caps2 = 60 | goals2 = 5 | years3 = 2006–2008 | clubs3 = [[Sharjah FC|Al-Sharjah]] | caps3 = 12 | goals3 = 3 | years4 = 2008–2013 | clubs4 = [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] | caps4 = 101 | goals4 = 8 | years5 = 2013–2014 | clubs5 = [[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]] | caps5 = 29 | goals5 = 5 | years6 = 2014–2015 | clubs6 = [[Al Shahaniya SC|Al Shahaniya]] | caps6 = 24 | goals6 = 5 | years7 = 2015–2016 | clubs7 = [[Al-Gharafa SC|Al-Gharafa]] | caps7 = 25 | goals7 = 4 | years8 = 2016–2018 | clubs8 = [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]] | caps8 = 41 | goals8 = 7 | years9 = 2018 | clubs9 = [[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]] | caps9 = 12 | goals9 = 0 | years10 = 2018–2021 | clubs10 = [[Tractor S.C.|Tractor]] | caps10 = 84 | goals10 = 7 | years11 = 2021–2023 | clubs11 = [[F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran|Nassaji]] | caps11 = 24 | goals11 = 2 | years12 = 2023 | clubs12 = → [[Havadar S.C.|Havadar]] (loan) | caps12 = 11 | goals12 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2005 | nationalteam1 = [[Iran B national football team|Iran B]] | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 1 | nationalyears2 = 2004–2019 | nationalteam2 = [[Iran national football team|Iran]] | nationalcaps2 = 90 | nationalgoals2 = 8 | manageryears1 = 2020 | managerclubs1 = [[Tractor S.C.|Tractor]] (player-manager) | manageryears2 = 2023–2024 | managerclubs2 = [[Havadar S.C.|Havadar]] | manageryears3 = 2024–2025 | managerclubs3 = [[Mes Rafsanjan F.C.|Mes Rafsanjan]] | club-update = | nationalteam-update = }} '''Masoud Soleimani Shojaei ''' ({{langx|fa| مسعود سلیمانی شجاعی}}; born 9 June 1984) is an Iranian coach and former professional [[association football|footballer]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=رسمی: شجاعی سرمربی مس رفسنجان شد |url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/2082305/%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A8%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B3-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B4%D8%AF |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=ورزش سه |language=fa}}</ref> Shojaei played mainly as an [[attacking midfielder]], he could also play as a [[winger (association football)|winger]] or [[forward (association football)|forward]].

After playing in his country for two clubs and with [[Al Sharjah SC|Al-Sharjah]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]], he went on to spend several seasons in Spain with [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]], appearing in 112 official matches.

An [[Iran national football team|Iranian international]] since 2004, Shojaei has represented his country in three [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] and four [[AFC Asian Cup|Asian Cups]].

==Club career== ===Early years=== Shojaei was born in [[Shiraz]], and lived most of his life in [[Abadan, Iran|Abadan]] and [[Tehran]].<ref>[http://www.ksabz.net/article.asp?AID=12193 Interview with ''Khanevadeye Sabz'' magazine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927014134/http://www.ksabz.net/article.asp?AID=12193|date=27 September 2007}} (in Persian)</ref> He started his career with [[Sanat Naft Abadan F.C.]] before moving to [[Saipa F.C.]] of [[Karaj]] in the [[Iran Pro League]]; having signed at the age of 19, he went on to play three seasons with the latter.

After the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]], Shojaei moved to the [[United Arab Emirates]] and signed for [[Al Sharjah SC]]. He scored his first goal for the club in [[UAE Football League|the League]] on 3 October, against [[Emirates Club]].

===Osasuna=== On 23 June 2008, after previous attempts from [[VfL Wolfsburg]] in Germany and Italy's [[S.S.C. Napoli]], Shojaei signed with Spanish side [[CA Osasuna]] for three years, teaming up with compatriot [[Javad Nekounam]]. The deal included a [[Euro|€]]6 million [[buyout clause]] for the first 18 months of his contract, being reduced to €3.5 million for the remainder of his stay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Polden |first=Jake |date=23 June 2008 |title=Masoud Shojaei, internacional iraní, ficha por Osasuna para tres temporadas |url=https://www.osasuna.es/dev/actualidad/ultimasnoticias/masoud-shojaei-internacional-irani-ficha-por-osasuna-para-tres-temporadas- |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702090835/http://www.osasuna.es/dev/actualidad/ultimasnoticias/masoud-shojaei-internacional-irani-ficha-por-osasuna-para-tres-temporadas- |archive-date=2 July 2008 |access-date=3 July 2010 |website=CA Osasuna |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2008/06/23/748833/osasuna-sign-iranian-star-masoud-shojaei|title=Osasuna sign Iranian star Masoud Shojaei|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|first=Afshin|last=Afshar|date=23 June 2008|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref>

Shojaei made his [[La Liga]] debut on 31 August 2008, playing 32 minutes in a 1–1 home draw against [[Villarreal CF]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Empate de justicia en Pamplona |trans-title=Fair draw in Pamplona |url=https://www.marca.com/marcador/futbol/2008_09/primera/jornada_1/osa_vil/ |date=31 August 2008 |access-date=20 May 2014 |website=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |language=es}}</ref> During his first two seasons he appeared almost always as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]], as the [[Navarre]]se managed to maintain its division status; the player remained a regular even after the coaching changed at the club, as [[José Ángel Ziganda]] was replaced by [[José Antonio Camacho]].<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=23 September 2010 |title=Los suplentes de Osasuna vencen por 2–1 al Izarra de Tercera División |trans-title=Osasuna bench players defeat Izarra from ''Tercera División'' 2–1 |url=https://www.diariodenavarra.es/archivo/actualidad/20100923/deportes/los-suplentes-osasuna-vencen-2-1-al-izarra.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702061410/http://www.diariodenavarra.es/20100923/deportes/los-suplentes-osasuna-vencen-2-1-al-izarra.html?not=2010092319361524&dia=20100923 |archive-date=2 July 2014 |access-date=20 May 2014 |website=[[Diario de Navarra]] |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=4 February 2011 |title=Camacho descarta a Nekounam y a Masoud pese a tener el alta médica |url=http://www.diariodenavarra.es/20110204/deportes/camacho-descarta-nekounam-masoud-pese-tener-alta-medica.html?not=2011020412530090&dia=20110204 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702070650/http://www.diariodenavarra.es/20110204/deportes/camacho-descarta-nekounam-masoud-pese-tener-alta-medica.html?not=2011020412530090&dia=20110204 |archive-date=2 July 2014 |access-date=20 May 2014 |website=[[Diario de Navarra]] |language=es}}</ref>

Shojaei – who was addressed by his first name during his spell in Spain – appeared regularly again for Osasuna in the [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11 campaign]], but also spent one month at the [[2011 AFC Asian Cup]] with his national team. In late May, he renewed his contract with the club for another two seasons, also having the option of an annual renewal of his link.<ref>[http://www.persianfootball.com/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3603:iranian-duo-to-stay-in-pamplona&catid=16:iranian-legionairs&Itemid=177 Iranian duo to stay at Osasuna] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717133112/http://www.persianfootball.com/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3603%3Airanian-duo-to-stay-in-pamplona&catid=16%3Airanian-legionairs&Itemid=177|date=17 July 2011}}; Persian Football, 31 May 2011</ref>

Shojaei spent the entire [[2011–12 La Liga|2011–12]] on the sidelines, due to injury.<ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/12/07/2791434/osasunas-masoud-shojaei-undergoes-operation-in-germany-in-an Osasuna's Masoud Shojaei undergoes operation in Germany in an attempt to return from injury]; Goal, 7 December 2011</ref> On 25 February 2013, in his fourth appearance since returning, he scored a stunning goal to help Osasuna win it 2–0 at [[Levante UD]].<ref>[http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/348284/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739 Levante 0–2 Osasuna]; [[ESPN FC]], 25 February 2013</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Levante-Osasuna: resumen, goles y resultado |url=https://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2012_13/primera/jornada_25/lev_osa/ |access-date=21 March 2013 |website=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |language=es}}</ref>

Despite a solid start to his spell, Shojaei was eventually released in June 2013.<ref>[http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/61963/osasuna-announce-masoud-departure/ Osasuna announce Masoud departure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025019/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/61963/osasuna-announce-masoud-departure/|date=8 May 2014}}; Inside Spanish Football, 15 June 2013</ref> Shortly after, he was linked with a move to fellow league club [[Real Valladolid]],<ref>{{cite web |title=El Valladolid contacta con Masoud Shojaei |trans-title=Valladolid contact Masoud Shojaei |url=https://www.resultados-futbol.com/noticia/valladolid-contacta-masoud-shojaei |date=18 June 2013 |access-date=21 August 2013 |website=Resultados de Fútbol |language=es}}</ref> but nothing came of it.

===Las Palmas=== On 3 September 2013, Shojaei moved clubs but stayed in Spain, joining [[Segunda División]] side [[UD Las Palmas]] on a one-year contract.<ref>[http://www.udlaspalmas.es/-/el-internacional-irani-masoud-jugara-en-la-ud-hasta-final-de-temporada El internacional iraní Masoud jugará en la UD hasta final de temporada (Iranian international Masoud will play for UD until end of season)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904223759/http://www.udlaspalmas.es/-/el-internacional-irani-masoud-jugara-en-la-ud-hasta-final-de-temporada|date=4 September 2013}}; UD Las Palmas, 3 September 2013 (in Spanish)</ref> He found the net in his debut, in a 3–1 away victory over [[CE Sabadell FC]] for [[2013–14 Copa del Rey|the second round]] of the [[Copa del Rey]].<ref>[http://www.marca.com/2013/09/11/futbol/copa_rey/1378925092.html Las Palmas no perdona ante el Sabadell (Las Palmas show no mercy against Sabadell)]; Marca, 11 September 2013 (in Spanish)</ref>

Shojaei scored twice and provided an [[Assist (association football)|assist]] in the first half of the league fixture against the same opponent on 15 March 2014, in an eventual 5–0 home win.<ref>[http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2014/03/16/shojaei-brace-and-assist-in-las-palmas-win-video/ Shojaei brace and assist in Las Palmas win &#91;VIDEO&#93;]; Persian Football, 16 March 2014</ref>

===Qatar=== After the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]], Shojaei turned down an offer from [[Real Zaragoza]] and moved to [[Al-Shahania Sports Club]] in the [[Qatar Stars League]] alongside compatriot [[Mehrdad Pooladi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Officiellt: Shojaei nästa iranier till arabiska ligor |url=https://www.svenskafans.com/varlden/officiellt-shojaei-nasta-iranier-till-arabiska-ligor-515065 |date=11 September 2014 |access-date=12 September 2014 |website=Svenska Fans |language=sv}}</ref> On 14 December 2014, he scored a [[hat-trick]] in a 3–1 away win against eventual runners-up [[Al Sadd SC]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kooora.com/?n=370594|title= شجاعي يقود الشحانية لمفاجأة أمام السد بالدوري القطري|trans-title=Shojaei leads Al Shahaniya to upset of Al Sadd in Qatari league|publisher=Kooora|language=ar|date=14 December 2014|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> one year later, after [[2014–15 Qatar Stars League|suffering relegation]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/310233/الشحانیه-با-پولادی-و-شجاعی-سقوط-کرد؛-الوکره-با-قوچی-از-سقوط-گریخت|title=الشحانیه با پولادی و شجاعی سقوط کرد؛ الوکره با قوچی از سقوط گریخت|trans-title=Al-Shahania got relegated with Shojaei and Pouladi; Al-Wakrah escaped form relegation with Gucci|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=16 April 2015|access-date=16 January 2018}}</ref> he joined fellow league club [[Al-Gharafa SC|Al-Gharafa]] for [[United States dollar|$]]1 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2015/08/29/843844/al-gharafa-of-qatar-signs-iran-s-masoud-shojaei|title=Al Gharafa of Qatar signs Iran's Masoud Shojaei|publisher=[[Tasnim News Agency]]|date=29 August 2015|access-date=16 January 2018}}</ref>

===Greece=== On 22 July 2016, Shojaei joined [[Super League Greece]] side [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]] on a one-year contract.<ref>[http://www.sdna.gr/news-english/article/226098/panionios-finalize-masoud-shojaeis-signing Panionios finalize Masoud Shojaei's capture]; SDNA, 22 July 2016</ref> He enjoyed a successful [[2016–17 Super League Greece|first season]], and subsequently extended his contract until June 2018;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdna.gr/podosfairo/superleague/article/335729/psifiste-ti-metagrafi-tis-xronias-stin-ellada|title=Poll SDNA: Ψηφίστε τη μεταγραφή της χρονιάς στην Ελλάδα!|trans-title=SDNA poll: Vote for the side of the year in Greece!|publisher=SDNA|language=el|date=5 June 2017|access-date=21 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/article/1101994/masoynt-meno-panionio-ki-erhomai-me-hatzi-safi|title=Μασούντ: "Μένω Πανιώνιο κι έρχομαι με Χατζί Σαφί"|trans-title=Masoud: «I stay with Panionios and I'm bringing Ehsan Hajsafi in|publisher=Gazzetta|first=Thodoris|last=Vasilis|language=el|date=28 June 2017|access-date=21 July 2017}}</ref> on 25 December 2017, however, he severed his link by mutual consent<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/Superleague/panionios/to-elyse-kai-paei-gia-alla-o-masount.5003624.html|title=Το έλυσε και πάει για άλλα ο Μασούντ|trans-title=Masoud solved and departed|publisher=Contra|first=Nikos|last=Giannopoulos|language=el|date=26 December 2017|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=27 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227122155/http://www.contra.gr/Soccer/Hellas/Superleague/panionios/to-elyse-kai-paei-gia-alla-o-masount.5003624.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and agreed to a six-month deal at fellow league team [[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]] three days later,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/newsdetails/sigouros-gia-ton-titlo-51829.htm?lang=el&path=-1576143294|title="Σίγουρος για τον τίτλο"!|trans-title=«Sure of the title»!|publisher=AEK Athens|language=el|date=28 December 2017|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> announcing on his [[Instagram]] he would be wearing number 24 in tribute of [[Hadi Norouzi]] who died in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BdQXs87HPlb/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BdQXs87HPlb |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Είναι μεγάλη μου τιμή που είμαι μέλος της ΑΕΚ....Είμαι σίγουρος και αισιόδοξος οτι μαζί θα ζήσουμε σπουδαίες εμπειρίες.|trans-title=It is my great honour to be a member of AEK .... I am sure and optimistic that together we will have great experiences.|publisher=[[Instagram]]|language=el|date=28 December 2017|access-date=28 December 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He made his debut on 6 January, replacing [[Anastasios Bakasetas]] in the second half of the match against [[Panetolikos F.C.|Panetolikos]] and later providing the assist for [[Hélder Lopes (footballer)|Hélder Lopes]] goal, in a 4–1 away win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/superleague/article/1181996/panaitolikos-aek-1-4-vid|title=Παναιτωλικός – ΑΕΚ 1–4 (vid)|trans-title=Panetolikos – AEK 1–4 (vid)|publisher=Gazzetta|first1=Giorgos|last1=Tsakiris|first2=Panagiotis|last2=Pallantzas|language=el|date=6 January 2018|access-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> He started his first match three days later against the same opponent, making another assist in a [[2017–18 Greek Football Cup|1–0 victory]] for the [[Greek Football Cup]]'s round of 16<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/kypello-elladas/article/1183162/aek-panaitolikos-1-0|title=ΑΕΚ – Παναιτωλικός 1–0|trans-title=AEK – Panetolikos 1–0|publisher=Gazzetta|first=Panagiotis|last=Pallantzas|language=el|date=9 January 2018|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> and being named as the most valuable player of the match for his performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AEK_FC_OFFICIAL/status/950811817416249344|title=Cosmote MVP του αγώνα ο Σοτζέι Μασούντ #aekfcseason2017_18 #aekpanet #aekfcteam2017_18 #aekfamily|trans-title=Masoud Shojaei was Cosmote MVP of the match|publisher=[[Twitter]]|language=el|date=9 January 2018|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref>

On 1 March 2018, Shojaei put the visitors ahead in their domestic cup semi-final fixture away to [[Athlitiki Enosi Larissa F.C.|AEL]], in an eventual 1–2 loss which marked his first goal for the club and the first loss in 26 matches for [[Manolo Jiménez (footballer, born 1964)|Manolo Jiménez]]'s team.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.protothema.gr/sports/article/766118/larisa-aek-2-1-anatropi-kai-provadisma-prokrisis/|title=Λάρισα-ΑΕΚ 2–1: Ανατροπή και προβάδισμα πρόκρισης|trans-title=Larissa-ΑΕΚ 2–1: Comeback for lead in the tie|publisher=[[Proto Thema]]|language=el|date=1 March 2018|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsit.gr/athlitika/podosfairo/ael-aek-live-gia-ta-imitelika-tou-kypellou-elladas/2434719/|title=ΑΕΛ – ΑΕΚ LIVE για τα ημιτελικά του Κυπέλλου Ελλάδας|trans-title=AEL – AEK LIVE in the semi-finals of the Greek Cup|publisher=News IT|language=el|date=1 March 2018|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref> He contributed to the club's first [[2017–18 Super League Greece|national championship conquest]] in 24 years, he left the club.<ref name=AEK>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/Aek/telos-o-34xronos-masount-apo-thn-aek.5243562.html|title=Τέλος ο 34χρονος Μασούντ από την ΑΕΚ|trans-title=34-year-old Masoud released by AEK|publisher=Sport 24|first=Kostas|last=Tsilis|language=el|date=27 June 2018|access-date=27 June 2018}}</ref>

===Tractor=== [[File:Tractorsazi V Persepolis 2019 0001.jpg|thumb|Shojaei (left) with [[Tractor S.C.|Tractor]] in 2019]] On 2 August 2018, Shojaei joined [[Tractor S.C.]] on a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/1042373|title=رسمی؛ اشکان دژاگه و مسعود شجاعی به تراکتورسازی تبریز پیوستند|trans-title=Official; Ashkan Dejagah and Masoud Shojaei joined Tractor Sazi|publisher=Tarafdari|first=Foad|last=Baghlani|language=fa|date=2 August 2018|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> 8 days later, he made his debut in a 3–0 defeat against [[Esteghlal F.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/1051262|script-title=fa:استقلال 3-0 تراکتورسازی؛ پیروزی قاطع ارتش شفر در جنگ ستارگان!|trans-title=Esteghlal 3–0 Tractor Sazi; The overwhelming victory of Schäfer's army in Star Wars!|publisher=Tarafdari|first=Reza|last=Hoseinzadeh|language=fa|date=10 August 2018|access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1544628/رونمایی-از-کاپیتان-های-تیم-ملی-در-آزادی|title=رونمایی از کاپیتان‌های تیم ملی در آزادی|trans-title=Revealing Team Melli's captains in Azadi|publisher=Varzesh 3|language=fa|date=10 August 2018|access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref> in which he was chosen as the side's first [[Captain (association football)|captain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1544673/مسعود-شجاعی-کاپیتان-جدید-تراکتورسازی|title=مسعود شجاعی، کاپیتان جدید تراکتورسازی|trans-title=Masoud Shojaei, new captain of Tractor Sazi|publisher=Varzesh 3|language=fa|date=10 August 2018|access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref> On 19 April 2019, he was assaulted by a supporter of his own team who invaded the pitch after a 1–0 home defeat of [[Paykan F.C.|Paykan FC]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Savari |first=Sajad |date=19 April 2019 |title=حواشی دیدار تراکتورسازی و پیکان؛ از حمله هوادار عصبانی به شجاعی تا دو دستگی بین هواداران |url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/1278255 |access-date=20 April 2019 |publisher=Tarafdari |language=fa}}</ref>

Midway through the [[2019–20 Persian Gulf Pro League|2019–20 campaign]], Shojaei was offered the [[Interim management|interim position]] after [[Mustafa Denizli]]'s departure. He declined, instead being named assistant to [[Ahad Sheykhlari]] while also being involved in the taking of decisions in training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1398/09/17/2155497/پشت-پرده-اتفاقات-تراکتور-و-حضور-مربی-موقت-شجاعی-پیشنهاد-سرمربیگری-را-رد-کرد|title=پشت پرده اتفاقات تراکتور و حضور مربی موقت/ شجاعی پیشنهاد سرمربیگری را رد کرد|trans-title=What happened behind the curtains of Tractor and the presence of interim coach / Shojaei rejected the managerial offer|publisher=Tasnim News Agency|language=fa|date=8 December 2019|access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref>

===Nassaji=== On 5 October 2021, Shojaei joined [[F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran|Nassaji]] on a two-year contract, reuniting with former Tractor manager [[Saket Elhami]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/2007313|script-title=fa:مسعود شجاعی با نساجی مازندران دو ساله بست|trans-title=Masoud Shojaei signed a two-year contract with Nassaji|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|access-date=5 October 2021|first=Reza|last=Hoseinzadeh}}</ref> Following his arrival, he was named the team's new captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/2013913|script-title=fa:مسعود شجاعی کاپیتان اول نساجی شد|trans-title=Masoud Shojaei became Nassaji's first-choice captain|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|access-date=18 October 2021}}</ref> On 27 February in the [[2022 Hazfi Cup Final]], he played the first half of a goalless draw with [[Aluminium Arak F.C.|Aluminium Arak]] that his team won on penalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1401020704636/نساجی-قهرمان-جام-حذفی-فوتبال-شد|script-title=fa:نساجی قهرمان جام حذفی فوتبال شد|trans-title=Nassaji is the Hazfi Cup champion|publisher=[[Iranian Students News Agency|ISNA]]|language=fa|access-date=27 April 2022|first=Morteza|last=Yaghoubi}}</ref>

==International career== [[File:Iran vs. Montenegro 2014-05-26 (047).jpg|thumb|Shojaei playing for [[Iran national football team|Iran]] in May 2014]] Whilst at Saipa, Shojaei earned a place in [[Iran national under-23 football team|Iranian national under-23 team]], catching the eye of [[Iran national football team|full side]] coach [[Branko Ivanković]]. He was first called up to play for the latter in November 2004, for a [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|qualifier]] against [[Laos national football team|Laos]] – it was the only [[Cap (sport)|cap]] he would win until the training camp prior to the finals in Germany, held in Switzerland; he was included in the final squad but only appeared once in the tournament, replacing the injured [[Mohammad Nosrati]] in the early minutes of the 1–1 draw against [[Angola national football team|Angola]].<ref>{{cite news |date=21 June 2006 |title=Iran 1–1 Angola |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853320.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=20 May 2014 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Shojaei began appearing more regularly in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|2010 World Cup qualification stages]], scoring in a 1–1 draw against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] in the final game. However, ''Team Melli'' did not qualify for the tournament in [[South Africa]].<ref>[http://www.espnfc.com/match?id=262885&cc=5739 South Korea 1–1 Iran]; ESPN Soccernet, 17 June 2009</ref> Iran did manage to reach the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]], with Shojaei as a regular starter in [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|the qualifiers]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Dove |first=Ed |title=World Cup Qualifying 2014: Charting Iran's Journey to Brazil |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1823665-world-cup-qualifying-2014-charting-irans-journey-to-brazil |date=24 October 2013 |access-date=8 May 2014 |website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref>

On 1 June 2014, Shojaei was included in [[Carlos Queiroz]]'s list for the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=quieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|title=Queiroz trims Iran squad to 24|publisher=FIFA|date=1 June 2014|access-date=1 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601164415/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y%3D2014/m%3D6/news%3Dquieroz-trims-squad-to-24-2351854.html|archive-date=1 June 2014}}</ref> He appeared as a substitute in the team's opening draw with [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186505/match-report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624023009/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186505/match-report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 June 2014|title=Goals dry up as Iran, Nigeria draw|publisher=FIFA|date=16 June 2014|access-date=19 February 2015}}</ref> and was selected in the starting line-up for the following group matches against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia-Herzegovina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186466/match-report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623072900/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186466/match-report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2014|title=Messi magic takes Argentina through|publisher=FIFA|date=21 June 2014|access-date=19 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186464/match-report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627182232/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186464/match-report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2014|title=Bosnians bid farewell by eliminating Iran|publisher=FIFA|date=25 June 2014|access-date=19 February 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Iran-Morocco 2018 FIFA World Cup press conference 4.jpg|thumb|left|Shojaei attending the press before the match vs. [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]]]] [[File:Iran vs morocco 12.jpg|thumbnail|Shojaei captaining Iran, against [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] in the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]]]] On 30 December 2014, Shojaei was called into Iran's [[2015 AFC Asian Cup]] squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afcasiancup.com/news/en/nekounam-headlines-iranian-squad/10ppu97hz8lxf1ik1ux49b1ve0|title=Queiroz names Team Melli squad|publisher=AFC Asian Cup|date=30 December 2014|access-date=1 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101072926/http://www.afcasiancup.com/news/en/nekounam-headlines-iranian-squad/10ppu97hz8lxf1ik1ux49b1ve0|archive-date=1 January 2015}}</ref> He scored the nation's second goal in its opening 2–0 defeat of [[Bahrain national football team|Bahrain]], in [[Melbourne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-11/iran-off-to-a-winning-start-against-bahrain-at-asian-cup/6011476|title=Asian Cup: Iran beats Bahrain 2–0 in Melbourne thanks to brilliant strike from Ehsan Rajsafi|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=11 January 2015|access-date=17 January 2015}}</ref>

Shojaei captained the squad in [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round|2018 World Cup qualification]] home matches against [[China national football team|China]] and [[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/03/28/1365914/mehdi-taremi-stars-as-iran-beats-china-in-world-cup-qualifier|title=Mehdi Taremi stars as Iran beats China in World Cup qualifier|publisher=Tasnim News Agency|date=28 March 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/06/12/593f05a1e5fdeaa1178b45ba.html|title=Iran beat Uzbekistan 2–0 to seal World Cup berth|publisher=Marca|date=12 June 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/414219/Iran-qualify-for-2018-World-Cup-after-beating-Uzbekistan|title=Iran qualify for 2018 World Cup after beating Uzbekistan|publisher=[[Tehran Times]]|date=12 June 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}}</ref> On 10 August 2017, Mohammad Reza Davarzani, Iran's deputy sports minister, said on Iranian state television both Shojaei and teammate [[Ehsan Hajsafi]] would never be invited to the national team again for playing with their club Panionios against Israel's [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv FC]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/10/world/middleeast/iran-soccer-masoud-shojaei-ehsan-haji-safi.html|title=Iran bans two soccer stars for playing against Israelis|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Thomas|last=Erdbrink|date=10 August 2017|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> however, the [[Iranian Football Federation]] later stated it would review the case and reach a decision after speaking with both,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/iran/story/3176587/iran-government-bars-masoud-shojaeiehsan-haji-safi-after-they-faced-israelis|title=Iran government bars Masoud Shojaei, Ehsan Haji Safi after they faced Israelis|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=10 August 2017|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> with Hajsafi eventually returning to the side in November<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/deporte-total/futbol-mundial/venezuela-vs-iran-vivo-online-partido-amistoso-lunes-holanda-noticia-473315|title=Venezuela perdió 1–0 ante Irán en amistoso jugado en Holanda|trans-title=Venezuela lost 1–0 against Iran in friendly played in the Netherlands|publisher=[[El Comercio (Peru)|El Comercio]]|language=es|date=13 November 2017|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> and Shojaei stating that they were pressured by their club to play.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2018/01/06/actualidad/1515261672_515711.html|title=El laberinto de Masoud|trans-title=Masoud's maze|publisher=[[El País]]|first=Diego|last=Torres|language=es|date=6 January 2018|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>

On 18 March 2018, Shojaei was called up for [[Exhibition game|friendlies]] against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]] and [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/خبر/934107/مسعود-شجاعی-به-تیم-ملی-دعوت-شد؛-علی-علیپور-و-امید-نورافکن-خط-خوردند|title=مسعود شجاعی به تیم ملی دعوت شد؛ علی علیپور و امید نورافکن خط خوردند|trans-title=Masoud Shojaei was called up to the national team; Noorafkan and Alipoor were excluded|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=18 March 2018|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> being criticised after his return against the former by an Iranian member of parliament who called for his life ban.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/ff87e365-fb25-409a-9882-71de04938de5|title=Iranian MP urges life-ban for footballer who faced Israeli team|publisher=[[Kurdistan 24]]|first=Karzan|last=Sulaivany|date=25 March 2018|access-date=26 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/25/iran-mp-slams-footballer-who-played-israeli-club/|title=Iran MP slams footballer who played Israeli club|publisher=[[Channels TV]]|date=25 March 2018|access-date=26 March 2018}}</ref> He was eventually selected for [[2018 FIFA World Cup|the finals]] in Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44357568|title=World Cup 2018: Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz names final squad|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 June 2018|access-date=7 June 2018}}</ref> as team captain,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tarafdari.com/node/998112|title=کاپیتان های تیم ملی ایران برای جام جهانی 2018 روسیه مشخص شدند|trans-title=Team Melli's captains were revealed|publisher=Tarafdari|language=fa|date=13 June 2018|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref> becoming the first Iranian player to travel to three [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.varzesh3.com/news/1407555/شجاعی-در-آستانه-ثبت-رکوردی-تاریخی|title=شجاعی در آستانه ثبت رکوردی تاریخی|trans-title=Shojaei on the verge of registering a historical record|publisher=Varzesh 3|language=fa|date=June 2018|access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> He made his debut in the tournament on 15 June in a 1–0 group stage win against [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44408322|title=Morocco 0–1 Iran|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Michael|last=Emons|date=15 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> but sat on the bench for the next two games in an eventual group stage elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44551972|title=World Cup 2018: Iran 1–1 Portugal – how you rated the players|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>

In December 2018, Shojaei was selected for [[2019 AFC Asian Cup squads#Iran|Iran's 23-man squad]] for the [[2019 AFC Asian Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.persianfootball.com/news/2018/12/26/queiroz-names-final-23-for-asian-cup/|title=Queiroz names final 23 for Asian Cup|publisher=Persian Football|first=Martin|last=Reza Babry|date=26 December 2018|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> He became the only Iranian to participate in seven international tournaments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1578079/شجاعی-پرافتخارترین-بازیکن-تاریخ-فوتبال-ایران|title=شجاعی؛ پرافتخارترین بازیکن تاریخ فوتبال ایران|trans-title=Shojaei; the most glorious football player in the history of Iranian football|publisher=Varzesh 3|language=fa|date=22 December 2018|access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>

==Activism== [[File:Ceremony before Iran national team offs to Brazil for 2014 FIFA World Cup 06.jpg|thumb|Shojaei in 2014]] Shojaei expressed support for the [[Iranian Green Movement]] on 17 June 2009, when he wore a green bracelet against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] in a World Cup 2010 qualifier along with five other players. During the match, he also wore a green undershirt previewing a possible goal celebration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/141/asia/2009/06/17/1331282/iran-players-in-green-wristband-political-demonstration|title=Iran players in green wristband political demonstration|publisher=Goal|first1=Ewan|last1=Macdonald|first2=Stephen|last2=Crawford|date=17 June 2009|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref>

Shojaei discussed corruption in [[Football in Iran|Iranian football]] in an interview with [[Radio Farda]],<ref name="A">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/01/iran-football-soccer-players-crackdown-photos-corruption.html|title=Iranian soccer players face intensified crackdown|publisher=[[Al-Monitor]]|first=Zahra|last=Alipour|date=23 January 2017|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> and also spoke out against child sexual abuses in December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/4099/FFIRI-ex-senior-official-uncovers-new-rape-scandal-by-Mullah-s-regime|title=FFIRI ex-senior official uncovers new rape scandal by Mullah's regime|publisher=The Baghdad Post|date=13 December 2016|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527112405/http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/4099/FFIRI-ex-senior-official-uncovers-new-rape-scandal-by-Mullah-s-regime|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was subsequently summoned to the Ethics Committee of the [[Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran]].<ref name="A"/>

A vocal advocate of lifting stadium ban for women in Iran, Shojaei openly expressed his regret that his mother, sister and wife were unable to see him play.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dodd |first=Moya |date=25 February 2016 |title=Why more women at Fifa is crucial to governing body’s reform |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/25/women-fifa-reform-sepp-blatter |access-date=10 August 2017 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He reportedly called for repealing the ban, when he met with president [[Hassan Rouhani]] in July 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Payne |first=Marissa |date=11 July 2017 |title=Iranian soccer stars call on government to repeal ban on women in stadiums |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/07/11/iranian-soccer-stars-call-on-government-to-repeal-ban-on-women-in-stadiums/ |access-date=10 August 2017 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

==Personal life== Shojaei's sister, Maryam, was also an activist campaigning for women's rights in Iran.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wrack |first=Suzanne |date=13 August 2019 |title=Maryam Shojaei helps Iran’s female football fans carry fight for admission |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/13/maryam-shojaei-iran-gianni-infantino-world-cup |access-date=15 September 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 14 January 2026, Shojaei took to his [[Instagram]] and criticized [[FIFA]]'s lack of reaction to the news of several footballers being killed in the [[2025–2026 Iranian protests]].<ref>https://www.iranintl.com/202601146697</ref> On 12 March, he supported the [[Defection of Iran women's national football team|defection of several members]] of the [[Iran women's national football team]] to [[Australia]].<ref>https://www.iranintl.com/202603115773</ref>

==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|25 May 2023}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/masoud-shojaei-soleimani/506/|title=M. Shojaei|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!! Apps!!Goals |- |[[Sanat Naft Abadan F.C.|Sanat Naft]] |[[2002–03 Iran Pro League|2002–03]] |rowspan="4"|[[Persian Gulf Pro League]] |12||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||1 |- |rowspan="4"|[[Saipa F.C.|Saipa]] |[[2003–04 Iran Pro League|2003–04]] |14||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||2 |- |[[2004–05 Iran Pro League|2004–05]] |22||1||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan="2"|—||22||1 |- |[[2005–06 Iran Pro League|2005–06]] |24||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||25||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !60!!5!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!61!!5 |- |rowspan="3"|[[Sharjah FC|Sharjah]] |[[2006–07 UAE Football League|2006–07]] |rowspan="2"|[[UAE Pro League]] |20||7||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||7 |- |[[2007–08 UAE Football League|2007–08]] |20||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !40!!12!!0!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!40!!12 |- |rowspan="6"|[[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] |[[2008–09 La Liga|2008–09]] |rowspan="5"|[[La Liga]] |33||3||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||36||3 |- |[[2009–10 La Liga|2009–10]] |36||2||5||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||41||3 |- |[[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]] |18||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||2 |- |[[2011–12 La Liga|2011–12]] |0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |[[2012–13 La Liga|2012–13]] |14||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !101!!8!!11!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!112!!9 |- |[[UD Las Palmas|Las Palmas]] |[[2013–14 Segunda División|2013–14]] |[[Segunda División]] |29||5||2||1||colspan="2"|—||0||0||31||6 |- |[[Al Shahaniya SC|Al Shahaniya]] |[[2014–15 Qatar Stars League|2014–15]] |[[Qatar Stars League]] |24||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||5 |- |[[Al-Gharafa SC|Al Gharafa]] |[[2015–16 Qatar Stars League|2015–16]] |Qatar Stars League ||25||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||25||4 |- |rowspan="3"|[[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]] |[[2016–17 Super League Greece|2016–17]] |rowspan="2"|[[Super League Greece]] |30||4||2||0||colspan="2"|—||5||0||37||4 |- |[[2017–18 Super League Greece|2017–18]] |11||3||1||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||15||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total !41!!7!!3!!0!!3!!0!!5!!0!!52!!7 |- |[[AEK Athens F.C.|AEK Athens]] |[[2017–18 Super League Greece|2017–18]] |Super League Greece |12||0||5||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||18||1 |- |rowspan="4"|[[Tractor S.C.|Tractor]] |[[2018–19 Persian Gulf Pro League|2018–19]] |rowspan="3"|Persian Gulf Pro League |25||4||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||4 |- |[[2019–20 Persian Gulf Pro League|2019–20]] |24||3||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||28||4 |- |[[2020–21 Persian Gulf Pro League|2020–21]] |12||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||8||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !65!!7!!5!!0!!1!!0!!0!!0!!71!!7 |- |[[F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran|Nassaji]] |[[2021–22 Persian Gulf Pro League|2021–22]] |rowspan="2"|Persian Gulf Pro League |24||2||3||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||27||2 |- |[[Havadar S.C.|Havadar]] |[[2022–23 Persian Gulf Pro League|2022–23]] |11||0||3||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||14||1 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !446!!56!!33!!5!!5!!0!!5!!0!!489!!61 |}

==Managerial statistics==

{{updated|26 January 2025}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !rowspan=2|Team !rowspan=2|From !rowspan=2|To !colspan=8|Record |- !G!!W!!D!!L!!Win %!!GF!!GA!!+/- |- |[[Tractor F.C.|Tractor]] |align="left"|December 2020 |align="left"|February 2020 {{WDL|10|5|1|4}}||12||10||+2 |- |[[Havadar S.C.|Havadar]] |align="left"|December 2023 |align="left"|June 2024 {{WDL|20|6|7|7}}||25||36||-11 |- |[[Mes Rafsanjan F.C.|Mes Rafsanjan]] |align=“left”|November 2024 |align=“left”|January 2025 {{WDL|9|3|1|5}}||11||17||-6 |- !colspan=3|Total {{WDLtot|39|14|9|16|}}||48||63||-15 |}

==International== {{updated|14 November 2019}}<ref name=RSSSF>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iran-mshojaei-intl.html|title=Masoud Shojaei – International Appearances|first=Roberto|last=Mamrud|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=11 September 2018}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- | rowspan="15" |[[Iran national football team|Iran]] |2004||1||0 |- |2006||4||0 |- |2007||3||0 |- |2008||10||0 |- |2009||10||3 |- |2010||5||1 |- |2011||4||0 |- |2012||3||0 |- |2013||8||1 |- |2014||7||0 |- |2015||8||2 |- |2016||5||1 |- |2017||3||0 |- |2018||11||0 |- |2019||5||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!87!!8 |} *

{{updated|7 June 2016}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/masoud-shojaei-soleimani/506/matches/|title=M. Shojaei – Matches|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=7 June 2016}}</ref><ref name=RSSSF/>

:''Scores and results list Iran's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Shojaei goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Masoud Shojaei |- !scope="col"|No. !scope="col" data-sort-type="date"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Cap !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- |align="center"|1 | 28 March 2009 || [[Azadi Stadium|Azadi]], [[Tehran]], Iran || align="center"|20 || {{fb|KSA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–2 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|2010 World Cup qualification]] |- |align="center"|2 | 17 June 2009 || [[Seoul World Cup Stadium|World Cup Stadium]], [[Seoul]], South Korea || align="center"|24 || {{fb|KOR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || 2010 World Cup qualification |- |align="center"|3 | 12 August 2009 || [[Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium|Asim Ferhatović Hase]], [[Sarajevo]], Bosnia and Herzegovina || align="center"|25 || {{fb|BIH}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|3–2 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]] |- |align="center"|4 | 7 September 2010 || World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea || align="center"|31 || {{fb|KOR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || Friendly |- |align="center"|5 | 26 March 2013 || [[Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium|Al-Sadaqua Walsalam]], [[Kuwait City]], Kuwait || align="center"|42 || {{fb|KUW}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || [[2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification|2015 Asian Cup qualification]] |- |align="center"|6 | 11 January 2015 || [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium|Rectangular Stadium]], [[Melbourne]], Australia || align="center"|56 || {{fb|BHR}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2015 AFC Asian Cup]] |- |align="center"|7 | 17 November 2015 || [[Guam National Football Stadium|National Football Stadium]], [[Tamuning, Guam]] || align="center"|63 || {{fb|GUM}} || align="center"|4–0 || align="center"|6–0 || [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)|2018 World Cup qualification]], [[2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification|2019 Asian Cup qualification]] |- |align="center"|8 | 7 June 2016 || Azadi, Tehran, Iran || align="center"|65 || {{fb|KGZ}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|6–0 || Friendly |}

==Honours== '''AEK Athens''' *[[Super League Greece|Super League]]: [[2017–18 Super League Greece|2017–18]]<ref name=AEK/>

'''Tractor''' *[[Hazfi Cup]]: [[2019–20 Hazfi Cup|2019–20]]

'''Nassaji''' *[[Hazfi Cup]]: [[2021–22 Hazfi Cup|2021–22]]

'''Iran''' *[[Football at the Islamic Solidarity Games|Islamic Solidarity Games]]: [[Bronze medal]] [[Football at the 2005 Islamic Solidarity Games|2005]]<ref name="ISLAMGAMES">{{cite web |last=Riaz Hai Naveed |first=Malik |title=Islamic Games 2005 (Saudi Arabia) |website=[[RSSSF]] |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/islamicgames05.html |access-date=1 February 2019 }}</ref>

'''Individual''' *[[Greek football PSAP awards#Team of the Season|Super League Greece Team of the Season]]: [[2016–17 Super League Greece#Annual awards|2016–17]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=IEFIMERIDA.GR|first=NEWSROOM|date=2018-01-29|title=Βραβεία ΠΣΑΠ: Μάνταλος-Ιβιτς οι κορυφαίοι της χρονιάς 2016/17 [εικόνες] {{!}} ΣΠΟΡ|url=https://www.iefimerida.gr/news/392647/vraveia-psap-mantalos-ivits-oi-koryfaioi-tis-hronias-201617-eikones|access-date=2022-01-10|website=iefimerida.gr|language=el}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{commons}} * {{sports links}}

{{Navboxes |title = Iran squads |bg = white |fg = #FF0000 |bordercolor = Black |list1= {{Iran Squad 2006 World Cup}} {{Iran Squad 2007 AFC Asian Cup}} {{Iran Squad 2011 AFC Asian Cup}} {{Iran Squad 2014 World Cup}} {{Iran squad 2015 AFC Asian Cup}} {{Iran squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}} {{Iran squad 2019 AFC Asian Cup}} }} {{2016–17 Super League Greece Team of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shojaei, Masoud}} [[Category:1984 births]] [[Category:Footballers from Shiraz]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:21st-century Iranian sportsmen]] [[Category:Iranian women's rights activists]] [[Category:Men's association football midfielders]] [[Category:Iranian men's footballers]] [[Category:Iran men's international footballers]] [[Category:Sanat Naft Abadan F.C. players]] [[Category:Saipa F.C. players]] [[Category:Sharjah FC players]] [[Category:CA Osasuna players]] [[Category:UD Las Palmas players]] [[Category:Al Shahaniya SC players]] [[Category:Al-Gharafa SC players]] [[Category:Panionios F.C. players]] [[Category:AEK Athens F.C. players]] [[Category:Tractor S.C. players]] [[Category:F.C. Nassaji Mazandaran players]] [[Category:Havadar S.C. players]] [[Category:Persian Gulf Pro League players]] [[Category:UAE Pro League players]] [[Category:La Liga players]] [[Category:Segunda División players]] [[Category:Qatar Stars League players]] [[Category:Super League Greece players]] [[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]] [[Category:2007 AFC Asian Cup players]] [[Category:2011 AFC Asian Cup players]] [[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]] [[Category:2015 AFC Asian Cup players]] [[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players]] [[Category:2019 AFC Asian Cup players]] [[Category:Islamic Solidarity Games bronze medalists for Iran]] [[Category:Iranian expatriate men's footballers]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates]] [[Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]] [[Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Spain]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar]] [[Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Qatar]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece]] [[Category:Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Greece]] [[Category:Iranian football managers]] [[Category:Havadar S.C. managers]] [[Category:Mes Rafsanjan F.C. managers]] [[Category:Persian Gulf Pro League managers]]