The 42-year-old former Iranian national team captain suffered massive wounds to the skull and ear. He credits doctors and the seatbelt he was wearing for saving his life.
Daei is manager of Iranian club Rah Ahan. After losing a cup game against Sepahan in the city of Isfahan, he decided to make the 220-mile drive back to Tehran with his brother and another of the club's coaches. At some point in the journey the SUV he was driving sped up — presumably because he had dozed off — and flipped over.
The other passengers were treated and released from the hospital Sunday, but Daei's injuries were much more severe.
Daei is the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer history, with 109 goals in 149 games. He ended his playing career in 2007 and moved straight into coaching.
He was his country's national team manager from March 2008 to March 2009.
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Photo via Facebook/Ali Daei
