A talented but inconsistent striker, Khatibi is likely to spend much of Germany 2006 watching from the bench. He has proved himself capable of shining in Iranian club football during spells with Pas, Esteghlal Teheran and his current club Sepahan Isfahan, but has struggled every time he has stepped up. The 27-year-old's promise saw him join Hamburg in 1999 but he was unable to make the grade in German football. He has also failed to make the most of his chances with the national team and will struggle to edge ahead of Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian in Branko Ivankovic's plans for the World Cup.