Football - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 33

Sports

Guardiola Praises Uzbekistan’s “Top” Khusanov After Champions League Start

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has praised Uzbek defender Abduqodir Khusanov for his standout performance and professionalism, before the club’s UEFA Champions League clash with Norway’s Bodo/Glimt. Guardiola’s remarks were shared by City Xtra on X following the pre-match press conference. “Just read the media, how they praised Khusanov. They’re right. He’s top,” Guardiola said. “We don’t have complaints. The last game he was exceptional and the previous one as well. We’re really pleased.” Manchester City lost 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt on January 20, in the seventh round of the Champions League. Khusanov started the match and played the full 90 minutes, anchoring City’s defense throughout. Guardiola commended Khusanov’s attitude during a period of limited playing time earlier in the season. “After Arsenal, a month without playing, and you cannot imagine how he behaved in training and in the locker room. That defines Khusanov,” he said. The manager attributed the defender’s discipline and adaptability to his formative years in Uzbekistan and his stint in France prior to joining the Premier League champions. “He listened, he learned, and of course his condition is exceptional,” Guardiola added. “Manchester City will have a central defender for many, many years, and at a top, top level.” According to statistics from SofaScore, Khusanov was a key figure in City’s build-up play, registering 110 touches and completing 94 of 96 passes, a 98% accuracy rate. SofaScore rated his overall performance at 6.3/10. Defensively, Khusanov made eight key actions, including three interceptions, three clearances, and five ball recoveries. He won both of his ground duels, though he was less successful in aerial challenges, losing all three attempts.

Sports

Turkmenistan’s Arkadag to Face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in AFC Champions League

Turkmenistan’s Arkadag football team has drawn Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, one of the favorites to win the AFC Champions League, in the round of 32. The Riyadh-based club features global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The play-off stage draw was held on December 30 in Kuala Lumpur. Arkadag could have faced Jordan’s Al-Hussein or the UAE’s Al-Wasl, but the outcome proved more challenging. Al-Nassr, widely considered a top contender for the title, will now travel to Ashgabat for a critical away match. Cristiano Ronaldo has been with the Saudi club for three seasons but has yet to play a match in Central Asia. In both 2023 and 2025, Al-Nassr shared a group with Tajikistan’s Istiklol. However, in each case, the matches in Dushanbe occurred late in the group stage, with Al-Nassr having already secured qualification, prompting the club to rest its key players. The upcoming encounter may break that pattern. As the first match of a two-legged tie, Al-Nassr is unlikely to underestimate its opponent. Arkadag, the reigning AFC Challenge League champion, has established itself as a formidable home team, maintaining an unbeaten record since its founding. In last season’s Challenge League playoffs, Arkadag defeated India’s East Bengal 2-1 and Kuwait’s Al-Arabi 3-0 on home turf. In this season’s AFC Champions League, the team has continued its strong form, securing a 1-0 win over Bahrain’s Al-Khalidiya and drawing 1-1 with both Uzbekistan’s Andijan and Qatar’s Al-Ahli. For Al-Nassr, the match represents an away challenge against a little-known but dangerous opponent. Arkadag's home advantage, unwavering support from local fans, and spotless home record make the team a serious threat, even for a club boasting global superstars. The first-leg match is scheduled for February 10 or 11 in Turkmenistan, with the return leg set for February 17 or 18 in Saudi Arabia. Arkadag is Central Asia’s sole representative in the AFC Champions League round of 32. However, the region will also be represented in the AFC Challenge League playoffs, with Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United advancing to the next stage. The Ashgabat fixture may become not only the highlight of Turkmenistan’s football winter, but also a rare opportunity for Central Asian fans to witness one of the world’s greatest players compete on regional soil.

Sports

Uzbek Defender Abdukodir Khusanov Named Asia’s Best Young Footballer of 2025

Abdukodir Khusanov, central defender for the Uzbekistan national team and Manchester City, has been named Asia’s Best Young Footballer of 2025 by football outlet Goalpost, marking a major milestone in the meteoric rise of the 21-year-old. The past year has been a breakthrough period for Khusanov. In January, he made history as the first footballer from Uzbekistan to debut in the English Premier League, following his transfer to Manchester City. Since then, he has steadily earned playing time at one of Europe’s top clubs, making nine appearances for the Manchester side this season. Khusanov’s impact has extended beyond club football. In June, he played a pivotal role in securing Uzbekistan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement for the national team. His performances at both domestic and international levels propelled him to the top of Goalpost’s rankings, ahead of emerging talents from Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Iraq, and other Asian nations. His international recognition continues to grow. Khusanov was recently ranked 86th in The Athletic’s list of the world’s top 100 footballers, underscoring his expanding global profile. Interest from Europe’s elite clubs is also mounting. In December, reports emerged that Real Madrid is considering Khusanov for a mid-season loan, viewing him as a potential short-term solution to its defensive injury crisis. The Spanish club is said to value his physical presence and versatility, particularly his ability to play in several defensive positions.

Sports

Kazakhstan vs. Uzbekistan: A Footballing Derby with an Uncertain Outcome

The Uzbekistan national football team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across three North American countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, one of Kazakhstan’s leading clubs, FC Kairat Almaty, continues to gain experience competing in the UEFA Champions League. Football in Central Asia has become a mirror of the region’s growing economic and political ambitions, with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the forefront. Their rivalry, which dates back to the Soviet era, has adapted to this new chapter. Kazakhstan and the Road to Europe Matches between Almaty's Kairat and Tashkent's Pakhtakor were once marquee events during the Soviet era, filling stadiums and energizing fans across the republics. Following the collapse of the USSR, however, the footballing paths of these two historical rivals began to diverge. Initially, both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which includes countries from across Asia and parts of the Pacific, including former Oceania Football Confederation members such as Australia and Guam. Kazakhstan became a full member of the AFC in 1992, followed by Uzbekistan in 1994. However, Kazakhstan soon grew disillusioned with the level of competition within the AFC and began to explore other avenues. Its early attempts to join UEFA were rebuffed in the mid-1990s. Rakhat Aliyev, then head of the Football Union of Kazakhstan and son-in-law of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, later described the process as being dismissed “without really getting to the heart of the matter.” Despite this, both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan quickly showed they were a cut above most AFC members at the time. Kazakhstan won the inaugural Central Asian Cup in 1992, while Uzbekistan claimed gold at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, defeating China 4-2 in the final. Eventually, Kazakhstan succeeded in joining UEFA. Spearheaded by Aliyev, the Football Union of Kazakhstan (FSC) lobbied hard for admission, culminating in meetings with FIFA and UEFA presidents Lennart Johansson and Joseph Blatter in Moscow in late 2000 and early 2001. The AFC issued a statement on May 10, 2001, allowing Kazakhstan to make its own decision, and five days later Johansson confirmed that UEFA would welcome Kazakhstan as its 52nd member. "Joining UEFA has given all of us who work in football a powerful boost," Aliyev said at the time. "We will strive to use this momentum to raise the level of our national football." Uzbekistan and the Central Asian Football Association Unlike Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan chose to remain in the AFC, where it has steadily risen in prominence. In 2014, it became a founding member of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA), a regional sub-group within the AFC. Officially operational since 2015, CAFA also includes Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The organization is currently chaired by Rustam Emomali, son of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Uzbekistan is ranked second in the CAFA, behind Iran, and has consistently reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2023. Much of this success is due to sustained investment in youth development, training...

Sports

Rumors Grow Over Real Madrid’s Interest in Uzbek Defender Khusanov

Speculation is mounting over a potential move by Real Madrid for Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting that the La Liga giants are exploring the possibility of signing the 21-year-old Manchester City defender on loan. According to Fichajes, Real Madrid has initiated discussions to assess whether a mid-season loan deal is feasible as the club seeks short-term defensive cover amid a spate of injuries and a congested fixture schedule. The report suggests that Khusanov is being evaluated as a cost-effective option who could bolster the squad without committing significant transfer funds. Khusanov’s physical presence, aerial strength, and versatility across defensive roles reportedly make him an appealing candidate for Madrid. The club is said to be looking for a player who can make an immediate impact while maintaining strategic flexibility for future acquisitions. Khusanov joined Manchester City during the summer transfer window from French club RC Lens in a deal reportedly worth €40 million. However, his playing time under Pep Guardiola has been limited. Fichajes notes that City is aware of the need for the young defender to gain regular minutes and views a loan move as a viable development path. A stint at Real Madrid, one of Europe’s top clubs, would offer high-level competition and visibility, making it an attractive scenario for all parties involved. Beyond sporting reasons, the Spanish outlet highlights Real Madrid’s awareness of Khusanov’s potential market appeal in Asia. Signing a player from Uzbekistan could support the club’s outreach in the region, though performance remains the primary consideration. There is no indication that a mandatory purchase clause is part of the current discussions. Reports suggest that Manchester City is open to negotiating a loan, provided Khusanov receives consistent playing time. Talks remain preliminary, with final decisions likely to depend on the loan structure, salary arrangements, and City’s broader squad management. The speculation comes amid recent remarks by Pep Guardiola, published by Russian outlet Euro-Football, in which he expressed continued enthusiasm for working with new players. The Manchester City head coach, who extended his contract through mid-2027, mentioned Khusanov among the fresh arrivals who have reinvigorated his commitment to team development. Guardiola noted that players such as Khusanov, Claudio Echeverri, Matheus Nunes, and Rayan Aït-Nouri have motivated him “to help them adapt, integrate into the team, and become better.” As the winter transfer window approaches, both clubs appear to be weighing their options. Real Madrid continues to monitor the market for defensive reinforcements, while Manchester City evaluates the best route for Khusanov’s progression. Further talks are expected in the coming weeks.

Sports

Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov Judged Asia’s Joint Most Valuable Footballer

At just 21 years old, Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been named as Asia’s joint most expensive footballer, with a current market valuation of €35 million, according to Transfermarkt’s latest update. This places him on par with Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, whose value was recently revised down from €40 million to €35 million. Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, a South Korean international, also saw a decrease, from €40 million to €32 million, making Khusanov the continent’s equal top-valued player with Mitoma. Khusanov’s meteoric rise follows his high-profile transfer to English champions Manchester City earlier this year. The long-term deal, reportedly valued at €40 million, marked a record for an Uzbek player and one of the largest fees ever paid for an Asian footballer. Manchester City confirmed the signing from French club RC Lens in January. British media reported that the deal includes performance-based bonuses, which could further increase its value. The central defender made 31 appearances for Lens after transferring from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk in 2023. Khusanov is the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the English Premier League, a landmark achievement that has garnered widespread attention in his home country. Manchester City officials praised his tactical awareness, composure under pressure, and pace, qualities he demonstrated throughout his Ligue 1 campaign.