Odil Akhmedov (Uzbek Cyrillic: Одил Аҳмедов; born 25 November 1987) is a former Uzbek professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He represented Uzbekistan national team.[1][2]

Odil Akhmedov
Одил Ахмедов
Akhmedov with Uzbekistan in 2019
Personal information
Full name Odil Alimzhanovich Akhmedov
Date of birth (1987-11-25) 25 November 1987 (age 36)
Place of birth Namangan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2011 Pakhtakor Tashkent 86 (35)
2011Anzhi Makhachkala (loan) 22 (0)
2011–2014 Anzhi Makhachkala 64 (3)
2014–2017 Krasnodar 67 (5)
2017–2021 Shanghai SIPG 64 (9)
2020Tianjin TEDA (loan) 5 (0)
2021 Cangzhou Mighty Lions 7 (0)
Total 311 (52)
International career
2007–2021 Uzbekistan 108 (21)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 December 2021
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 June 2021

Club career

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Early years

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Born in Namangan Province, Akhmedov began playing football in reserve side of Pakhtakor Tashkent. After two seasons, he joined the first team and won the Uzbek League twice with the club.[3]

Pakhtakor

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He made his official debut for the first-team of Pakhtakor on 16 May 2006 aged 18, in an Uzbek League away match against Qizilqum Zarafshon.

It was revealed by Pakhtakor that Odil Ahmedov had received offers from foreign clubs such as the Russian Premier League members Krylia Sovetov Samara and FC Dynamo Moscow. But Pakhtakor officials believed that Odil Ahmedov deserves a better offer referring to the top European clubs such as the ones from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France.[citation needed]

After his stunning performance at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, a lot of clubs showed interest in him, for example the Russian teams such as Rubin Kazan, Anzhi Makhachkala, and Lokomotiv Moscow, Spanish side Málaga CF, English side Bolton Wanderers, French side AS Monaco, Saudi side Al-Ittihad, Ukrainian sides Dynamo Kyiv and Metalist Kharkiv, and the Turkish side Beşiktaş J.K. The highest prices were from the Saudi side Al-Shabab who have offered 8 million euros, and the Qatari side Al-Gharafa offering 12 million euros.

Since the European transfer window closed on 31 January, Odil Akhmedov could not play in a European club till the summer transfer window opens. He still have had the offer from Al-Shabab for 8 million euros, and Al-Gharafa for 12 million euros, he needed to make his decision before the clubs canceled their offer, or else he might be left at his current club Pakhtakor.

There were rumours that Odil Akhmedov was seen in front of the Jeonbuk's office.

 
Odil Ahmedov as Anzhi player in 2013

On 4 February 2011 U.F.F. revealed that Odil Akhmedov moved to Russia where he would play his next season, but the name of the club was not revealed. According to unknown source Odil Akhmedov was going to play at Anzhi Makhachkala. Anzhi coach Gadzhi Gadzhiev revealed that the club didn't sign Odil Akhmedov. He went to Belek, Turkey, with his current team Pakhtakor Tashkent, and this is the same place where Anzhi Makhachkala is training. According to Pakhtakor, real offers only came from Al-Shabab and Anzhi, and rest was just rumours being spread. Pakhtakor also announced that Odil Akhmedov had been loaned to Anzhi Makhachkala for one year.[4]

There has been rumours that England's Arsenal has been interested in Odil Akhmedov.[5] Later Akhmedov confirmed the interest by Arsenal F.C.[6]

Anzhi

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On 9 February 2011, Ahmedov joined FC Anzhi Makhachkala on loan from Pakhtakor Tashkent.[7]

On 13 February 2011 Ahmedov scored his first goal in his first match for Anzhi in friendly match against Obolon (Ukraine) with 1–0 win.[8] He made his official debut in Russia in 2010–11 Russian Cup Round of 16 match against Zenit Saint Petersburg on 1 March 2011.

On 29 December 2011 Anzhi Makhachkala official website announced Ahmedov was named as the best player of the club over season 2011. The winner was determined with the survey conducted among official website visitors and finally by club managers and coaches. He collected more points than Samuel Eto'o and Yuri Zhirkov.[9]

It was rumoured that he was set to leave Anzhi Makhachkala in summer 2014. England's Arsenal gave a bid of 4 million pounds, followed by Genoa and A.C. Milan.

FC Krasnodar

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Ahmedov playing for FC Krasnodar in September 2014

Prior to Anzhi suffering relegation, Ahmedov joined Krasnodar in early June 2014, along with teammates Nikita Burmistrov and Vladimir Bystrov.[10] Weeks later, he was handed the number 10 shirt.

On 28 June 2014, he scored first goal on his debut match in friendly against Qarabağ FK in Austria.[11] The game ended with 1–0 victory of Krasnodar. On 3 July 2014 he scored his second goal on his second appearance for FC Krasnodar to equalize against Scottish football giants Celtic F.C., due to an awful defending error they made. Unfortunately, the game ended 3–1, with FC Krasnodar losing.[12]

Ahmedov scored his first official goal for Krasnodar on 1 August 2014 in 2014–15 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round match against Hungarian outfit Diosgyori VTK. Krasnodar won the match by 5–1, with Ahmedov scoring the team's second goal in the first half.[13]

On 17 August 2014, Odil Ahmedov scored his first official league goal for Krasnodar against FC Rostov in a 2–0 win. He scored the second goal of Krasnodar against Rostov in second half, assisted with a cross by Vladimir Bystrov.[14] On 6 March 2015, UFF announced results of pool conducted among journalists for Best Footballers of the Year award and Ahmedov was named Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year for the third time.[15]

Ahmedov was named Best Player of FC Krasnodar in 2014–15 season on 9 June 2015 after survey conducted on club official website.[16] On 4 March 2016 he was named the Best Football Player 2015 in Uzbekistan for the 4th time as Football Federation announced the results of the survey.[17]

Shanghai SIPG

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On 30 December 2016, Ahmedov transferred to Shanghai SIPG of the Chinese Super League.[18] He made his official debut on 7 February 2017 in a 3–0 win over Thai club Sukhothai in the 2017 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off.[19]

Tianjin TEDA

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In September 2020, Ahmedov was loaned to Tianjin TEDA.[20] He joined Tianjin on a free transfer after the season.[21]

Cangzhou Mighty Lions

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In 2021, Ahmedov moved to Cangzhou Mighty Lions after Tianjin faced serious financial problem.[22] He left the team during the CSL's interval. In December 2021, he announced his retirement.[23][24][25]

International career

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Odil Ahmedov (№9) at 2019 Asian Cup

He made his international debut with Uzbekistan in a 9–0 win against Chinese Taipei on 13 October 2007.[26]

He is known for his tough tackling style and thunderbolt shots. It is said that he 'releases the Kraken' almost like John Arne Riise and it may be true as he scored the goal and possibly goal of the tournament of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.[citation needed]

On 10 October 2019, Akhmedov played his 100th match for Uzbekistan against Yemen.[27]

In June 2021, Akhmedov decided to retire from the national team.[28]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 11 August 2021.[29][30]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Pakhtakor Tashkent 2006 Uzbek League 2 0 0 0
2007 14 0 0 0
2008 17 10 0 0 0 0
2009 25 16 9 2 0 0
2010 24 9 2 0 6 3 32 12
Total 82 35 2 0 15 5 - - 99 40
Anzhi Makhachkala (loan) 2011–12 Russian Premier League 22 0 2 1 24 1
Anzhi Makhachkala 2011–12 Russian Premier League 21 1 1 0 22 1
2012–13 17 1 4 0 9 2 30 3
2013–14 26 1 0 0 8 0 34 1
Total 64 3 5 0 17 2 - - 86 5
Krasnodar 2014–15 Russian Premier League 26 2 1 0 9 1 36 3
2015–16 27 3 2 0 12 0 41 3
2016–17 14 0 1 0 9 0 24 0
Total 67 5 4 0 30 1 - - 101 6
Shanghai SIPG 2017 Chinese Super League 20 3 6 1 13 1 39 5
2018 19 1 2 0 8 0 29 1
2019 17 4 1 0 9 0 0[a] 0 27 4
2020 8 1 0 0 1 0 9 1
Total 64 9 9 1 31 1 0 0 104 11
Tianjin TEDA (loan) 2020 Chinese Super League 5 0 0 0 5 0
Cangzhou Mighty Lions 2021 7 0 0 0 7 0
Career total 311 52 22 2 93 9 0 0 426 63
  1. ^ Appearances in Chinese FA Super Cup

International

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As of 15 June 2021[30]
Uzbekistan
Year Apps Goals
2007 2 0
2008 13 3
2009 10 0
2010 6 1
2011 13 3
2012 2 0
2013 10 2
2014 7 2
2015 12 4
2016 7 0
2017 5 1
2018 4 1
2019 14 3
2021 3 1
Total 108 21

International goals

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Scores and results list Uzbekistan's goal tally first.[30]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 6 February 2008 Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Beirut, Lebanon   Lebanon 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
2. 14 June 2008 MHSK Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 1–0 3–0
3. 2–0
4. 12 October 2010 Al Ahli Stadium, Manama, Bahrain   Bahrain 3–1 4–2 Friendly
5. 7 January 2011 Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar   Qatar 1–0 2–0 2011 AFC Asian Cup
6. 16 January 2011 Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha, Qatar   China 1–1 2–2
7. 15 November 2011 Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   Tajikistan 2–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
8. 18 June 2013 Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   Qatar 4–1 5–1
9. 19 November 2013 Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong   Hong Kong 2–0 2–0 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification
10. 7 September 2014 Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   New Zealand 1–0 3–1 Friendly
11. 2–0
12. 14 January 2015 Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia   China 1–0 1–2 2015 AFC Asian Cup
13. 8 September 2015 Philippine Sports Stadium, Bocaue, Philippines   Philippines 1–0 5–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
14. 8 October 2015 Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Bahrain   Bahrain 2–0 4–0
15. 12 November 2015 Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   North Korea 3–1 3–1
16. 28 March 2017 Bunyadkor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   Qatar 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
17. 16 October 2018 Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 1–0 2–0 Friendly
18. 9 January 2019 Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates   Oman 1–0 2–1 2019 AFC Asian Cup
19. 7 June 2019 Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan   North Korea 1–0 4–0 Friendly
20. 15 October 2019 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore   Singapore 1–0 3–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
21. 7 June 2021 King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 4–0 5–0

Honours

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Pakhtakor

Anzhi

Shanghai SIPG

Individual

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Uzbekistan – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 22 October 2008. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  2. ^ "Odil Ahmedov career stats". Uzfootball (in Uzbek). Archived from the original on 27 May 2012.
  3. ^ Tashhodzhaev, Zohir (29 April 2008). Одил Ахмедов: "Наша цель – участие в чемпионате мира" (in Russian). sportportal.uz. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Odil Ahmedov signs loan contract with Anzhi". FC Pakhtakor. 9 February 2011. Archived from the original on 14 February 2011.
  5. ^ "Arsenal make surprise move for Uzbekistan captain Odil Ahmedov – Tribal Football". tribalfootball.com. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Ahmedov claims Arsenal interest". ESPN. 30 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2 July 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  7. ^ "ODIL AHMEDOV SIGNS LOAN CONTRACT WITH ANZHI". FC Anzhi Makhachkala. 9 February 2011. Archived from the original on 14 February 2011.
  8. ^ "Ahmedov's first goal for Anzhi". FC Anzhi. 13 February 2011.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ СОдил Ахмедов – лучший игрок "Анжи" 2011 года. FC Anzhi (in Russian). 29 December 2011.
  10. ^ Состав "Краснодара" пополнил Одил Ахмедов (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  11. ^ Ахмедов начал в "Краснодаре" с гола, а "Краснодар" в Австрии – с победы (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 28 June 2014.
  12. ^ Расточительные "горожане" уступили бережливым шотландцам (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  13. ^ "Быки" в Европе играют по-крупному (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 1 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  14. ^ "Rostov vs. Krasnodar 0–2". soccerway. 17 August 2014.
  15. ^ "Odil Akhmedov named as best football player in Uzbekistan". UzDaily. 6 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Show more. Official site FC Krasnodar" Одил Ахмедов – лучший игрок сезона-2014/2015 в составе ФК "Краснодар"! (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 9 June 2015.
  17. ^ "Odil Akhmedov named as best football player in Uzbekistan". UzDaily. 4 March 2016.
  18. ^ "Одил Ахмедовпокинул ФК Краснодар". fckrasnodar.ru (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 30 December 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  19. ^ "ACL 2017 PLAY-OFF: SHANGHAI SIPG 3-0 SUKHOTHAI". Asian Football Confederation. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  20. ^ "官宣:艾哈迈多夫正式加盟天津泰达". people.com.cn (in Chinese). 11 September 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  21. ^ "津媒确认泰达与艾哈迈多夫续约两年 租借变转正无需转会费". 163.com (in Chinese). 13 November 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  22. ^ "艾哈迈多夫加盟沧州雄狮". sohu.com (in Chinese). 14 April 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  23. ^ "Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement". Asian Football Confederation. 19 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  24. ^ "Одил Ахмедов объявил о завершении карьеры" [Odil Akhmedov announced his retirement]. darakchi.uz (in Russian). 19 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  25. ^ "艾哈迈多夫官宣退役 已与沧州雄狮俱乐部解约" [Ahmedov ended contract with Cangzhou and announced his retirement]. 163.com (in Chinese). 19 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  26. ^ "Odil Ahmedov": Player statistics at uzfootball.uz, 2011 Archived 27 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine, (in Uzbek)
  27. ^ "Ahmedov: Uzbekistan must avoid repeating past mistakes". FIFA. 4 October 2019.
  28. ^ "Odil Akhmedov retires as captain of Uzbekistan national team". kun.uz. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  29. ^ "O.Akhmedov". Soccerway. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  30. ^ a b c "Odil Ahmedov". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  31. ^ "上海上港夺中超首冠 纪录夜翻开历史新篇章" (in Chinese). Thecfa.cn. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  32. ^ "Одил Ахмедов вошел в список 33 лучших футболистов российского чемпионата" (in Russian). 25 June 2015.
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