Odil Akhmedov
Одил Ахмедов
FullnameOdil Alimzhanovich Akhmedov
Birth date25 November 1987 (age 38)
Birth placeNamangan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union
Height1.80 m[1]
PositionMidfielder
Years 12006–2011
Clubs 1Pakhtakor Tashkent
Caps 186
Goals 135
Years 22011
Clubs 2→ Anzhi Makhachkala (loan)
Caps 222
Goals 20
Years 32011–2014
Clubs 3Anzhi Makhachkala
Caps 364
Goals 33
Years 42014–2017
Clubs 4Krasnodar
Caps 467
Goals 45
Years 52017–2021
Clubs 5Shanghai SIPG
Caps 564
Goals 59
Years 62020
Clubs 6→ Tianjin TEDA (loan)
Caps 65
Goals 60
Years 72021
Clubs 7Cangzhou Mighty Lions
Caps 77
Goals 70
Totalcaps311
Totalgoals52
Nationalyears 12007–2021
Nationalteam 1Uzbekistan
Nationalcaps 1108
Nationalgoals 121
Pcupdate26 December 2021
Ntupdate15 June 2021

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.[2][3]

Club career

Early years

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.[4]

Pakhtakor

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.

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.[5]

There has been rumours that England's Arsenal has been interested in Odil Akhmedov.[6] Later Akhmedov confirmed the interest by Arsenal F.C.[7]

Anzhi

On 9 February 2011, Ahmedov joined FC Anzhi Makhachkala on loan from Pakhtakor Tashkent.[8]

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.[9] 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.[10]

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

Prior to Anzhi suffering relegation, Ahmedov joined Krasnodar in early June 2014, along with teammates Nikita Burmistrov and Vladimir Bystrov.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

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.[14]

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.[15] 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.[16]

Ahmedov was named Best Player of FC Krasnodar in 2014–15 season on 9 June 2015 after survey conducted on club official website.[17] 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.[18]

Shanghai SIPG

On 30 December 2016, Ahmedov transferred to Shanghai SIPG of the Chinese Super League.[19] 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.[20]

Tianjin TEDA

In September 2020, Ahmedov was loaned to Tianjin TEDA.[21] He joined Tianjin on a free transfer after the season.[22]

Cangzhou Mighty Lions

In 2021, Ahmedov moved to Cangzhou Mighty Lions after Tianjin faced serious financial problem.[23] He left the team during the CSL's interval. In December 2021, he announced his retirement.[24][25][26]

International career

He made his international debut with Uzbekistan in a 9–0 win against Chinese Taipei on 13 October 2007.[27]

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.[28]

In June 2021, Akhmedov decided to retire from the national team.[29]

Career statistics

Club

[30][31]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Pakhtakor Tashkent2006Uzbek League20——00
2007140——00
2008171000—00
2009251692—00
20102492063—3212
Total823520155—9940
Anzhi Makhachkala (loan)2011–12Russian Premier League22021——241
Anzhi Makhachkala2011–12Russian Premier League21110——221
2012–131714092—303
2013–142610080—341
Total64350172—865
Krasnodar2014–15Russian Premier League2621091—363
2015–1627320120—413
2016–171401090—240
Total67540301—1016
Shanghai SIPG2017Chinese Super League20361131—395
20181912080—291
201917410900[a]0274
2020810010—91
Total649913110010411
Tianjin TEDA (loan)2020Chinese Super League5000——50
Cangzhou Mighty Lions2021Chinese Super League7000——70
Career total311522229390042663
  1. ^ Appearances in Chinese FA Super Cup

International

[31]

Uzbekistan
YearAppsGoals
200720
2008133
2009100
201061
2011133
201220
2013102
201472
2015124
201670
201751
201841
2019143
202131
Total10821

International goals

Scores and results list Uzbekistan's goal tally first.[31]
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.6 February 2008Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Beirut, LebanonLebanon1–01–02010 FIFA World Cup qualification
2.14 June 2008MHSK Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan1–03–0
3.2–0
4.12 October 2010Al Ahli Stadium, Manama, BahrainBahrain3–14–2Friendly
5.7 January 2011Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, QatarQatar1–02–02011 AFC Asian Cup
6.16 January 2011Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha, QatarChina1–12–2
7.15 November 2011Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanTJK2–03–02014 FIFA World Cup qualification
8.18 June 2013Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanQatar4–15–1
9.19 November 2013Hong Kong Stadium, Hong KongHong Kong2–02–02015 AFC Asian Cup qualification
10.7 September 2014Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanNew Zealand1–03–1Friendly
11.2–0
12.14 January 2015Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, AustraliaChina1–01–22015 AFC Asian Cup
13.8 September 2015Philippine Sports Stadium, Bocaue, PhilippinesPhilippines1–05–12018 FIFA World Cup qualification
14.8 October 2015Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, BahrainBahrain2–04–0
15.12 November 2015Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanNorth Korea3–13–1
16.28 March 2017Bunyadkor Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanQatar1–01–02018 FIFA World Cup qualification
17.16 October 2018Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan1–02–0Friendly
18.9 January 2019Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesOman1–02–12019 AFC Asian Cup
19.7 June 2019Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, UzbekistanNorth Korea1–04–0Friendly
20.15 October 2019National Stadium, Kallang, SingaporeSingapore1–03–12022 FIFA World Cup qualification
21.7 June 2021King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia4–05–0

Honours

Pakhtakor

Anzhi

Shanghai SIPG

Individual

See also

References

  1. ^ "Odil Akhmedov. FC Krasnodar Official site". fckrasnodar.ru. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  2. ^ "Uzbekistan – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived 22 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  3. ^ "Odil Ahmedov career stats" (in Uzbek). Uzfootball. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012.
  4. ^ Tashhodzhaev, Zohir (29 April 2008). "ru:Одил Ахмедов: "Наша цель – участие в чемпионате мира"" (in Russian). sportportal.uz. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011.
  5. ^ "Odil Ahmedov signs loan contract with Anzhi". FC Pakhtakor. 2011-02-09. Archived from the original on 14 February 2011.
  6. ^ "Arsenal make surprise move for Uzbekistan captain Odil Ahmedov – Tribal Football". tribalfootball.com. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  7. ^ "Ahmedov claims Arsenal interest". ESPN. 2011-06-30. Archived from the original on 2 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
  8. ^ "ODIL AHMEDOV SIGNS LOAN CONTRACT WITH ANZHI". FC Anzhi Makhachkala. 2011-02-09. Archived from the original on 14 February 2011.
  9. ^ "Ahmedov's first goal for Anzhi". FC Anzhi. 2011-02-13.[dead link]
  10. ^ "ru:СОдил Ахмедов – лучший игрок "Анжи" 2011 года" (in Russian). FC Anzhi. 2011-12-29. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  11. ^ "ru:Состав "Краснодара" пополнил Одил Ахмедов" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 2014-06-11. Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  12. ^ "ru:Ахмедов начал в "Краснодаре" с гола, а "Краснодар" в Австрии – с победы" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 2014-06-28. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  13. ^ "ru:Расточительные "горожане" уступили бережливым шотландцам" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 2014-07-04. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  14. ^ "ru:"Быки" в Европе играют по-крупному" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 2014-08-01. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  15. ^ "Rostov vs. Krasnodar 0–2". soccerway. 2014-08-17.
  16. ^ "Odil Akhmedov named as best football player in Uzbekistan". UzDaily. 2015-03-06.
  17. ^ "Show more. Official site FC Krasnodar" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 2015-06-09.
  18. ^ "Odil Akhmedov named as best football player in Uzbekistan". UzDaily. 2016-03-04.
  19. ^ "Одил Ахмедовпокинул ФК Краснодар" (in Russian). fckrasnodar.ru. FC Krasnodar. 30 December 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  20. ^ "ACL 2017 PLAY-OFF: SHANGHAI SIPG 3-0 SUKHOTHAI". Asian Football Confederation. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  21. ^ "官宣:艾哈迈多夫正式加盟天津泰达" (in Chinese). people.com.cn. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  22. ^ "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" (in Chinese). 163.com. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  23. ^ "艾哈迈多夫加盟沧州雄狮" (in Chinese). sohu.com. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  24. ^ "Uzbekistan legend Odil Ahmedov announces retirement". Asian Football Confederation. 19 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  25. ^ "Одил Ахмедов объявил о завершении карьеры" [Odil Akhmedov announced his retirement] (in Russian). darakchi.uz. 19 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  26. ^ "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] (in Chinese). 163.com. 19 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  27. ^ "Odil Ahmedov": Player statistics at uzfootball.uz, 2011 Archived 27 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine, (in Uzbek)
  28. ^ "Ahmedov: Uzbekistan must avoid repeating past mistakes". FIFA. 4 October 2019.
  29. ^ "Odil Akhmedov retires as captain of Uzbekistan national team". kun.uz. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  30. ^ "O.Akhmedov". Soccerway. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  31. ^
  32. ^ "上海上港夺中超首冠 纪录夜翻开历史新篇章" (in Chinese). Thecfa.cn. 2018-11-08. Archived from the original on 10 October 2021. Retrieved 2020-07-30.
  33. ^ "Одил Ахмедов вошел в список 33 лучших футболистов российского чемпионата" (in Russian). 2015-06-25. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2015.