PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abbosbek Sayidjon oʻgʻli Fayzullaev |
| Date of Birth | 03/10/2003 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Sirdaryo, Uzbekistan |
| Nationality | Uzbek |
| Height | 1.67–1.72 m / 5 ft 7½ in |
| Weight | 58–60 kg |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #11 |
| Current Club | İstanbul Başakşehir |
| Previous Clubs | Pakhtakor Tashkent, CSKA Moscow |
| International Caps | 28+ |
| International Goals | 7 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €6.5M |
The Frozen Moment
Mexico City, Mexico. June 17, 2026. The Estadio Azteca was filled with history—and for Uzbekistan, a nation making its World Cup debut after 36 years of trying, the moment was about to be etched into the country’s sporting memory.
In the 60th minute, with Uzbekistan trailing 1-0 to Colombia, the ball broke loose after Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was parried by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. There, on the goal line, was Abbosbek Fayzullaev. The 22-year-old headed home from close range, sending Uzbek fans into delirium.
It was Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal. The scorer was a player who had been dubbed “The New Messi” in his homeland—a label he had always rejected. “I like the nickname, but I don’t agree with it,” he had said. “I want to be myself.”
Though Colombia would go on to win 3-1, the moment belonged to Fayzullaev. The boy from Sirdaryo had written his name into the history books, becoming the first Uzbek player to score at a World Cup finals.
Origins
Born on October 3, 2003, in the Sirdaryo region of Uzbekistan, Fayzullaev’s football journey began in his homeland. He was developed in the youth system of Pakhtakor Tashkent, one of Uzbekistan’s most prestigious clubs, where he won the domestic league title before making the move to Europe.
His rapid rise saw him named AFC Youth Player of the Year in 2023, underlining his status as one of Asian football’s brightest prospects. In August of that year, he signed for Russian giants CSKA Moscow for a fee of around €500,000.
Fayzullaev’s talent was evident early. At the 2023 Asian Cup, he scored two goals in five appearances as Uzbekistan reached the quarter-finals. He also featured in the Uzbekistan U23 side that defeated Vietnam 3-0 at the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Championship in Qatar.
The European Forge
CSKA Moscow (2023-2025):
Fayzullaev spent two seasons at CSKA Moscow, establishing himself as a key player in the Russian Premier League. In total, he made 49 league appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists. Across the 2023-24 season, he made 22 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists, while in 2024-25, he contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in 27 appearances.
İstanbul Başakşehir (2025-Present):
In July 2025, Fayzullaev made the move to Turkish club İstanbul Başakşehir for a reported fee of €7.5 million. In the 2025/26 Süper Lig season, he made 20 appearances (14 starts), scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. He also featured in the UEFA Conference League and Turkish Cup, registering further goal contributions. His contract at Başakşehir runs until 2030.
His playing style—agile movements, high football intuition, and the ability to play at a high tempo—has been noted as fitting the demands of modern European football. He has been described as a “unique talent” who is comfortable operating on the right flank with his left foot.
Uzbekistan National Team (2023-Present):
Fayzullaev has been a regular for Uzbekistan since his senior debut. He has earned over 28 caps and scored 7 international goals across World Cup qualifying, the Asian Cup, and friendlies. In World Cup qualifying alone, he made 16 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
The Anatomy of His Game
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is an agile, technically-gifted attacking midfielder who typically operates on the right flank. Standing at just 167 cm, he compensates with quick feet, high football intelligence, and an ability to operate in tight spaces. His style has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, but he has consistently rejected that label, preferring to forge his own identity.
In Possession:
Fayzullaev is a creative force who combines dribbling with playmaking. Across his time at CSKA Moscow, he recorded 18 goal involvements in 49 league appearances, demonstrating an ability to both score and create. In the 2025/26 Süper Lig season, he contributed 6 goal involvements (3 goals, 3 assists) in 20 appearances, with a goal involvement rate of 0.49 per 90 minutes. His Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA) metrics reflect his threat in the final third.
Out of Possession:
Fayzullaev’s work rate and pressing ability have been noted as attributes that appeal to modern, high-intensity systems. His agility and tactical intelligence allow him to contribute to defensive transitions.
Psychological Edge:
Fayzullaev’s resilience and composure are defining traits. Despite being just 22 years old, he stepped onto the biggest stage and delivered Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal. His rejection of the “New Messi” label speaks to a player who is confident in his own identity and determined to carve his own path.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 20 (14) | 1,103 | 3 | 3 | 4Y 0R |
| Turkish Cup | 4 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| UEFA Conference League | 2+ | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 (3) | 220 | 1 | 0 | 0Y 0R |
| TOTAL | 29+ | 1,323+ | 5 | 3 | 4Y 0R |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | CSKA Moscow | Russian Premier League | 22 | 4 | 7 |
| 2024/25 | CSKA Moscow | Russian Premier League | 27 | 3 | 4 |
| 2025/26 | İstanbul Başakşehir | Süper Lig / Cups | 26+ | 4 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 75+ | 11+ | 14+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 1 | Group Stage |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 5 | 2 | Quarter-Finals |
| World Cup Qualifying | 16 | 4 | Qualified |
| Friendlies | 4 | 0 | — |
| Uzbekistan Senior Career | 28+ | 7 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | AFC Youth Player of the Year | Asian recognition |
| 2023 | CSKA Moscow Transfer | €500K move to Russia |
| 2024 | AFC U23 Asian Championship | Featured for Uzbekistan U23 |
| 2025 | Başakşehir Transfer | €7.5M move to Turkey |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | First Uzbek World Cup goal |
What these figures reveal is a player who has progressed rapidly through the ranks. Fayzullaev has accumulated over 75 professional appearances and 11+ goals in Europe. His 28+ caps for Uzbekistan and his historic World Cup goal mark him as the face of a new generation of Uzbek football.
The Present Tense
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is 22 years old and has already written his name into Uzbek football history. He is a key player for İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey and the star of the Uzbekistan national team following a historic World Cup debut.
The Başakşehir Story:
Fayzullaev joined Başakşehir in July 2025 and has been a regular starter, making 20 Süper Lig appearances in the 2025/26 season. He scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in the league, with his contributions coming in key moments—including a goal against Kasımpaşa and a goal and assist in a 3-0 win over Samsunspor. He is under contract until 2030 and his market value is estimated at €6.5 million.
The World Cup Campaign:
Fayzullaev was named in Uzbekistan’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup—the nation’s first-ever appearance at the tournament. He started all three of Uzbekistan’s group-stage matches, playing 220 minutes. In the opening match against Colombia, he scored Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal, heading home from close range after a parried shot. He described the experience as a “dream come true.”
The Transfer Interest:
Fayzullaev’s performances have attracted attention from European clubs. Liverpool scouts were reportedly monitoring his progress at the World Cup, with the player’s playing style described as “fully meets the modern demands of English football.” A strong tournament, according to reports, could make a Premier League move “highly likely.”
International Record:
Fayzullaev has over 28 caps for Uzbekistan and has scored 7 international goals. He made his mark at the 2023 Asian Cup with two goals and has been a regular presence in the national team setup, including in World Cup qualifying where he scored 4 goals in 16 appearances.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Abbosbek Fayzullaev is a symbol of Uzbekistan’s footballing ambition. His journey from Pakhtakor Tashkent to the World Cup is a testament to his talent and determination. Despite being dubbed “The New Messi” in his homeland, he has rejected the comparison, insisting: “I want to be myself.”
Fayzullaev has spoken of the honour of representing his country on the biggest stage: “For the first time to represent our country on a big stage, it will be in huge honor.” His World Cup goal was a moment that resonated across the nation, making him an instant national hero.
The Verdict from the Camp
Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Uzbekistan forward:
“I like the nickname, but I don’t agree with it. I want to be myself.”
“For the first time to represent our country on a big stage, it will be in huge honor.”
Uzbek Media:
Fayzullaev is described as a “unique talent” whose playing style “fully meets the modern demands of English football.”
Statistic:
Fayzullaev scored the first-ever World Cup goal for Uzbekistan in the 2026 tournament against Colombia.
Statistic:
Fayzullaev has made over 75 professional appearances in Europe and scored 11+ goals.
Statistic:
Fayzullaev has a market value of €6.5 million and is under contract with İstanbul Başakşehir until 2030.
Where Next?
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is 22 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. He is under contract with İstanbul Başakşehir until 2030, but his World Cup performances have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Liverpool. His playing style—agile, intelligent, and high-tempo—makes him a natural fit for the demands of modern football.
For Uzbekistan, Fayzullaev is the face of a golden generation. He is expected to be a cornerstone of the national team for years to come, leading the White Wolves as they build on their historic World Cup debut.
From Sirdaryo to the World Cup, Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s journey is one of ambition, heritage, and the power of belief. The boy who refused to be called “The New Messi” has become the first Uzbek player to score at a World Cup—and his story is only beginning.
