Khusanov’s Manchester move fuels Uzbekistan World Cup belief

Khusanov’s rise – Abdukodir Khusanov’s jump from Lens to Manchester City in January 2025 for £34m has made him the new face of Uzbek football in the Premier League—pushing the country’s rise from repeated World Cup near-misses toward belief that kids can dream bigger. Behind hi

When Manchester City signed Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov in January 2025 from Lens for a fee worth £34m, the club didn’t just acquire a young centre-back. It placed a banner on one of the country’s biggest dreams: that Uzbek football could keep climbing—and do it in full view of the world.

At the time, the defender was a relatively unknown 20-year-old. Now he is 21. and his place in the City side and the Premier League has already turned him into the face of Uzbekistani football. The significance isn’t just that he made it to England. It’s how quickly people at home started to recognize what his presence could mean.

Before Khusanov became the newest headline, the path had already been carved by Server Djeparov. Djeparov was the only Uzbek crowned Asian footballer of the year—not once, but twice. His story carried the kind of visibility that’s hard to manufacture: he was recognized by his famous mullet. he had trials at Chelsea. and he was part of the Uzbekistan squad that missed out on the World Cup three times.

Khusanov’s rise now has others drawing a line from the past to the present. In a comparison made by Bowers. Khusanov’s impact in Uzbekistan is measured against David Beckham’s effect in England in the early 2000s. The argument is built around timing and reach: Khusanov’s move comes in the age of social media and the global pull of English football. meaning his ascent can land as a national symbol far faster than it might have in another era.

Bowers said: “Khusanov’s rise from Minsk to Manchester has been incredible and his impact on Uzbek football relative to his age and experience is difficult to measure.” He added: “Uzbekistan has had players play for big historical European clubs like Roma and Dynamo Kyiv. but Khusanov’s move in the age of social media and the reach of English football globally has seen Khusanov become similar to how David Beckham was back in the early 2000s. being who kids want to be and the face of the national team.”.

He also cautioned that the full picture will take time. “It’s too early to measure his impact on kids playing football. but the longer he spends at a club like City. the bigger it will undoubtedly be.” Still. he pointed to what is already happening elsewhere: “We have already seen players get trials or join prominent European sides. or be expected to join soon. in very good level leagues in Belgium and Portugal. so the impact is perhaps already being felt.”.

That sense of momentum isn’t limited to opinions from abroad. Uzbekistan forward Jaloliddin Masharipov described what Khusanov’s stardom feels like on the ground, telling BBC World Service: “He’s the first guy in the Premier League in Uzbekistan.”

Masharipov’s picture is personal, almost everyday. “All the fans love him now but fans love all the players here who play national team.” He described how quickly it has changed daily routines: “Every time you go outside. go to a restaurant. people come for a picture.” Then he added the detail that captures the weight of attention: “You go to a restaurant. you don’t pay. Respect, like this here.”.

Put together. the facts sketch a simple story: Djeparov’s twin recognition and Chelsea trials set a benchmark. Uzbekistan’s repeated World Cup misses kept the pressure alive. and Khusanov’s £34m leap to Manchester City—at age 20—has turned the Premier League into something local kids can see clearly. The impact on the next generation may still be “too early to measure. ” as Bowers put it. but the shift in visibility is already undeniable.

Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City Lens Server Djeparov Uzbekistan football Premier League Asian footballer of the year World Cup qualification Jaloliddin Masharipov