December 10 marked a historic day for Kyrgyz football. Today, under the presence of Kamchibek Tashiyev, chairman of the country’s Football Union, a formal contract was signed with highly qualified expert Robert Prosinečki, a well-recognized figure in global football. The new agreement is set for a duration of 1 year and 1 month, with the provision to extend it by another three years if the national team performs well at the "2027 AFC Asian Cup" as planned.
This is a significant step tied to the national team’s path to a new phase, embracing modern football philosophies and new ideas.
The new head coach, Robert Prosinečki, is a true living legend of football. Having played for iconic giants such as “Real Madrid,” “Barcelona,” and “Crvena zvezda,” he garnered a bronze medal with Croatia at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and became known worldwide for his exceptional technical skills and game intelligence.
Additionally, Prosinečki possesses extensive experience coaching national teams:
• Croatia (2006–2010)
• Azerbaijan (2014–2017)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (2018–2019)
• Montenegro (2024–2025)
Such experiences have enabled him to work with diverse mentalities, football schools, and tactical approaches, which is a major advantage for Kyrgyzstan’s national team.
Who is Prosinečki, and why is he considered a legend?
Robert Prosinečki stood out among the players of the 1990s with his unparalleled playmaking, field vision, accurate passing, and strikes from outside the penalty area. In 1991, he won the European Cup with “Crvena zvezda” and was recognized as the "brain" of the Belgrade team at the time.
He achieved a unique status as a footballer:
• One of the rare players to have played for both "Real" and "Barcelona," despite their fierce rivalry;
• Among the few in FIFA World Cup history to score for two different national teams;
• Winner of the "Golden Ball" at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship;
• Awarded "Best Young Player" at the 1990 World Cup;
• A key figure in Croatia's bronze medal achievement at the 1998 World Cup;
• Remembered as a legendary player during his tenure at England’s “Portsmouth.”
Kyrgyzstan’s decision to appoint him as head coach signifies great trust, ambitious goals, and substantial responsibility. The new coach is expected to bring a fresh spirit to the team not only through his experience but also with his philosophy aimed at achieving success.
As we can see, Kyrgyz football has turned a new page. Fans are both hopeful and confident about the national team under Prosinečki's leadership. His arrival is a significant event for football in Central Asia as well.
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