Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is finding his place in world football, has once again come into the spotlight of international media. This time, the reputable publication The Athletic published a separate article about his performance and influence.
According to the publication, Abdukodir Khusanov is being compared to the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo not only for his actions on the field but also for his level of popularity. In the authors’ opinion, almost everyone in Tashkent knows Khusanov — regardless of whether people are interested in football or not, his face can be seen on large advertising billboards, and events from his personal life regularly appear in the news.
The article states that, despite his young age, Abdukodir Khusanov has already become one of the main symbols of Uzbek football. Especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup, fans and experts are placing great trust in him.
“Abdukodir Khusanov is the Uzbek analogue of Cristiano Ronaldo. In the capital Tashkent, whoever The Athletic speaks to knows Khusanov, and it does not matter whether they are interested in football or follow it. His face can be seen on huge advertising boards, and events from his personal life appear in national news. All hopes at the World Cup are placed on the 22-year-old central defender of Manchester City,” writes The Athletic.
It should be recalled that the 22-year-old central defender, who plays for Manchester City, has appeared in 29 matches across all competitions this season. Although he has not yet recorded productive actions such as goals or assists, his consistent performances in defense are highly rated.
At the upcoming World Cup, the Uzbekistan national team will participate for the first time in its history. The tournament, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be a serious test for the team, which will face strong opponents such as Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo.
From this perspective, Abdukodir Khusanov is becoming not only the backbone of the defense but also a key figure on whom the hopes of the entire country are concentrated. Now everything depends on his confident performance on the field and how he handles the pressure. In short — the spotlight is on, and the show begins.
