The world-renowned U.S. publication, The New York Times, has published an analytical article about Abdukodir Khusanov, a defender for the Uzbekistan national team and Manchester City.
“Abdukodir is not just a 'new star,' but someone who has already become a national symbol. Khusanov is now a widely recognized figure in Uzbekistan, and the country's hopes for the World Cup are largely tied to him. While other national teams rely on star forwards or creative playmakers before major tournaments, Uzbekistan is pinning its dreams on a central defender. This is no exaggeration.”
For Uzbek football, Khusanov is no longer just a defender. He is the country's primary player, its face, and arguably the greatest footballing hope of the modern era.
The fact is, Khusanov deviates significantly from the traditional image of a central defender. He is valued not only for his speed, physical strength, and excellent reading of the game but also for his ability to initiate attacks – with precise and long passes, he immediately breaks through enemy lines.
Gabon national team head coach Anise Yala openly acknowledged that Khusanov is a very high-caliber player: young, strong, talented, and already playing for one of the world's biggest clubs, Manchester City.
In a country where Cristiano Ronaldo is revered more than any other player, Khusanov is seen as the Uzbek version of the Portuguese superstar. This is not about playing style but about sphere of influence. In fact, Abdukodir Khusanov has already become – or is very close to becoming – the first truly globally recognized footballer in the history of independent Uzbekistan. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the country had strong and respected players. For example, Odil Akhmedov played over 100 matches for the national team and featured alongside Samuel Eto'o and Roberto Carlos at Anzhi. Eldor Shomurodov became the national team's top scorer and reached Serie A. However, none of them had the meteoric rise that Khusanov has experienced.
In just three years, he has achieved what was until recently considered almost impossible for an Uzbek footballer. From the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU, he moved to France's Lens, and from there, to one of the world's biggest clubs, Manchester City. Furthermore, Khusanov is not just a name in England – he regularly features in Premier League and Champions League games, and has even won the English League Cup. And all of this at the age of 22.
For Uzbekistan, this is not just a transfer success. It's a major national "explosion." In Tashkent, almost everyone knows him – not just fans, but people far removed from football. This is not surprising: Khusanov is a true celebrity today. His image is featured on billboards advertising various products, as well as in commercials reminiscent of Uzbekistan's first participation in the World Cup.
Khusanov's public influence extends far beyond sports. Last year, his wedding was a major national event, and last month, the birth of his first child sparked a wave of widespread congratulations in the local media. This indicates how deeply Khusanov has penetrated public consciousness. He is not just a successful athlete – he is a symbol of Uzbekistan's new football era.
One of the reasons his image is so prominent in his homeland is that this path is still rare for Uzbek footballers, especially at such a young age. Khusanov moved to Belarus from Tashkent's Bunyodkor club at the age of 18.
Most players for the Uzbekistan national team still play in the local Super League or neighboring championships, with some playing in Iran, Iraq, and the UAE. In this respect, Khusanov's story is almost revolutionary.
However, the most important thing is that behind all the media hype lies genuine footballing quality. In the match against Gabon, which Khusanov watched from the stands, Uzbekistan won 3-1 but did not look particularly convincing in defense and conceded several dangerous chances. Journalists almost unanimously attributed this to Khusanov's absence, implying things would have been different with him on the field. And the game against Venezuela three days later proved this point in practice. Khusanov returned to the usual three-central-defender formation – and everything fell into place.
The match ended 0-0, but Khusanov was the main hero of the evening. In front of 29,000 spectators, he dominated the defense. He easily dispossessed David Martinez, a forward for Venezuela and LA Galaxy, impressing the crowd. He then made a precise 50-meter pass to Oston O'runov, electrifying the stadium. In added time, he blocked Carlos Sosa's shot, saving his team from a certain goal – and earning applause once again.
The Venezuelans repeatedly tried long passes to their forwards, relying on speed, but with almost the same result each time: Khusanov was the first to arrive, won the ball, and stopped the opponent. In many cases, the forward was left stranded, and the crowd greeted each subsequent episode with cheers.
In some situations, Khusanov made moves unexpected of a central defender: he calmly passed over an opponent and immediately initiated an attack. This further demonstrates his unusual footballing ability. He is not just a good defender – he is a player who can set the team's tempo, rhythm, and confidence. While other national teams have a defensive foundation, in Uzbekistan, Khusanov is both the foundation, the symbol, and the face.
After the match, Uzbekistan defeated Venezuela in a penalty shootout to win the FIFA Series trophy. For Khusanov, this was his second trophy in a week, following the League Cup with Manchester City. Despite missing the game against Gabon, he was named the tournament's best player. This fully reflects his current status. In Uzbekistan, they already knew his strength. Now, Manchester City fans are also beginning to understand his level.
The biggest test lies ahead.
This summer, Abdukodir Khusanov will take to the field in the World Cup, carrying the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders. This will be a historic first participation for Uzbekistan, and all eyes will be on him. Judging by his recent performances, his confidence, maturity, and influence, Khusanov is ready for it. And perhaps, the World Cup will be a tournament where the world finally realizes what is already a known truth in Uzbekistan: Abdukodir Khusanov is not just the country's best footballer. He is already a historical phenomenon, The New York Times wrote.
