Uzbek Football

Almost simultaneously with Fergana, football teams began appearing in other cities of the valley, such as Kokand and Andijan. The Kokand team stood out in particular – it was made up entirely of local players. They called themselves the “Muslim Team”, or simply “Muskomanda”. Among the players were brothers Ruzimat and Ismail Niyazov – owners of a shoemaking workshop and, later, the first producers of footballs and athletic shoes in the region.
“Muskomanda” actively played matches against other teams across the valley, and with each game, football became more and more popular – laying the foundation for the sport’s deep and lasting connection with the region.

By 1928, Uzbekistan had formed its own national football team. That same year, the team took part in the All-Union spartakiad in Moscow and instantly gained attention. In one of the matches, the team defeated Switzerland with an impressive score of 8:4. The newspaper “Young Communist of the East” wrote that spectators, unable to find space in the stands, climbed rooftops and trees just to catch a glimpse of the game.

The next major event was the Spartakiad of the Red Sport International – another sign that football in Uzbekistan was rapidly gaining momentum.

From the Muskomanda team to Jeparov

The first truly prominent figure in the history of Uzbek football was Musa Khodjaev – captain of the legendary Muskomanda,the team that marked the beginning of organized football in the country. Although Uzbekistan’s national team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 1931 Spartakiad, Khodjaev’s talent as a striker was undeniable: he was invited to join the national team of the USSR – a mark of recognition at the highest level.

Another major name was Berador Abduraimov – a striker who was called a legend during his lifetime. In 1968, he became the top scorer in the USSR, netting 22 goals in a single season. Over the course of his career, he scored more than 130 goals and played a record 358 matches for Tashkent’s Pakhtakor.

The most decorated footballer in the country’s history remains Server Djeparov – an attacking midfielder, six-time champion of Uzbekistan, and the only Uzbek player to be named AFC Player of the Year twice. Djeparov was a model of excellence in his position and an inspiration for generations of players. He played for Pakhtakor, Bunyodkor, and several other clubs. After ending his playing career in 2019, he began working as a coach.

With the country’s independence in 1991, the Uzbekistan Football Federation was founded, along with the launch of the national Super League. A major victory came just a few years later: a gold medal at the Asian Games. In the final, the Uzbekistan national team confidently defeated China with a score of 4:2. At the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the team achieved a historic result by reaching the semifinals, after a 2:1 victory over Jordan in the quarterfinals.

Uzbekistan’s youth teams have been performing just as strongly. In both 2018 and 2023, the U-23 and U-20 squads won gold at the AFC Cup – one of the most prestigious tournaments in junior football.

Today, the primary goal of Uzbek football is to qualify for the World Cup, and with each passing year, the country’s young teams are taking greater strides toward that dream.

A team supported with heart and soul

Football club “Andijan” was founded in 1964 – in the very heart of the Fergana Valley, where Uzbek football was born.Since then, it has become an integral part of city life and its symbol, as well as earning one of the most devoted and largest fan bases in the country.
The club’s home ground – “Babur” stadium – which holds over 18,000 spectators and is usually filled to the last seat.

The team regularly competes in the Super League – the top division of Uzbekistan’s national championship – and fights for regional dominance with rivals such as “Neftchi” from  Fergana and “Navbahor” from Namangan. Matches between them are known as the “Valley Derby” – a rivalry where regional pride matters more than the position in the league table.

The fans of “Andijan” are a story of their own.The club’s nickname, Burgutlar – “Eagles” – fully reflects the spirit of its supporters: proud, free, and always ready to rise. For almost two decades, they’ve been backed by the fan club Burgut Ultras, known across the country for their spectacular performances. It’s more than just chanting – it’s full-scale theatrical shows with smoke effects, flags, vivid banners, and choreographed displays. One of the most memorable banners read: “Andijan is us!”, featuring scenes from everyday city life and a soaring eagle – the club’s symbol.

According to FC Andijan’s  general director, Elbek Samatov, the fans are a crucial part of the club’s success:

“In recent years, we’ve been actively working with our supporters, trying to get closer to them. Their support boosts interest in the team and creates a unique atmosphere at matches. We don’t just take fans’ opinions into account – we grow together with them”.

Such vivid involvement doesn’t go unnoticed – the level of preparation by Burgut Ultras has already become a benchmark for other fan groups in the country. Many sports bloggers call Andijan’s performances the most impressive in the Uzbek league.

The club itself has big ambitions.Over the course of its history, Andijan changed names several times: it was once known as “Spartak", and even “Textilshchik”. In 2004, the team won its first-ever Uzbekistan Cup. Growth has been especially noticeable over the past 4–5 years – since the club transitioned to private management. New training bases have been built, player development conditions upgraded, the youth academy and infrastructure are actively developing, bringing the club closer to international standards. An additional boost came from a partnership with Centrum Air, which became the general sponsor of FC Andijan. This support has opened new opportunities for the club – both in logistics and infrastructure, and in the pursuit of ambitious sporting goals.

Today, FC “Andijan” is striving to firmly establish itself in the Super League and is preparing for its next big goal – qualifying for the AFC Champions League.

Arenas of great football

Uzbekistan’s two most iconic stadiums – “Pakhtakor” and “Bunyodkor” – host both major national matches and large international tournaments. “Pakhtakor” stadium, built back in 1956, is considered a true legend of Uzbek football. With a capacity of 35,000 spectators, it remains the home ground of the national team. It regularly hosts international matches, including AFC tournaments, as well as cultural events such as concerts and public celebrations.

“Bunyodkor” stadium, opened in 2012 to mark the centenary of Uzbek football, stands shoulder to shoulder with it. This modern facility was designed in accordance with international FIFA and AFC standards. As part of the New Uzbekistan’s strategy to develop sports infrastructure, it has become a new focal point for football fans. The stadium is home to FC “Bunyodkor” and regularly hosts qualifying matches for the World Cup, the AFC Asian Cup, and other major competitions.