Abdukodir Khusanov, born on February 29, 2004, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a professional footballer who has rapidly ascended the ranks of international soccer. Standing at 1.86 meters (6 feet 1 inch), Khusanov is renowned for his exceptional speed and defensive prowess. His journey from local youth academies to signing with one of the Premier League’s top clubs underscores his dedication and talent.
Early life and youth career
Khusanov began his football journey at the age of seven, joining the academy of Tashkent-based club Bunyodkor. Despite his dedication, he faced challenges early on, as he was deemed not strong enough to continue with Bunyodkor. This setback led him to seek opportunities abroad, eventually joining Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk.
Professional career
In 2022, Khusanov made his professional debut with Energetik-BGU Minsk in the Belarusian Premier League. During his tenure, he made 35 appearances and scored four goals, playing a pivotal role in helping the team secure a second-place finish in the league.
Khusanov’s impressive performances caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his transfer to French club RC Lens in 2023. At Lens, he continued to develop his skills, making 24 appearances in Ligue 1 and participating in two Champions League matches.
In January 2025, Manchester City announced the signing of Khusanov for a reported fee of £33.5 million. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the first Uzbek player to join a Premier League club. City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Khusanov’s intelligence, strength, aggression, and quickness, expressing confidence in his potential to bolster the team’s defense.
International career
Khusanov has represented Uzbekistan at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, U20, and U23 teams. He played a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s U20 squad that won the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in 2023. In June 2023, he made his senior national team debut during the CAFA Nations Cup, where Uzbekistan finished as runners-up.
Playing style and attributes
Nicknamed “the train” for his power and speed, Khusanov is known for his defensive intelligence and physicality. His remarkable speed has been compared to that of Usain Bolt, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Honours and achievements
Khusanov’s career is decorated with several accolades. At the club level, he was instrumental in Energetik-BGU Minsk’s runner-up finish in the Belarusian Premier League in 2022. Internationally, he contributed to Uzbekistan U20’s victory in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in 2023 and was part of the U23 team that finished as runners-up in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in 2024. With the senior national team, he achieved a runner-up position in the CAFA Nations Cup in 2023. Individually, Khusanov was included in the IFFHS Asian Men’s Team of the Year in 2023 and was awarded the Medal “Kelajak Bunyodkori” the same year.
Conclusion
Khusanov’s journey from the youth academies of Tashkent to the Premier League exemplifies resilience and determination. His rapid rise in European football highlights his talent and potential, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years.