10:50, today
If one were to assemble a symbolic Tajikistan national team based solely on the market value of the footballers, it would provide a telling cross-section of modern Tajik football. This team features a clear standout leader, a strong midfield line, and a notable presence of legionnaires playing abroad.
The undisputed number one in this squad remains Rustam Yatimov. The “Rostov” goalkeeper is valued at €1.80 million by Transfermarkt and is the most expensive Tajik footballer in general. His consistent performances in the Russian championship and his status as the national team’s primary goalkeeper make Yatimov a key figure not only for this symbolic team but for Tajik football as a whole.
Yatimov on vacation in Tajikistan
Photo: A. Yakubov
The center of defense in the most expensive version of the squad is formed by two players of different profiles. Zoir Dzhuraboev, playing for “Sogdiana” from Jizak, is valued at €500,000 and is the country’s most expensive defender. His partner is Sodiqjon Kurbonov from “Istiklol”, whose value is €300,000. Kurbonov is one of the few central defenders in the domestic league whose price is comparable to that of legionnaires.
The defensive flanks are also represented by “Istiklol” players. Manuchekhr Safarov (€300k) operates on the right, and Tabrez Islomov (€250k) on the left. Both players are among the most consistent defenders in the Tajikistan championship and are regularly considered candidates for the national team.
The central line is the most expensive and densely packed part of this team. Ekhsoni Pandzhshanbe, playing for Malaysia’s “Terengganu”, is valued at €600,000 and is one of the country’s most valuable midfielders. Parviz Umarboev from “Lokomotiv” (Plovdiv), an experienced defensive midfielder playing in the Bulgarian championship, has an identical valuation. These two players form the backbone of the midfield.
The most expensive squad of Tajik players
Positioned slightly higher is Alisher Dzhalilov. The “Istiklol” attacking midfielder is valued at €450,000 and remains one of the national team’s most experienced players.
The attacking flanks feature a combination of experience and youth. On the left is Amadoni Kamolov, playing for Iran’s “Gol Gohar” and valued at €450,000. On the right is the youngest player in this squad, Muso Kakhorov from “Barkchi”, whose value is €250,000. At 18, he is already among the most expensive wingers in the country.
Leading the attack is Shahrom Samiev from Uzbekistan’s “Andijan”. The center-forward is valued at €300,000.
In total, this symbolic squad demonstrates that Tajikistan’s most expensive footballers today are concentrated not only in “Istiklol” but also in foreign leagues – Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran, Malaysia, and Bulgaria.
