Ildar Alakbarov has become the first Azerbaijani footballer to make 50 appearances in the Kyrgyzstan top flight.
The 25-year-old forward reached the landmark during Ozgon’s 1-0 Jogorku Liga victory over Asia Talas on Thursday.
Alakbarov is in his second season in Kyrgyzstan. He joined Alay in 2025 before moving to Ozgon ahead of the current campaign.
The Azeri has operated mainly from the right wing this season, while also making occasional appearances at wing-back.
Across his 50 league appearances, he has scored seven goals, two for Alay and five since joining Ozgon.
One of his standout performances this season came against Asiagoal, when he scored twice in a 4-0 victory and was named player of the match.
His team-mate Ramin Ahmadov could be the next Azerbaijani to reach the milestone. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring 12 goals in 21 league appearances while featuring from the left wing and in attacking midfield.
Before moving to Kyrgyzstan, Alakbarov played in Russia and Azerbaijan.
He came through Zenit St Petersburg’s system and later represented Strogino Moscow and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. In Azerbaijan, he played for Sabah, Araz-Nakhchivan and Zira.
Alakbarov also represented Azerbaijan at youth international level and finished as a league runner-up with Sabah in 2022-23.
Speaking to Eurasia Football alongside Ahmadov earlier this year, he admitted Kyrgyz football had exceeded his expectations.
“Initially, the league surprised me. I thought the level would be lower here.
“Even during the time I have been in Kyrgyzstan, the standard has noticeably improved.”
Alakbarov has also said he views Kyrgyzstan as another stage in his career and would eventually like to return to European football, with Turkey among the destinations that interest him.