Kicking goals in business: Uzbek footballers' enterprises

World-famous athletes, especially footballers, are often involved in business ventures outside of sports, raising their names to the level of a brand. Among Uzbek footballers, several have successfully engaged in business endeavors. Here’s a look at the business activities of footballers like Jaloliddin Masharipov, Otabek Shukurov, and Sanjar Tursunov.

Otabek Shukurov

Otabek Shukurov, who played for clubs such as "Mash'al," "Bunyodkor," "Sharja," "Fotih Karagumryuk," and "Al-Fayha," is also active in the business. Shukurov owns the “Sh****” shopping complex in Karshi, the “G****” mojito drink produced in Turkey and popular in Uzbekistan, and the “Ch******” kindergarten in Kashkadarya. The “Sh*****” shopping complex, launched on February 22, 2021, is located in the Chirakchi district of Kashkadarya and includes consumer electronics, furniture, a gym, and grocery stores.

Sanjar Tursunov

Sanjar Tursunov, a former Uzbekistan national team player who has played for clubs like “Irtysh,” “Volga NN,” “Alania,” “Lokomotiv,” “Orenburg,” “Vorskla,” “Umm Salal,” “Al-Khartiya,” “Tejon,” “Bunyodkor,” and OKMK, is also involved in business. Tursunov initially opened the “L******” bar in Moscow, later expanding the business to Tashkent. On September 23, 2021, “L******” began its activities in Labzak.

Jaloliddin Masharipov

Jaloliddin Masharipov, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at the Saudi club “Al-Nasr,” is also active in the business. Masharipov owns the “M***************,” “X**********” cafeteria, “J**********” phone and accessories store, “J**********” construction company, and more. One of his largest businesses is a construction company that has been building residential complexes since 2023. Additionally, Masharipov owns a dacha in the Tashkent region called “White house” (Oq uy), costing him a total of $400,000. He visits the dacha with his family during vacations and rents it out for a profit of $30,000 per season.

Sardor Rashidov

Sardor Rashidov, a former Uzbekistan national team player who has played for clubs such as "Sogdiana", "Bunyodkor", "Al-Jaish", "Al-Jazira", "Lokomotiv", "National", "Qatar SC", "Pakhtakor", "Al-Kuwait", "Umm Salal", "Dubai City", and "Navbahor", has also succeeded in business. Rashidov owns the “S**********” gym in Jizzakh and the “S**********” online sports nutrition store. Additionally, he rents out his villa in the UAE, earning a profit of $200,000 per year.

Ulugbek Bakaev

Ulugbek Bakaev, known for his goal against Iran while playing for the Uzbekistan national team, is now involved in business. After completing his football career and transitioning to coaching, Bakaev operates his restaurant "N****." However, due to construction work, the restaurant in the center of Tashkent is currently on a break.

The information above is based on interviews and verified details provided by the players themselves. Each of these footballers has worked hard for the Uzbekistan national team during their careers, earning the respect and admiration of fans. Their business ventures outside of football will undoubtedly attract attention from their supporters.