Central Asia’s most valuable player: 16-year-old Doston Satpayev

Doston Satpayev, a 16-year-old striker for Kairat Almaty and the Kazakhstan youth national team, has become the most valuable football player in Central Asia. This is according to the latest data from Transfermarkt.

His market value has surged from 500,000 euros to 1.8 million euros, setting a record not only for Kazakhstan but also for the entire Central Asian football region, which includes Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

Satpayev has overtaken the previous leaders — Tajikistan national team goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov (Rostov) and Uzbekistan’s Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), both valued at 1.5 million euros.

Close behind is Nasaf midfielder Akmal Mozgovoy, whose market value also recently rose to 1.5 million euros. Given the consistent performances of these players in the AFC Cup and their respective national teams, their values are expected to continue rising.

In Tajikistan, despite a general decline in player valuations in the domestic league, the most valuable player remains Alisher Dzhalilov of Istiklol, valued at 500,000 euros. He is both the champion of the country and a key player for the national team.

Kyrgyzstan’s most expensive player is Christian Brauzman, a defender for Abdish-Ata, valued at 450,000 euros. He remains the only player in the Kyrgyz Premier League with a Transfermarkt valuation exceeding 400,000 euros.

In Turkmenistan, three players share the top spot, each valued at 200,000 euros: Salim Nurmurodov (Altyn Asyr), Mekan Saparov, and Oltimurod Annadurdiev (both from Ardag, the national champions).

The market value of Kazakh striker Islam Chesnokov, who plays for Tobol, has also increased from 900,000 euros to 1 million euros. However, local fans believe his valuation still does not fully reflect his level of performance.

With this, Doston Satpayev not only tops the list of the most expensive players in Central Asia but also symbolizes the rising standard of football in the region and serves as a striking example of how young talent can surpass established stars.

It is worth noting that Kairat and London’s Chelsea recently reached an agreement on Satpayev’s transfer. He will officially move to the English club in the summer of 2026, after turning 18. Until then, Satpayev will continue playing for Kairat.