Eldor Shomurodov — Surkhandarya Region

When the captain of Uzbekistan’s national football team leads his squad onto the pitch, he carries with him not only the hopes of a nation of more than 37 million people, but also the spirit of a small town in the south of the country — Jarkurgan. It was here, in the Surkhandarya region, that the story began of a footballer who would become the all-time leading scorer of the Uzbekistan national team and one of the defining figures of Uzbek football.

Age: 31

Place of Birth: Jarkurgan, Surkhandarya Region

National Team Position: Captain; all-time leading goalscorer of the Uzbekistan national team

Current Club: Istanbul Başakşehir (Türkiye)

Club Career

2014 – FC Mash’al (Uzbekistan)

2015 – FC Bunyodkor (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

2017 – FC Rostov (Russia)

2020 – Genoa CFC (Italy)

2021 – AS Roma (Italy)

2025 – Istanbul Başakşehir (Türkiye)

Land of Strong Character

Surkhandarya, Uzbekistan’s southernmost region, is a land of ancient civilizations, sun-drenched valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. For thousands of years, major trade routes passed through these territories, connecting Bactria, India, and Central Asia. The region preserves remarkable traces of its past, including Buddhist monuments, medieval fortresses, and unique natural landscapes.

Jarkurgan is best known for its iconic 12th-century minaret, one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks in Uzbekistan. For more than nine centuries, the minaret served as the city’s principal symbol. Today, however, Jarkurgan is also known as the birthplace of another national landmark — Eldor Shomurodov.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Jarkurgan Minaret— a unique architectural masterpiece dating back to the 12th century;

• Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Complex — one of the most important testimonies to the region’s Buddhist heritage;

• Kirk-Kiz Fortress — a legendary monument of medieval history;

• Baysun— a cultural region inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its unique traditions and folklore.

The Flavours of the South

Surkhandarya is renowned for its pomegranates, grapes, figs, and melons. The local cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in centuries-old culinary traditions. Visitors should not miss regional specialties such as Surkhandarya plov, tandyr gosht (oven-roasted lamb), jiz, biktirma, and many other dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations.

Where Leaders Are Born

Eldor Shomurodov was born in Jarkurgan on June 29, 1995, into a family closely connected with football. From an early age, he dedicated himself to the sport and steadily progressed from youth teams to some of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His career demonstrates how talent, hard work, and perseverance can carry a young player from a small provincial town to some of the world’s most prestigious stadiums.

Today, Shomurodov’s name is recognized far beyond the borders of Uzbekistan. His performances in the top divisions of Russia, Italy, and Türkiye, combined with his leadership of the national team and Uzbekistan’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, have made him one of the country’s most celebrated athletes.

From Jarkurgan to the World Cup

Eldor Shomurodov’s story proves that the road to international success can begin in any corner of Uzbekistan. His achievements continue to inspire thousands of young footballers across the country.

To understand Shomurodov’s character — determined, resilient, and open to the world — one only needs to visit Surkhandarya. This southern land has long nurtured people who move forward with confidence and never stop striving for greater heights.