Berador Abduraimov
Berador Abduraimov | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 14, 1943 |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer, coach |
| Years active | 1959–1970s (player), 1980s–1990s (coach) |
| Known for | Forward for Pakhtakor, top scorer in Soviet leagues, manager of Uzbekistan national team |
Berador Khasanovich Abduraimov () (born May 14, 1943) is a retired Soviet footballer who predominantly played as a forward for Pakhtakor. He is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding strikers in the history of Uzbek football.
Playing career
Abduraimov's football journey started in 1959 with the Uzbekistan Youth football team, and he made his first appearance for Pakhtakor's senior side in the Soviet Top League during the same year. At just 19 years old, he became the league’s leading goal scorer in 1962 by netting 22 goals, contributing to Pakhtakor’s sixth-place league finish. That year, he was honored with the title of Merited Master of Sport.
Throughout his career, he also represented Spartak Moscow, CSKA Moscow, and Meliorator Yangiyer. Abduraimov is a distinguished member of the Grigory Fedotov club with a tally of 106 goals and was instrumental in inspiring the establishment of the Club 200 of Berador Abduraimov by the Uzbekistan Football Federation in 2001, which recognizes elite Uzbek goal scorers. Over his entire playing career, he scored 221 goals and holds the record as Pakhtakor’s second-most capped player with 358 appearances. His 131 goals for Pakhtakor rank him second only to Gennadi Krasnitsky in the club’s all-time scoring list.
His son, Azamat Abduraimov, followed in his footsteps by pursuing a professional career as a forward.
International
In 1961, Abduraimov made his debut for the Soviet youth national team and scored in a match against Romania.
Managing career
He commenced his coaching career at Pakhtakor’s youth academy and later took on the role of head coach for Pakhtakor in 1987. As the manager of the Uzbekistan national team, he led them to victory at the 1994 Asian Games held in Japan.
Personal life
Berador is the grandfather of Alia Azamat Ashkenazi, an American screenwriter and director who co-created the soccer documentary Misha, which features Berador as a character. He is also grandfather to Nigina Abduraimova, one of Uzbekistan’s prominent active tennis players.
Club
- Pakhtakor
- Sixth place in Soviet Top League: 1962
Individual
- Top Scorer of Soviet Top League: 1968 (22 goals)
- Top Scorer of Soviet First League: 1972 (34 goals)
- Inductee of Club 200 of Berador Abduraimov: 221 goals
- Member of Grigory Fedotov club: 106 goals
Manager
- Champion at Asian Games: 1994