“My journey with the team has come to an end” – Islombek Ismoilov bids farewell to Uzbekistan U-17

The coach addressed supporters after Uzbekistan’s 2–3 loss to Italy in the round of 16 at the tournament currently under way in Qatar.

“Today, our World Cup campaign came to an end. At the same time, my work with the U-17 national team, a team I served with all my heart for three years, has also concluded,” Ismoilov wrote. “This journey was more than just a job. It was an honor, a responsibility and a test from Allah. Over these three years, we have endured demanding training sessions, celebrated joyful victories and shared painful defeats. We stood together on good days and bad.”

Ismoilov also mentioned the team’s greatest achievement under his leadership: winning the AFC U-17 Asian Cup earlier this year.

“The Asian title was the reward for this generation’s resilience and hard work. Becoming Asian champions in 2025 – that was the courage, effort and determination of my boys. This achievement has already been written into the history of Uzbekistan’s football in golden letters,” he said. “I will never forget that in every training session and every tournament, we defended the honor of Uzbekistan’s flag. Before every match, we carried one thought – to give everything for our Motherland.”

He added that throughout his tenure he followed one fundamental principle: fairness and integrity.

“I never selected players because of their name, their club or their connections. I chose them for their effort, character and merit. Every player who received a call-up earned it,” Ismoilov stressed. “For these decisions, I stand proud today and will stand proud tomorrow.”

In concluding his message, Ismoilov thanked the fans for their support, as well as the leadership of the Uzbekistan Football Association, his assistants and the players.

“This ending is not a closed door,” he wrote. “It is the beginning of a new chapter. Today, my journey with this team has come to an end.”