Navbahor is a regular contender in the Uzbekistan Super League. In 2023/24, it reached the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League. With a strong commitment to developing talent from the Namangan region and a large, passionate fanbase, the club aligns closely with Ajax’s vision for long term football development.
Akram Dedabaev, Vice President of Navbahor: ''We are proud to sign this agreement with Ajax, a landmark partnership for a club in Central Asia. Thanks to Ajax’s proven football philosophy and methodology, and the strong focus on sport of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Governor of Namangan Region, we are confident that we will take a significant step in the development of football talent across our region.''
Navbahor joins Ajax’s international football network that already includes clubs from Mexico, Austria, Italy, Spain, Greece, the UAE and Japan. Ajax is proud to start contributing to football development in Uzbekistan, a nation preparing to compete in the FIFA World Cup for the first time this month.
Marijn Beuker, Director of of Football of Ajax: ''This collaboration marks an important step in broadening Ajax’s international football footprint. In Navbahor, we recognize a club that is aligned with our vision and methodology, particularly in the way they approach football development. Bringing our philosophy to Namangan in Uzbekistan, a country with clear ambition and significant potential, is something we look forward to. Over the next years, we will help develop a youth academy structure that can reliably produce players for Navbahor’s first team, ensuring a sustainable pathway for emerging talent.''
