The winner of the special Performance of the Year Award, presented by Freedom Video, has been announced. The award recognises the player who delivered the most unforgettable moments and emotions to Kazakhstani fans over the course of the year.
Following the 2026 season, the award went to Kairat goalkeeper Kamil Gainullin, who received the prize at the annual QJL Awards ceremony.
The highlight of Kamil’s year was the QJL All Star match against the Borussia Mönchengladbach academy, played in front of more than 3,000 spectators. Gainullin led the League’s all-star team onto the pitch as captain, and his performance was a major reason why the renowned German opposition failed to score in regular time, with the match ending 0–0. In the penalty shootout, after QJL All Star missed their opening attempt, Kamil saved the opposition’s penalty to bring his team back into contention. The League’s all-star team eventually won the shootout 6–5.
During the 2026 season, Kamil made 13 appearances for Kairat in the flagship competition, keeping six clean sheets and conceding just four goals. This was his third consecutive league title, having previously won the U-17 competition with Kairat in both 2024 and 2025.
Last year’s Performance of the Year Award went to Maksat Abrayev (Astana), who won the League’s esports tournament and scored against Atlético Madrid in a QJL All Star match in the same year.
