New Season, New Stars: Who Could Shine in the League Tournaments This Year? Part Two

Let’s take a closer look at young players whose performances last season laid a strong foundation for becoming the breakout stars of 2026.

Abylaikhan Kenzhadoyev (Ordabasy)

The 16-year-old forward from Shymkent spent last season in the U-17 tournament and played a key role in helping his team secure silver medals. In 19 matches, he scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists.

Those numbers earned Abylaikhan the title of Best Forward of the competition. As a reminder, all individual award winners across last season’s tournaments received prize money of 200,000 tenge from the League’s partner, Freedom Bank.

“My main goals for next season are to raise my level of play and become a champion. I want to improve my consistency and decision-making,” Kenzhadoyev said when outlining his plans for 2026 — a year he is almost certain to spend in the League’s flagship tournament.

Anuar Tolendi (KFF Academy)

Tolendi was one of the standout prodigies of last season. He began the year with Astana U-16, scoring 10 goals and registering one assist in just six matches against players his own age.

He later joined the KFF Academy team in Freedom QJ League B, where he faced older opponents. Even in this new environment, the young forward remained unfazed, scoring seven goals in eight rounds — including a four-goal haul against Yelimay. And all of that at just 14 years old. Tolendi is very likely to keep surprising everyone in the new season.

Rassul Akimov (Shakhter)

A product of Shakhter’s academy, Akimov contributed to his team’s bronze medals in the U-17 tournament last season. In 19 matches, he scored seven goals and delivered 13 assists — outstanding numbers for a midfielder.

Turning 17 on February 6, Akimov is now set to make his debut in the League’s flagship competition.

“In my free time, I often rewatch all my matches and analyze what I did right and what I didn’t. In the future, I want to become a professional footballer and play for one of Europe’s top clubs,” Rasul said earlier. The upcoming Freedom QJ League season could be a major step forward on this ambitious path.

Mirdiyor Mirakhmatov (Ordabasy)

Mirdiyor was named the Best Goalkeeper of the previous Freedom QJ League U-16 season, in which his team won bronze medals. His statistics were truly impressive: eight clean sheets in 16 matches, 42 saves, and just six goals conceded.

“My goals for next season are consistency, growth, and more confident performances in every round. I plan to spend my Freedom Bank prize money on education, equipment, and recovery — everything that helps me grow professionally,” the goalkeeper said in an interview.

Mirdiyor is determined to do everything possible to make the upcoming season even more successful for himself.