The story of 15-year-old Kairat forward Roman Chernomorets is a clear illustration of how a new generation of Kazakhstani players is gaining recognition at the very earliest stages of their football journey. Here’s what you need to know about the talented “yellow-black” academy product.
Roman is a native of Karaganda. Until the spring of 2023, he trained within the system of Shakhter.
Later, the young talent moved to the Kairat academy, where he quickly demonstrated his abilities to the coaching staff.
Historic debut
In 2024, Roman became the youngest debutant in the history of the League. When he appeared in the starting lineup for the Matchweek 14 game of the Freedom QJ League U-17 (notably against Shakhter), he was just 13 years, 10 months, and 3 days old.
Considering the context of youth football, where even a one-year age difference can create a significant physical advantage, this is an impressive achievement. Chernomorets played the entire first half against his former club and was substituted at halftime.
Freedom QJ League U-17 MVP
In 2025, despite the introduction of teams featuring players born in 2010, Chernomorets—still only 14 at the time—remained in the U-17 squad.
He more than justified that trust: 21 goals and 6 assists in 20 matches, finishing as both the top scorer and the MVP of the tournament. Along with the prestigious award, he received a 200,000 tenge bonus from league partner Freedom Bank. Roman named his winning goal against Ordabasy in Matchweek 18 as the main highlight of the season.
On the European stage
Roman impressed not only in the League but also internationally. Last year, he made his debut for the Kazakhstan U-17 national team during the UEFA Euro qualifiers. He played in all three matches and scored a crucial goal against Albania—a 2–1 win that secured second place in the group.
In February, he featured in the Development Cup, scoring against Tajikistan, and also gained playing time in the elite round of Euro qualification in March.
Following Kairat’s senior team qualification for the UEFA Champions League league phase, the club’s youth side competed in the UEFA Youth League path. Chernomorets was included in the squad for the match against Cyprus’ Pafos. Although he didn’t take the field, his inclusion reflected the trust placed in him.
A strong start in the flagship tournament
Chernomorets began the new season with the U-18 team, stepping up alongside his familiar teammates. After two matches, he leads the scoring chart, having scored braces against Irtysh and Astana. He also tops the “goals + assists” ranking (4+1).
His performances are also reflected in Fantasy QJ League, where he has collected 22 points, placing him in the top three alongside teammate Abylay Toleukhan and Shakhter defender Zhanibek Zhailaubek.
Chernomorets is already among the top 10 scorers in League history across all age categories, with 25 goals. The current leader is his teammate Daulet Orynbassar (51+20), who is one year older.
“My goal for next season is to win gold medals and claim the individual award again,” Roman said in the offseason. Judging by the opening weeks, neither he nor his Kairat teammates are ready to lower their ambitions.
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