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Tengrinews.kz – Almaty’s FC Kairat pulled off a stunning victory against Glasgow Celtic to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history. The hero of the night was 21-year-old Kazakh goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.
The playoff clash at Almaty’s Central Stadium on August 26 ended goalless after regular and extra time, with the aggregate score also 0:0. The outcome was decided in a penalty shootout, where Anarbekov became the star of the night by saving three spot-kicks from Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda. Kairat won the shootout 3:2, sparking celebrations across the city.
Photo © Tengrinews.kz / Bolat Aitmolda
Who is Temirlan Anarbekov?
Born on October 14, 2003 in Atyrau, Anarbekov is a product of Kairat’s academy. He made his Kazakhstan Premier League debut at the age of 17 in a match against Taraz on November 30, 2020. By 2022, he had become captain of Kairat’s U19 and Kairat-Zhasstar teams, playing key roles in the First League and UEFA Youth League.
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In 2025, following an injury to first-choice keeper Zarutsky, Anarbekov secured his place in the starting lineup and earned a call-up to Kazakhstan’s senior national team. His contract with Kairat runs until December 31, 2027, and his current market value is estimated at €200,000.
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Among Anarbekov’s achievements are his contributions to Kairat’s victories in national tournaments. With the club, he became champion of Kazakhstan in the 2020/21 season, and this year helped the team qualify for the Champions League.
Over the course of his career, Anarbekov has played 90 matches, keeping 24 clean sheets. As for penalty saves, all three of his stops this season came in the dramatic shootout against Celtic – a record for Kazakh goalkeepers in European competitions. In total, he has faced 20 penalties in club and youth matches, saving three of them (15 percent success rate).
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As for his personal life, little is known. The young star does not share details in interviews or on social media.
Following the dramatic win, Anarbekov’s Instagram account gained thousands of new followers within minutes.
Kairat’s historic breakthrough into the Champions League promises both sporting glory and significant financial rewards for the club, while Anarbekov has now firmly established himself as one of Kazakhstan’s brightest football stars.
‘Didn’t deserve it!’: Scottish fans react to Kairat’s Champions League win
