Jaloliddin Masharipov #10

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It feels symbolic that he was born on Uzbekistan’s Independence Day - 1 September - as he has gone on to become one of the greatest Uzbek players of his generation. Due to financial difficulties during their youth, his older brother gave up his own dream of becoming a footballer in favor of Jaloliddin. When speaking of Masharipov, the phrase "colossal experience" comes to mind as a synonym. He is not only a multiple-time champion of Uzbekistan but has also played with success in foreign leagues, including at Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. It was Masharipov who had the No7 shirt when the Portuguese great first joined the club, and after he volunteered to give it up he and Ronaldo became good friends. When the World Cup draw placed Portugal and Uzbekistan in the same group, Masharipov addressed Ronaldo on Instagram: "Dear friend, see you at the World Cup." That was in serious doubt when he sustained a serious knee injury in January, but he recovered in the nick of time.

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