Shapi Suleymanov Bio
Magomed-Shapi Kamilyevich Suleymanov, commonly known as Shapi Suleymanov, is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a winger. He currently represents Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City, where he wears the number 93 shirt. Standing 1.71 meters tall, Suleymanov is recognized for his speed, attacking instincts, and ability to deliver in important moments on the European stage.
Born in Makhachkala, in the Republic of Dagestan, Suleymanov rose through the youth ranks of FC Krasnodar before making his professional debut in 2017. Over the following seasons, he built a reputation as one of the most promising young Russian attackers, eventually setting a notable continental record and earning moves across Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece.
Early Life and Background
Magomed-Shapi Kamilyevich Suleymanov was born on 16 December 1999 in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia. He grew up in a region with a strong footballing tradition, where the sport plays a central role in community life. From an early age, he showed an interest in football and began developing his skills in local youth setups.
Suleymanov’s first organized youth experience came at RSDYuShOR-2 Makhachkala, where he played between 2006 and 2013. That seven-year spell gave him the technical foundation and discipline needed to progress to a higher level of competition. His performances during those formative years attracted attention from one of Russia’s top development clubs.
In 2013, at the age of thirteen, Suleymanov joined the academy of FC Krasnodar, widely regarded as one of the most respected youth systems in Russian football. Over the next four years, he advanced steadily through the age groups, training under experienced coaches and competing against strong domestic and international opposition. His time at Krasnodar shaped his tactical understanding and prepared him for the demands of professional football.
Path to Soccer
Suleymanov’s rise through the Krasnodar system was swift and consistent. After joining the academy in 2013, he progressed into the reserve side, FC Krasnodar-2, where he continued to refine his game. His performances at that level convinced the coaching staff that he was ready for senior football.
He made his professional debut in the Russian Professional Football League on 12 March 2017, appearing for Krasnodar-2 against FC Angusht Nazran. Just four months later, on 16 July 2017, he made his Russian Premier League debut for the senior Krasnodar team against FC Rubin Kazan. Those early appearances marked the beginning of his journey at the top level of Russian football.
Suleymanov’s path to senior football was also shaped by his inclusion in Russian youth national teams. Between 2014 and 2020, he represented his country at the U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels. Those international experiences helped him adapt to varied playing styles and prepared him for the tactical challenges of elite club competition.
Shapi Suleymanov Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Suleymanov’s first season in senior football was nothing short of remarkable. In only his second appearance for Krasnodar’s first team, on 27 July 2017, he scored a 93rd-minute winner against Lyngby in a 2017–18 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round match, sealing a 2–1 victory. That goal made him the youngest Russian player ever to score in UEFA club competitions, surpassing a record set by Sergey Rodionov in 1980.
The following season, he became a more regular contributor in the Russian Premier League. On 26 August 2018, he netted his first top-flight goal, an 88th-minute equalizer in a 1–1 draw away to FC Orenburg. Days later, he struck again in added time to give Krasnodar a 2–1 win over reigning champions FC Lokomotiv Moscow, and he continued his scoring run with another goal against FC Krylia Sovetov Samara. By the end of the 2018–19 campaign, he had firmly established himself as a key attacking option for the club.
Krasnodar Breakthrough (2017–2021)
During the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, Suleymanov produced some of the most memorable performances of his Krasnodar tenure. On 21 February 2019, he scored a late free kick that helped Krasnodar eliminate Bayer Leverkusen from the Europa League on the away-goals rule. Later that same European campaign, he netted another late goal against Valencia in the Round of 16, though Krasnodar was ultimately eliminated in stoppage time.
In domestic competition, he continued to grow into a reliable scorer. On 31 March 2019, he recorded his first Russian Premier League multi-goal game, scoring twice against his hometown club FC Anzhi Makhachkala in a 5–0 victory. His European heroics peaked on 13 August 2019, when he scored twice in a 3–2 away win over FC Porto in the Champions League qualifiers, helping Krasnodar overturn a first-leg deficit and advance. Those performances cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in Russian football.
European Loans and Permanent Move (2021–2024)
On 8 September 2021, Krasnodar announced that Suleymanov would join Turkish Süper Lig side Giresunspor on loan for the 2021–22 season. The move gave him the opportunity to experience a new league and culture, and he returned to Krasnodar in June 2022 after completing the campaign.
Shortly after his return, on 17 August 2022, he was sent on another loan, this time to Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva, with a season-long agreement that included an option to buy. The following summer, he moved on loan to Greek side Aris for the 2023–24 season. On 3 July 2024, Aris confirmed his permanent transfer from Krasnodar, ending a seven-year association with the Russian club. That summer marked the end of his time in Russian football and opened a new chapter in his career.
Sporting Kansas City Era (2025–Present)
On 3 February 2025, Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City announced the signing of Suleymanov to a two-year contract running through 2027, with a club option for an additional year. The move brought him to North American soccer for the first time in his career and represented a significant new chapter in his professional journey.
At Sporting Kansas City, Suleymanov has been deployed primarily as a winger, where his pace and direct running are expected to add a new dimension to the team’s attack. He has been assigned the number 93 shirt and has quickly become a player to watch as the club builds its roster around versatile, technical forwards.
Driving Style and Strengths
Suleymanov is best known for his acceleration, close control, and composure in front of goal. He is comfortable operating on either flank and has shown a particular ability to score important late goals, a trait that defined many of his breakthrough moments at Krasnodar. His tactical awareness and willingness to take on defenders make him a constant attacking threat.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout milestone of Suleymanov’s career came in July 2017, when his winning goal against Lyngby made him the youngest Russian player ever to score in UEFA club competitions at 17 years, 7 months, and 11 days. He has also produced standout performances in the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia, and in the Champions League qualifiers against FC Porto, where his brace secured a memorable away victory.
Shapi Suleymanov Career Wins
Throughout his career, Suleymanov has recorded meaningful victories at both club and continental levels, including European qualifiers, Russian Premier League matches, and league games in Turkey, Israel, and Greece. While official senior trophies are not listed among his verified honors, his contributions have consistently helped his teams secure important results.
Russian Premier League and Cup Highlights
With FC Krasnodar, Suleymanov amassed notable league contributions from 2017 through 2021, including his first Russian Premier League goal against FC Orenburg and a brace against FC Anzhi Makhachkala. He was a regular contributor during a strong period for the club, both domestically and in European competition.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond Russia, Suleymanov has represented clubs in Turkey, Israel, and Greece, gaining experience across multiple top-flight leagues. His performances in the Turkish Süper Lig with Giresunspor, the Israeli Premier League with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, and the Greek Super League with Aris reflect a career built on adaptability and consistent contribution.
Shapi Suleymanov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Suleymanov’s immediate family is limited. He was raised in Makhachkala, Dagestan, a region with a deep footballing heritage that has produced numerous professional players. His early development at local club RSDYuShOR-2 Makhachkala reflects the strong community support for young athletes in the area.
Personal Life
Suleymanov has kept his personal life largely private, and no verified details about a spouse or children are publicly available. He has focused public attention on his professional career, which has taken him from his hometown of Makhachkala to clubs across Europe and, most recently, North America.
2025 Season Performance
Suleymanov joined Sporting Kansas City in February 2025, beginning a new chapter in Major League Soccer. Wearing the number 93 shirt, he is expected to feature prominently as a wide attacker, providing pace and creativity in the final third. His early performances are being closely watched as he adapts to the demands of MLS competition.
The club has built its 2025 campaign around a mix of experienced international players and emerging talents, with Suleymanov fitting naturally into that strategy. His prior experience in high-pressure European matches, including Europa League and Champions League qualifiers, suggests he is well prepared for the intensity of an MLS season.
Looking ahead, Suleymanov’s contract runs through 2027, with a club option for an additional year. His progress at Sporting Kansas City will be a key storyline for fans and analysts tracking his ongoing transition to North American soccer.
