Elman Tagaýew (born June 2, 1989 in Kyzyl-Arvat) is a Turkmen professional football midfielder of Azerbaijani descent, who last played for FC Ahal.
Biography
Tagaýew was born in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to an Azerbaijani family. He began playing football at eight years old. In 2014, he married his wife Arina. In 2015, they had two twin sons named Alan and Ali.
Career
Club
Tagaýew started his career at Aşgabat before going on trial with Khazar Lankaran in early 2012. During his trial with Khazar Lankaran he appeared as a substitute, and scored, against Turkmenistan. Khazar declined to sign Tagaýew due to the players attitude during a game. Tagaýew went on to sign for AZAL in the summer of 2012, but only made 8 appearances before leaving in March 2013.
In June 2017, Tagayev signed a one-year contract with newly-promoted Azerbaijan Premier League team Səbail FK. Tagayev was released by Sabail FK at the end of the 2017–18 season.
International
Elman Tagaýew played for the Turkmenistan national under-23 football team at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Tagaýew's first international goal came against Nepal in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup group stage. As part of the national team of Turkmenistan, he became the finalist of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.
Career statistics
Club
International
Statistics accurate as of match played 26 March 2017
International goals
Honours
International
AFC Challenge Cup
Runners-up: 2012
Individual
Football Federation of Turkmenistan Footballer of the Year: 2021
Ýokary Liga Top Goalscorer: 2021 (10 goals)