Ayaz Guliyev

Ayaz Bakhtiyarovich Guliyev (; ; born 27 November 1996) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as defensive midfielder or central midfielder.

Club career Spartak Moscow He made his professional debut in the Russian Professional Football League for FC Spartak-2 Moscow on 9 April 2014 in a game against FC Tambov.

Anzhi Makhachkala On 20 February 2017, it was announced that Guliyev had joined Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala on loan. He made his Russian Premier League debut for Anzhi against Spartak Moscow in Otkrytiye Arena on 12 March 2017. Guliyev scored his first goal for Anzhi in the Russian Premier League match against Arsenal Tula in a 3–2 home victory on 22 October 2017. His Anzhi loan was terminated on 7 January 2018.

Rostov On 10 January 2018, he joined FC Rostov on loan until 31 May 2018. On 6 June 2018, he moved to Rostov on a permanent basis, signing a 4-year contract. Guliyev scored his first goal for Rostov in the Russian Premier League match against Yenisey in a 4–0 home victory on 19 August 2018.

Return to Spartak On 9 January 2019, Spartak Moscow announced that they bought Guliyev back from Rostov and signed a long-term contract with him. On 11 May 2021, his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Arsenal Tula On 21 June 2021, he signed a two-year contract with Arsenal Tula.

Khimki On 8 July 2022, Guliyev joined Khimki on a two-season deal.

Sabah On 28 August 2023, Azerbaijan Premier League club Sabah announced the signing of Guliyev from Khimki on a three-year contract.

Return to Arsenal Tula On 26 January 2026, Guliyev returned to Arsenal Tula in the Russian First League.

International career Guliyev was born in Russia to an Azerbaijani father and Russian mother, and holds dual-citizenship. He participated in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup with Russia national under-17 football team.

Later Guliyev represented Russia national under-19 football team at the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where Russia came in second place.

In an interview with in 2022, Guliyev described Azerbaijan as his "homeland" and said it would be an "honour" to represent the Azerbaijan national team. On 24 February 2025, his request to switch international allegiance to Azerbaijan was approved by FIFA. However, he was never capped for Azerbaijan.

On 5 March 2026, Guliyev's request to switch international allegiance back to Russia was approved by FIFA. Bakhtiyar Guliyev, and a Russian mother.

Career statistics

Honours Sabah Azerbaijan Cup: 2024–25