Zaur Hashimov
A stalwart Azerbaijani defender who transitioned into management, dedicating his post-playing career to developing young talent in his homeland.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Azerbaijani footballer and manager·Birthday: January 24·Millennials
Biography
Zaur Hashimov's story is one of quiet dedication to Azerbaijani football, first as a player and then as a builder of future players. His playing career was spent almost entirely in his home country, with lengthy spells at clubs like Neftchi Baku and Khazar Lankaran, where his defensive work helped secure domestic cups and league challenges. He was a classic, tough-tackling center-back who also chipped in with crucial goals, earning him call-ups to the Azerbaijani national team. When his playing days ended, he didn't stray far from the pitch. Hashimov moved into coaching, focusing on youth development. He took the helm of Azerbaijan's U-17 and U-19 national teams, aiming to instill tactical discipline and passion in the next generation. His work is less about headline-grabbing wins and more about the gradual, patient process of improving football at its grassroots level in Azerbaijan.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zaur was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zaur Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Zaur's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Azerbaijan Cup three times as a player, twice with Neftchi Baku and once with Khazar Lankaran.
- Earned 12 caps for the Azerbaijan national football team between 2004 and 2007.
- Appointed head coach of the Azerbaijan national under-17 team in 2018, leading their youth development efforts.
- Later served as the head coach of the Azerbaijan national under-19 team.
Did You Know?
He spent his entire senior playing career in Azerbaijan, never transferring to a club abroad.
He is the older brother of fellow Azerbaijani footballer and national team player, Rashad Hashimov.
After retiring, he obtained a UEFA Pro Licence coaching certificate.
“Our football must be built from the academy up, with patience and a clear system.”
