Shahin Khadakerim oglu Diniyev (, ; born 12 July 1966) is an Azerbaijani football manager and former midfielder who most recently coached Azerbaijan Premier League side Sabail. Diniyev served as both captain and head coach of the Azerbaijani national team. His two sons, Karim and Coşqun, are also professional footballers, with the latter having been a senior international since 2015.

Personal life

Shahin Khadakerim oglu Diniyev was born on July 12, 1966, in the Beylagan district. At the age of 17, he was admitted to the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sports. His sons, Karim Diniyev and Coşqun Diniyev, are football players, and his nephew, Ramil Diniyev, is a former referee.

Career

Diniyev played for clubs in his native Azerbaijan, as well as Russia, Moldova and Israel. After retirement, he became a coach, first with FK Qarabağ and then Kapaz PFC. In November 2005, he impressed the AFFA sufficiently to be awarded with the national team job, promising to restructure the squad with an emphasis on youth and to help turn Azerbaijan into a credible force within UEFA competition. Replacing Vagif Sadygov, Diniyev's first game in charge was a friendly against Ukraine in Baku at the Tofig Bakhramov Stadium; the result was 0-0, a minor success against stronger opposition. In further friendlies, a shock 1–1 draw against Turkey and another 0–0 draw against Moldova followed. Diniyev was soon to witness his first defeat as Azerbaijan coach: in August 2006 he watched his team succumb to a 6–0 defeat against Ukraine, this time in Kyiv. This game was the final friendly match before qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship began. Under Diniyev, the Azerbaijan squad has given debuts to not only young players but also some naturalised foreigners, such as Leandro Gomes of FC Baku, who was born in Brazil. In December 2022, Diniyev was appointed as the head coach of the Azerbaijan Premier League club Sabail. On November 3, 2024, he announced his resignation from the head coach position at the club.

Career statistics

International

Statistics accurate as of 20 October 2015

Managerial

Notes and references