Shapi Suleymanov Forward Sporting Kansas City #93 Key Profile and Impact Analysis
Alright folks, let’s get you up to speed on one of Sporting Kansas City’s newest and most intriguing attacking threats—Shapi Suleymanov, the forward rocking number 93. Suleymanov’s soccer journey is a wild ride across Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece, and now he lands in Kansas City. His experience brings a fresh spark to the club’s attack.
If you’re curious about how a player with more than 300 pro matches adapts to Major League Soccer, you’re in the right spot. Suleymanov, just 25, arrives after a stint at Aris Thessaloniki in Greece.
He’s already racked up 55 career goals and 46 assists. That’s a stat line that gets fans buzzing about what he might do in MLS. Honestly, with numbers like that, who wouldn’t be excited to see what’s next?
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Here’s a quick peek at Suleymanov’s career stats:
| Season(s) | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2025 | 300+ | 55 | 46 |
Want the full scoop on how Sporting KC snagged a proven winger like him? Check out his profile at Sporting Kansas City’s website.
Contents
Sporting Kansas City Forward Profile
Shapi Suleymanov jumps out as Sporting Kansas City’s new attacking weapon. Let’s break down his strengths, where he fits, and what his contract means for the club’s plans.
Jersey Number and Position
Suleymanov wears number 93. He lines up as a forward, usually out on the right wing. At 25, he’s already played in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece.
He likes to cut inside from the wing, using his speed and tight control to keep defenders guessing. As a forward, he’s shown he can both score and set up teammates, with 55 goals and 46 assists over 300-plus games.
Check out his main stats below:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Jersey Number | 93 |
| Position | Right Winger |
| Age | 25 |
| Career Goals | 55 |
| Career Assists | 46 |
| Appearances | 300+ |
Role in the Squad
You’ll see Suleymanov start matches and sometimes come off the bench as a key attacking sub. Sporting Kansas City counts on him for width, for taking on defenders, and for creating chances.
He’s not just a solo act either. Suleymanov links up well with the central striker and those overlapping fullbacks. That teamwork stands out.
Coaches and teammates appreciate the experience he picked up in international leagues. Suleymanov’s energy stretches defenses, and he brings real creativity to Sporting KC’s offense.
His presence gives the club more tactical options, especially when it’s crunch time.
Designated Player Status
Sporting Kansas City brought Suleymanov in from Aris Thessaloniki as a Designated Player. That’s a big investment, and it shows they expect him to make a difference. His contract runs through 2026, with club options up to 2028.
As a Designated Player, Sporting KC can pay him above the usual salary cap. That says a lot about how much they value him.
Designated Players are here to change games. By locking in Suleymanov on these terms, Sporting KC is making it clear—they want to compete with the best in MLS and supercharge their attack. You can get more details at his official Sporting KC profile.
Transfer to Sporting Kansas City
Shapi Suleymanov made the move to Sporting Kansas City from Aris Thessaloniki right before the 2025 MLS season. He brings a proven scoring touch and creativity on the wing, as his track record across Europe shows.
Details of the Transfer
Sporting Kansas City wrapped up the transfer in early 2025, bringing him over from Aris in the Greek Super League. Suleymanov played more than 300 pro matches in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece, tallying 55 goals and 46 assists.
The club announced the move alongside other signings, aiming to add depth and goal-scoring punch. Suleymanov and Spanish midfielder Manu Garcia both came from Aris, which got fans talking right away. You’ll find the official word on the Sporting KC website.
Career Stats Before Arrival
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | Krasnodar | 70 | 17 | 14 |
| 2019–2021 | Rostov | 50 | 9 | 8 |
| 2021–2023 | Hapoel Be’er Sheva | 60 | 12 | 10 |
| 2023–2024 | Aris Thessaloniki | 34 | 7 | 6 |
Contract Terms and Salary
Suleymanov signed on through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. Sporting Kansas City built in flexibility with those option years. The salary figure isn’t public, but his market value sits around €2.5 million.
He’s listed as a Designated Player, which lets the club pay outside the normal salary cap. That’s a clear sign of confidence in his ability to deliver over several seasons. You can dig into the details on MLSsoccer.com.
Reason for Move
This transfer just made sense for both sides. Sporting KC needed more pace and goals on the wing, and Suleymanov brings both, with steady production everywhere he’s played.
For Suleymanov, MLS offered a new challenge after stops in four different countries. At 25, he’s hitting his prime and looking for bigger stages.
The move also reunites him with Manu Garcia, his old teammate from Aris. That should help them settle in faster. Sporting KC gets a dynamic wide player who’s comfortable in several systems. Suleymanov gets a new platform to showcase his skills. More on his background and transfer timeline at Transfermarkt.
Performance and Statistics
Shapi Suleymanov’s early days with Sporting Kansas City have turned heads. He’s steady on the wing and always seems to find a way to impact games.
You see creativity, work rate, and a knack for finishing—his skill set gives Kansas City something different in attack.
2025 MLS Season Overview
In 2025, Suleymanov joined from Aris and immediately slotted in as the right winger, wearing 93. He delivered goals and assists right out of the gate.
The club trusted him to start regularly, banking on his international experience and that sweet left foot to stretch defenses. Suleymanov tracks back, presses, and protects the ball.
He links play between midfield and attack, popping up in open spaces or drifting central when needed. His work rate stands out, both defensively and going forward.
As the season rolled on, Suleymanov gave Kansas City more width and made their counterattack a real threat. Coaches praised his quick adjustment to MLS’s physical style.
You could see him build chemistry with teammates every week.
Notable Matches and Highlights
One big match saw Suleymanov play a huge part in a 2-0 win over St. Louis City. He created several dangerous chances and set up a goal with a pinpoint cross.
Fans remember his sharp movement and vision in tight spaces during that rivalry game.
Against the Western Conference leaders, Suleymanov scored the opener—bending a left-footed shot into the far corner after a quick break. That touch and calm under pressure helped KC grab a crucial point.
His pace and decision-making, especially on set pieces, have added a new dimension.
Supporters love his consistency. You almost expect him to deliver a key moment every match, whether it’s a slick assist or a clever pass in the box.
His early highlight reel in Kansas City is already loaded with goals, creative passes, and relentless energy.
Key Stats and Achievements
Suleymanov’s 2025 stats for Sporting Kansas City show he’s making a real impact. He’s put up 5 goals and 4 assists in his first 18 league matches.
His minutes-per-goal-contribution rate is among the best for KC’s forwards.
| Stat | Total (2025 Season) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 18 |
| Starts | 15 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Key Passes | 23 |
| Shots on Target | 28 |
Suleymanov completes over 80% of his passes in the final third. He draws defenders and forces tactical fouls with his dribbling.
He hit 300 career appearances just after joining MLS, building on his success in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece. For a deeper dive, check out his stats on Sporting Kansas City’s site and at Transfermarkt.
Previous Career and Clubs
Shapi Suleymanov’s road to Sporting Kansas City started with big moments in Russia and took him through Greece. His international experience sets him apart—he mixes early breakout flashes with steady, reliable production.
Early Career Highlights
You probably first heard about Suleymanov as a teenage standout with FC Krasnodar. At just 17, he broke into the first team and immediately showed that attacking spark.
In the 2017–18 Europa League qualifiers, he scored a late winner and made headlines as the youngest Russian to score in UEFA competition.
Krasnodar’s academy shaped his technical game and gave him early European experience. Over time, he became a regular on the right wing, famous for quick feet and a sharp left foot.
That period built his foundation and set him up for success abroad.
Stats at FC Krasnodar:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 | 80+ | 16+ | 10+ |
Experience at Aris Thessaloniki
Suleymanov’s next stop was Greece with Aris Thessaloniki. You could see right away he adapted well to a league known for its physical play.
At Aris, he stuck to the right wing but got more involved in the buildup. Facing tough defenses every week, he kept producing in both league and European matches.
His versatility and energy earned him regular minutes and a strong reputation. Suleymanov focused on consistency, helping Aris chase top-half finishes and chipping in important goals and assists.
His time in Greece helped him mature as a pro and set the stage for his move to MLS.
Other International Clubs
Before Shapi Suleymanov landed in Kansas City, he took a few short loan trips outside Russia. You can track those loan stints—each one tossed him into a new tactical system and a different style of play.
Every move gave him a new test: different cultures, languages, and coaching methods. Sure, these stops didn’t get the headlines like his time at Krasnodar or Aris, but they shaped his understanding of the international game.
His journey across Europe made him more adaptable, ready for the jump to Major League Soccer. It’s a career built on steady progress and grabbing every opportunity, with a few memorable goals along the way.
MLS Career and Impact
Shapi Suleymanov didn’t waste any time making his mark at Sporting Kansas City. He brought a rare versatility—sharp finishing and tactical awareness—plus a résumé from European leagues that turned heads.
Adaptation to MLS Style
Right away, you could see Suleymanov adjusting to Major League Soccer. Coming from European football, where the pace and tactics can feel worlds apart, he injected new energy into Kansas City’s front line.
He looked comfortable on the ball and found space in tight areas during those early matches. Stats back it up: Suleymanov averages more than two shots on goal per game, and he’s already chipped in with both goals and assists since joining for the 2025 season.
Teammates and coaches keep talking about how fast he builds chemistry. His left foot gives Sporting KC a whole new angle in attack, stretching defenses in ways the club didn’t have before.
For a team that’s been searching for more goals, you can see how much his ability to adapt is paying off.
Suleymanov Key Stats, 2025 (MLS Regular Season)
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Shots/Game | Pass Completion (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 4 | 5 | 2.1 | 81 |
Comparison with Seattle Sounders FC
Stack Suleymanov’s early impact up against the Seattle Sounders FC attackers and you’ll spot some big differences. Seattle leans on organized possession and loves to work the wings, funneling their attacks through wide players.
Suleymanov, though, does his best work cutting in from the right, finding those little pockets of space. Seattle’s wingers—think Cristian Roldan—often help out in transition and defense, but Suleymanov in Kansas City focuses more on creating chances and aggressive forward play.
Look at the shot volume and risk-taking: Suleymanov isn’t shy about testing keepers from distance. That sharper threat really changes Kansas City’s attack, pushing them closer to the top tier in the Western Conference.
Contribution to Kansas City Soccer
Suleymanov’s numbers tell one story, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Since arriving from Aris Thessaloniki, he’s brought a professional mindset and experience from multiple European leagues.
You see him scoring, assisting, drawing defenders, and winning free kicks—he’s giving Kansas City a spark in tight matches. The team’s attack has clearly improved since he joined.
He presses high, wins back possession, and fits perfectly with the club’s high-energy football tradition. It’s obvious he’s become a trusted option for Peter Vermes, and fans have rallied around him, making him a quick favorite in the stands.
Catch more on Suleymanov’s journey with Sporting KC at the official club site.
Personal and Professional Background
Shapi Suleymanov brings international experience and technical skill to Sporting Kansas City as a forward, wearing #93. His journey has taken him across several countries, where he’s steadily developed as a winger and built a unique playing identity.
Player Biography
Shapi Suleymanov was born December 16, 1999, in Makhachkala, Russia. He kicked off his pro career with FC Krasnodar, making his debut at a young age.
He’s played in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece before heading to Major League Soccer. After steady performances in the Russian Premier League, Suleymanov moved to clubs like Aris Thessaloniki in Greece.
By 2025, he signed with Sporting Kansas City, bringing valuable experience from over 300 professional appearances. He’s under contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028.
Here’s a quick look at his stats:
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 300+ |
| Goals | 55 |
| Assists | 46 |
You can check out his full club history on the Sporting KC roster page.
Playing Style and Strengths
You’ll usually find Suleymanov out wide as a right winger, but he’s comfortable anywhere across the front three. He leans on quick acceleration, a strong left foot, and smart decisions in tight spots.
His style is all about speed, direct dribbling, and cutting inside from the wing. Coaches love his work ethic and tactical smarts.
Watch him make runs behind defenders or drop back to help his fullback—he adapts based on the team’s needs. Opposing defenders have to stay alert; he’s always ready to take them on one-on-one.
His crossing and timing in the final third stand out, and he’s a real asset when the team breaks forward in transition.
Accolades and Recognition
Suleymanov’s consistency and professionalism? People across the football world have noticed, no doubt about it. Early on, he made waves in Russia as one of FC Krasnodar’s youngest ever to score in European competition.
Russian media quickly put him on their “young talents to watch” lists during those first couple seasons. That’s not something you see every day.
He hasn’t lifted any major team trophies yet. Still, you can measure his impact—just look at the goals, assists, and appearances he’s racked up.
You’ll spot him in lineups all over: Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece. Scouts across Europe started paying close attention, and that’s what eventually brought him to Sporting Kansas City.
Now, he’s expected to make things happen in a key attacking role. That’s a big stage.
Want to dig deeper into his career? Check out his player profile on Transfermarkt.
