Sport24.az
"Neftçi" club has made a historic decision on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Anatoli Banishevski, the legend of Azerbaijani football. The capital's representative immortalized the number 9 jersey worn by the unforgettable striker. Sport24.az reports that the importance of the uniform was especially emphasized in the information released by the club:
"He wore this number with honor and loyalty for 16 years. He never exchanged this uniform for anything. He scored countless winning goals under this number and raised the name of "Neftçi" to the heights. From now on, "Neftçi's" number 9 jersey will belong to Anatoli Banishevski forever."
"Ağ-qaralar" (The Whites-Blacks) announced that this decision will take effect from the 2026/27 season:
By the decision of "Neftçi" Professional Football Club, starting from the 2026/27 season, the team's number 9 jersey is immortalized in memory of the unforgettable Anatoli Banishevski, 80 years after his birth on February 23. This is the respect we show in the person of the legendary Anatoli Banishevski to "Neftçi", which has always advanced Azerbaijani football in its 89 years of activity, to its glorious history, and to hundreds of football players who have worn its uniform."
