:Neftçi PFK

File:Neftyanik Baku 1937.jpg

The club was founded on 18 March 1937 and played under the name of Neftyanik until 1968.{{cite web|title=İlbəil|url=https://www.neftchi.az/az/tmenu/timeline|website=www.neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200809/https://www.neftchi.az/az/tmenu/timeline|url-status=live}} The first official match of Neftyanik took place on May 24, 1937. In the 1/64 finals of the Soviet Cup, Neftyanik beat FC Dinamo Yerevan (1:0). The goal scored by Pavel Shtyrlin in the 87th minute was the first in the history of Neftçi.

The team, which has played since the USSR championships in the group G, took the 11th place among 12 participants.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1937|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su37.html|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200805/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su37.html|url-status=live}} In the same year, in the matches for the USSR Cup, Neftyanik, although he won in 1/64 and 1/32 finals in the Dinamo teams from Yerevan and Batumi, lost in the 1/16 finals from the fight, losing to the Dinamo Tbilisi.

Between 1938 and 1941, Neftyanik also played in local Azerbaijani and Caucasus championships. At the start of World War II, the players had to join the army. Mirmehdi Aghayev, who played for the club before the war, was among those killed in action.{{cite web|title="Neftçi" necə yarandı|url=http://allsport.az/neftci-nec%C9%99-yarandi/|website=www.allsport.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123015434/https://allsport.az/neftci-nec%c9%99-yarandi/|url-status=live}} As the war drew to an end, the team gradually resumed operations and in 1944, Neftyanik returned to the Azerbaijani championship, becoming champions the following year.

File:Anatoliy Banishevskiy (1967).png is the club's top scorer during the Soviet Union era, with an overall 136 goals.{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/uploads/club/infrastructur/muzey4991692020-10-20-105820.JPG|title=Muzey – Statistika. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007145132/https://neftchi.az/uploads/club/infrastructur/muzey4991692020-10-20-105820.JPG|url-status=live}}]]

Neftyanik competed in the 2nd Group of the USSR championship in 1946–1948, and qualified for the first time in its history for the 1st Group (Top League) in 1949. After Temp Baku which took part only one year in the 1st Group eleven years ago, Neftyanik became the second representative of the Republic at that level in the history of Azerbaijan football.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1938|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su38.html#38l|website=RSSSF|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126001356/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su38.html#38l|url-status=live}} The first Top League match was against the VVS Moscow at the then Lenin Stadium (now Ismat Gayibov Stadium). In this historic match, the team won with a score of 1:0. The first goal in group A of the championship of the USSR was recorded by Viktor Anoshkin. They finished the Top Division in 14th place in their debut season. Playing in the Top Division for two consecutive years, Neftyanik left it in 1950 and had to play in the Class B again.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1950|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su50.html#50l|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200816/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su50.html#50l|url-status=live}} The team qualified for the second time in its history for the Top League in 1960, and by playing regularly in the Top League during 1960–1965.

The 1966 season stands out in the history of Neftçi, as the club achieved its biggest success in the USSR championships by finishing third. By beating Spartak Moscow 3:0 in the last game of the championship in the current Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on 30 November, the Black and Whites, coached by 31-year-old Ahmad Alaskarov, reached 45 points and finished only two points short of the second-placed Rostov Army Club.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1966|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su66.html#66l|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200816/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su66.html#66l|url-status=live}} Dynamo Kyiv won the championship with 56 points. Two years later, in 1968, the club began the 30th USSR championship as Neftçi rather than Neftyanik.

Neftçi dropped to the Second Division in 1972 and spent the 1973–76 seasons there. Elbrus Abbasov played a great role in the team's comeback. By scoring 28 goals, he became the Second Division's top scorer, helping the Black and Whites finish second and qualify for the top flight again.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1976|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su76.html#ga1|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200810/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su76.html#ga1|url-status=live}} In 1987 season, Neftçi coached by Aghasalim Mirjavadov, finished the championship in 9th place,{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1987|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su87.html#87l|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200807/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su87.html#87l|url-status=live}} registering its best performance since 1971. The team was known for its attacking trio which included Isgandar Javadov, Mashalla Ahmadov and Igor Ponomaryov.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Футбольные корифеи|url=http://neftchipfk.com/ru/page.php?p=coryphaeus|work=www.neftchipfk.com|access-date=13 January 2014|language=Russian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705063018/http://neftchipfk.com/ru/page.php?p=coryphaeus|archive-date=5 July 2014|url-status=usurped}} 1988 was a disappointing season for the club, as they finished 15th and were relegated to the Second Division.{{cite web|title=Soviet Union 1988|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su88.html#88l|website=RSSSF|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200806/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su88.html#88l|url-status=live}} Aghasalim Mirjavadov coached them in the first half of the season and Yuriy Kuznetsov in the second, but neither could save the team from relegation.{{cite web|title=Состав команды «Нефтчи» Баку в сезоне 1988.|url=https://footballfacts.ru/clubsezon/4491-neftchibaku1988|website=www.footballfacts.ru|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200805/https://footballfacts.ru/clubsezon/4491-neftchibaku1988|url-status=live}}

File:Flavinho.jpg is Neftçi's first foreign captain.{{cite web|url=https://fcdynamo.com/ru/news/dinamo_neftchi_baku_azerbaydzhan_prevyu|title="Динамо" – "Нефтчи" (Баку, Азербайджан). Превью|website=fcdynamo.com|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124005246/https://fcdynamo.com/ru/news/dinamo_neftchi_baku_azerbaydzhan_prevyu|url-status=live}}]]

Neftçi won the first Azerbaijani national championship having begun as clear favourites, since many of the players playing for the club at the end of the Soviet period remained.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/azerchamp.html|title=Azerbaijan- List of Champions|last=Erlan Manasche and Karel Stokkermans|date=29 October 2015|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=11 April 2016|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926000224/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/azerchamp.html|url-status=live}} The team was coached by Ahmad Alaskarov.{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/1992/stars|title=Azərbaycan çempionatının qalibi 1992 – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123192443/https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/1992/stars|url-status=live}} Another success came three years later. In 1995, Neftçi, led by Vagif Sadygov, defeated all rivals in the fight for the Cup of Azerbaijan.{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-cup/1994-1995/stars|title=Azərbaycan Kubokunun qalibi 1994-1995 – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123192448/https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-cup/1994-1995/stars|url-status=live}} 1995–1996 season, Neftçi finished with a "golden double" — won the national championship and became the owner of the Cup.{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/1995-1996/stars|title=Azərbaycan çempionatının qalibi 1995-1996 – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=25 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125185738/https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/1995-1996/stars|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-cup/1995-1996/stars|title=Azərbaycan Kubokunun qalibi 1995-1996 – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123192450/https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-cup/1995-1996/stars|url-status=live}} This success was achieved thanks to the efforts of coaches Vagif Sadygov, Asif Aliyev and Kazbek Tuaev.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Успехи "Нефтчи"|url=http://www.neftchipfk.com/ru/page.php?p=honour|work=www.neftchipfk.com|access-date=13 January 2014|language=Russian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705081717/http://neftchipfk.com/ru/page.php?p=honour|archive-date=5 July 2014|url-status=usurped}}

In 2006, Neftçi managed to win the CIS Cup after defeating FBK Kaunas of Lithuania in the final.{{cite web | title = Скандал на Кубке Содружества: чемпионы Армении отказались играть с азербайджанцами (Scandal at the CIS Cup: The champions of Armenia refused to play the Azerbaijanis) | publisher = NewsRU.com | date = 19 January 2006 | language = ru | url = http://www.newsru.com/sport/19jan2006/scandal.html | access-date = 2008-06-23 | archive-date = 29 August 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080829130129/http://newsru.com/sport/19jan2006/scandal.html | url-status = live }} In European competitions, the club also have advanced to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League twice, having defeated Bosnian champions – NK Široki Brijeg – and Icelandic champions – FH Hafnarfjarðar – in 2004 and 2005 respectively.{{cite web|last=|first =| title = UEFA Champions League History Season 2004 First Round| publisher = uefa.com | date = |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2004/round=1965/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331181236/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2004/round=1965/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-03-31| access-date = 2008-06-21 }}{{cite web | last = | first = | title = UEFA Champions League History Season 2005 First Round| publisher = uefa.com|date =| url =http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2198/index.html| archive-url =https://archive.today/20070103180458/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2005/round=2198/index.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =2007-01-03| access-date = 2008-06-21 }} Neftçi advanced to the third round of the 2008 Intertoto Cup, after defeating the Slovak club FC Nitra and the Belgian side K.F.C. Germinal Beerschot in the first two rounds.{{cite web| last = | first = | title = Football Europe: PFC Neftçi in the Intertoto Cup 2008| publisher = uefa.com|date =| url =http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/club=59890/competition=16/index.html| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090215104605/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/club=59890/competition=16/index.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =2009-02-15| access-date = 2008-07-03 }}

A long period of decline followed the success of the 2005 to the end of the decade. Despite the appointment of famous names such as Gurban Gurbanov, Vlastimil Petržela, Anatoliy Demyanenko and Hans-Jürgen Gede, the club did not achieve any success and squandered large sums of money on unsuccessful signings.{{cite web|last=Aliyev|first=Elmir|title=Вице-президент "Нефтчи": "Ханс-Юрген Геде хотел нас "кинуть""|url=http://www.day.az/news/football/149784.html|publisher=Day.az|access-date=2 December 2010|archive-date=13 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313053916/http://www.day.az/news/football/149784.html|url-status=live}}

Prospects changed positively in December 2009 when the club's control was given to Sadıq Sadıqov. The takeover was immediately followed by a flurry of bids for high-profile international players such as Bahodir Nasimov, Nicolás Canales, Flavinho, Bruno Bertucci, Eric Ramos, Igor Mitreski and Julius Wobay.{{cite web|title=Sabah futbol üzrə Azərbaycan milli çempionatı başlayır|url=http://deyerler.org/63043-sabah-futbol-uzre-azerbaycan-milli-cempionati-baslayir.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722073434/http://deyerler.org/63043-sabah-futbol-uzre-azerbaycan-milli-cempionati-baslayir.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-22|access-date=30 December 2010}} In May 2011, coached by Arif Asadov, the club won its sixth championship title.{{cite web|last=Ibrahimov|first=Erkin|title=Neftçi take title honours in Azerbaijan|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/01f1-0e782d2baf69-c188c34bb227-1000--neftci-take-title-honours-in-azerbaijan/?referrer=%2fmemberassociations%2fassociation%3daze%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d1625862|publisher=UEFA|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=16 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416055222/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=aze/news/newsid=1625862.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Neftchi are Azerbaijani champions|url=http://news.az/articles/sports/35430|publisher=News.az|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=29 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529125739/http://news.az/articles/sports/35430|url-status=dead}} Asadov also become the first person in Azerbaijan to win the league title as a coach and football player.{{cite web|title=Arif Əsədov Azərbaycan futbolu tarixinə düşdü|url=http://apasport.az/xeber_Arif_%C6%8Fs%C9%99dov_Az%C9%99rbaycan_futbolu_tarixin%C9%99_d%C3%BC%C5%9Fd%C3%BC_45721.html|access-date=1 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722001338/http://apasport.az/xeber_Arif_%C6%8Fs%C9%99dov_Az%C9%99rbaycan_futbolu_tarixin%C9%99_d%C3%BC%C5%9Fd%C3%BC_45721.html|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=dead}} However, Asadov was dismissed after the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the qualifying round of the Champions League 2011–2012 season.{{cite web|title="Нефтчи" меняет курс|url=https://ru.uefa.com/news-media/news/0219-0f8a6755e018-dfd7b8b2994b-1000--%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%80%D1%81/|website=UEFA|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200807/https://ru.uefa.com/insideuefa/national-associations/news/0219-0f8a6755e018-dfd7b8b2994b-1000--%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%80%D1%81/|url-status=live}}

In the 2011–12 season, Boyukagha Hajiyev guided Neftçi to another domestic success as the club become champions for seventh time in their history.{{cite web|last=Ibragimov|first=Erkin|title=Neftçi take honours in Azerbaijan|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/01fc-0e7e09c9bf98-9918a4491dce-1000--neftci-take-honours-in-azerbaijan/|publisher=UEFA|access-date=10 May 2012|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108142055/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=aze/news/newsid=1791493.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ru:Нефтчи – чемпион второй год подряд|url=http://www.azerifootball.com/ru/9/news/12115.html|work=Azerifootball.com|access-date=29 April 2012|language=ru|archive-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014035032/http://www.azerifootball.com/ru/9/news/12115.html|url-status=live}} In November 2011, Neftçi celebrated its 1,000th victory in official matches and its 1,000th goal in Azerbaijan League, scored by Araz Abdullayev.{{cite web|title=2011-ci ilin sirrini APASPORT açdı – EKSKLÜZİV – STATİSTİKA|url=http://apasport.az/xeber_2011-ci_ilin_sirrini_APASPORT_a%C3%A7d%C4%B1_%EF%BF%BD_EKSKL%C3%9CZ%C4%B0V_-_STAT%C4%B0ST%C4%B0KA_54539.html|work=APASPORT.az|access-date=30 December 2011|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513130037/http://apasport.az/xeber_2011-ci_ilin_sirrini_APASPORT_a%C3%A7d%C4%B1_%EF%BF%BD_EKSKL%C3%9CZ%C4%B0V_-_STAT%C4%B0ST%C4%B0KA_54539.html|archive-date=13 May 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:Böyükağa Hacıyev.jpg's management, Neftçi became the first team to represent Azerbaijan in the group stage of a European competition.]]

In 2012, Neftçi qualified for the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League group stage, being the first Azerbaijani team to advance to this stage in a European competition. Neftçi managed to get three points in six matches, drawing with Partizan both times and holding Internazionale away at the San Siro.{{cite web|title=Neftçi claim creditable draw at Inter|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025a-0ea96bdbd7aa-0f530ec2b87e-1000--neftci-claim-creditable-draw-at-inter/|publisher=UEFA|date=6 December 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|archive-date=9 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209020720/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000356/match=2010025/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Neftçi hold Partizan on group stage debut|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0201-0ea4894fc200-51db247aa97a-1000--neftci-hold-partizan-on-group-stage-debut/|publisher=UEFA|date=20 September 2012|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=28 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428045357/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season%3D2013/matches/round%3D2000356/match%3D2009906/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}

A third consecutive Premier League title followed in 2012–13.{{cite web|title=Three in a row for Azerbaijani champions Neftçi|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/0209-0e84bb2f67d8-9c7aac60886d-1000--three-in-a-row-for-azerbaijani-champions-neftci/|date=14 May 2013|publisher=UEFA|access-date=15 May 2013|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921072336/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=aze/news/newsid=1952020.html|url-status=live}} Neftçi then won the Azerbaijan Cup on 28 May 2013 to secure the domestic double.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Нефтчи в пятый раз завоевал Кубок страны (ОБНОВЛЕНО)|url=http://www.azerisport.com/football/20130528055748053.html|work=Azerisport.com|access-date=28 May 2013|language=ru|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108131749/http://www.azerisport.com/football/20130528055748053.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Atayev|first=Oktay|script-title=ru:"Нефтчи" выиграл кубок|url=https://ru.uefa.com/news-media/news/0209-0f88788605d8-174d4eb14d57-1000--%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BA/|date=28 May 2013|publisher=UEFA|access-date=28 May 2013|language=ru|archive-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201194429/http://ru.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=aze/news/newsid=1957878.html|url-status=live}} Following Neftçi's early exit from European cups, Boyukagha Hajiyev resigned from his post.{{cite web|title=Skënderbeu strike late to end Neftçi resistance|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/020b-0e856bc06c57-021789b2a258-1000--skenderbeu-strike-late-to-end-neftci-resistance/|date=23 July 2013|publisher=UEFA|access-date=10 August 2013|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421001059/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season%3D2014/matches/round%3D2000476/match%3D2011692/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ru:Беюкага Гаджиев ушел с поста главного тренера "Нефтчи"|url=http://news.rambler.ru/20235978/|work=News.rambler.ru|publisher=Rambler (portal)|access-date=10 August 2013|language=ru|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108133238/http://news.rambler.ru/20235978/|url-status=live}} Following defeat at 2013 Azerbaijan Supercup, Nazim Suleymanov was appointed as Neftçi's new manager after Tarlan Ahmadov was sacked just three months in charge.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Назим Сулейманов возглавил "Нефтчи"|url=http://www.zerkalo.az/2013/nazim-suleymanov-vozglavil-neftchi/|work=Zerkalo.az|access-date=28 October 2013|language=ru|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212738/http://www.zerkalo.az/2013/nazim-suleymanov-vozglavil-neftchi/|url-status=dead}} On 8 January 2014, Suleymanov resigned as manager after a transfer fund dispute.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Назим СУЛЕЙМАНОВ: Мне не позволили усилить Нефтчи|url=http://azerisport.com/football/20140108035507035.html|work=Azerisport.com|access-date=8 January 2014|language=ru|archive-date=9 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109034810/http://www.azerisport.com/football/20140108035507035.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Nazim Süleymanovun istefasının təfərrüatı BİZDƏ – AÇIQLAMA|url=http://futbol11.az/news/ODcxMjNOYXppbSBTw7xsZXltYW5vdnVuIGlzdGVmYXPEsW7EsW4gdMmZZsmZcnLDvGF0xLEgQsSwWkTGjyAtIEHDh0lRTEFNQQ==|work=futbol11.az|access-date=8 January 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403104810/http://futbol11.az/news/ODcxMjNOYXppbSBTw7xsZXltYW5vdnVuIGlzdGVmYXPEsW7EsW4gdMmZZsmZcnLDvGF0xLEgQsSwWkTGjyAtIEHDh0lRTEFNQQ==|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=dead}} In May 2014, despite finishing fourth, Neftçi managed to win Azerbaijan Cup.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Нефтчи в шестой раз завладел Кубком Азербайджана|url=http://www.azerisport.com/football/20140522105154870.html|work=Azerisport.com|access-date=22 May 2014|language=ru|archive-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523034543/http://azerisport.com/football/20140522105154870.html|url-status=live}} In August 2014, the club reached Europa League play-off round after defeating Chikhura Sachkhere on aggregate.{{cite web|script-title=ru:"Заря" восходит, Одесса тонет|url=https://ru.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0254-0d7f7bca5801-91e927ef78a7-1000--%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8F-%D0%B2/|website=UEFA|date=7 August 2014|access-date=7 August 2014|language=ru|archive-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810050531/http://ru.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2130522.html|url-status=live}}

On 2 November 2014, Neftçi club president Sadygov stated that the club was experiencing financial difficulties.{{cite web|title=Sadıq Sadıqov "Neftçi"də maliyyə problemlərinin olduğunu etiraf etdi|url=http://rekord.az/news/p:17823|website=rekord.az|access-date=2 November 2014|language=az|archive-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103005821/http://rekord.az/news/p:17823|url-status=dead}} In 2015, it was announced that the club would become a public limited company – Neftchi PLC, while the club's new president would be Chingiz Abdullayev.{{cite web|title=Чингиз Абдуллаев, Бахрам Багирзаде, Садых Садыхов и другие — в наблюдательном совете Нефтчи|url=http://www.azerisport.com/football/20150331174150680.html|website=azerisport.com|access-date=31 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402153725/http://www.azerisport.com/football/20150331174150680.html|url-status=live}}

On 8 June 2018, Roberto Bordin was announced as Neftçi's new manager on a two-year contract.{{cite web |title=Roberto Bordin 2 illik anlaşmaya imza atdı (FOTOLAR, VİDEO) |url=http://neftchipfk.com/az/allnews/1644/ |website=neftchipfk.com |publisher=Neftçi PFK |access-date=9 June 2018 |language=az |date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929051519/http://neftchipfk.com/az/allnews/1644/ |url-status=usurped }} Under the head coach of Roberto Bordin, the team finished Azerbaijan Premier League in second place{{cite web |url=http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=soccer&page=season&id=13792&view=rules |title=Premyer Liqa: Season rules |publisher=Scoresway |access-date=1 July 2018 |archive-date=10 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410201713/http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=soccer&page=season&id=13792&view=rules |url-status=live }} and they have advanced two qualifying rounds in the UEFA Europa League.{{cite web |title=UEFA Europa League third qualifying round champions and main path draws |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/draws/2020/2001148/ |website=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702172611/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/draws/2020/2001148/ |url-status=live }} On 18 January 2020, the club officially announced that the contract with Bordin mutually terminated, and he was replaced temporarily by his assistant Fizuli Mammadov.{{Cite web |url=http://neftchipfk.com/en/allnews/3215 |title=Neftçi Terminates Bordin's Contract | Neftchi |access-date=2020-06-09 |archive-date=2020-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911173447/http://neftchipfk.com/en/allnews/3215 |url-status=usurped }}

On 11 November 2020, Samir Abasov was appointed manager. The contract between the parties was signed until the end of the 2021/2022 season.{{cite web|url=https://qol.az/news/151925-samir-abbasov-neftcide-resmi|title=Samir Abasov "Neftçi"də|website=qol.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123195150/https://qol.az/news/151925-samir-abbasov-neftcide-resmi|url-status=live}} In the first season under his coach, the club won the Azerbaijan Premier league after 7 years again.{{cite web|url=https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/2020-2021/stars|title=Azərbaycan çempionatının qalibi 2020-2021 – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=25 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125191703/https://neftchi.az/az/achievements/awards/winner-of-azerbaijan-league/2020-2021/stars|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://sportnet.az/diger/76204-2021-ci-ilin-8-ani-tarixi-rekorddan-antirekordadek.html|title=2021-ci ilin 8 anı: Rekorddan antirekordadək - ARAŞDIRMA|website=sportnet.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123195150/https://sportnet.az/diger/76204-2021-ci-ilin-8-ani-tarixi-rekorddan-antirekordadek.html|url-status=live}}

On 11 July 2023, Adrian Mutu was appointed as Neftçi's new Head Coach on a two-year contract.{{cite web |title=Adrian Mutu "Neftçi"nin baş məşqçisi təyin olunub |url=https://neftchi.az/az/news/neftchi-news-2023-07-11-135316 |website=neftchi.az |publisher=Neftçi PFK |access-date=12 July 2023 |language=Azerbaijani |date=11 July 2023 |archive-date=11 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711205134/https://neftchi.az/az/news/neftchi-news-2023-07-11-135316 |url-status=live }}

On June 26, 2024, Roman Hryhorchuk was appointed as club's head coach.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-26 |title="Neftçi"nin baş məşqçisi vəzifəsinə Roman Qriqorçuk təyin edilib |url=https://report.az/futbol-xeberleri/neftci-nin-bas-mesqcisi-vezifesine-roman-qriqorcuk-teyin-edilib/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Report İnformasiya Agentliyi |language=az}} On October 7, 2024, his contract with the club was terminated by mutual agreement.{{Cite news |date=2024-10-07 |title="Neftçi" Roman Qriqorçukla vidalaşıb |url=https://azertag.az/xeber/neftchi_roman_qriqorchukla_vidalasib-3218194 |access-date=2024-10-07 |publisher=Azerbaijan State News Agency}} Under his leadership, Neftçi played in 9 rounds of the Azerbaijani Premier League, recording 5 draws and 4 losses.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-07 |title="Neftçi" Roman Qriqorçukla yollarını rəsmən ayırıb |url=https://report.az/futbol-xeberleri/neftci-roman-qriqorcukla-yollarini-resmen-ayirib/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Report İnformasiya Agentliyi |language=az}}

{{Main|Neftçi Arena|Tofiq Bahramov Stadium}}

Neftçi's home matches are usually played at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku. Built by German prisoners of war in 1951 and constructed in the shape of a "C" to honour Joseph Stalin, it was renamed after famous football referee Tofiq Bahramov in 1993 after his death.[http://futbol-1960.ru/print/52086.html Наш соперник: сборная Азербайджана] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802063642/http://futbol-1960.ru/print/52086.html |date=2 August 2009 }} {{in lang|ru}} The stadium also serves as the home ground of the Azerbaijan national football team and holds 31,200 spectators, making it the second-largest stadium in the country.[http://abc.az/rus/news/41390.html В столице Азербайджана будет построен 60-тысячный стадион] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303214919/http://abc.az/rus/news/41390.html |date=3 March 2012 }} {{in lang|ru}}

Neftçi's current home venue is the 11,000 capacity Neftçi Arena. It has been the club's home since the 2012–13 season.{{cite web|title=Bakcell Arena|url=https://neftchi.az/az/club/infrastructure/bakcell-arena|website=www.neftchi.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122200818/https://neftchi.az/az/club/infrastructure/bakcell-arena|url-status=live}}

File:Neftchifan.jpg.]]

Neftçi is one of the most supported clubs in Azerbaijan, with supporters organized in many fan clubs around the world, including the United States, Turkey, Russia and any other country with a sizeable Azerbaijani community. Neftçi's fans are the first to bring Ultras Culture to Azerbaijan. Various companies were Neftçi's number of participating groups. Among them are "Flaqman", "Ultra Neftçi", "Neftçimania" and Forza Neftçi. Currently, the biggest fan group of the club is "Forza Neftçi".{{cite web|url=https://futbolpress.az/v2/news-details/73313/|title="Forza Neftçi"nin küsməkliyi|website=futbolpress.az|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123195512/https://futbolpress.az/v2/news-details/73313/|url-status=live}} In the 2010s, although Neftçi improved its position, the average attendance fell to record low levels.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Кому нужен азербайджанский футбол?|url=http://sport.day.az/football/20131008071310010.html|work=Sport.day.az|access-date=10 January 2014|language=ru|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028174512/http://sport.day.az/football/20131008071310010.html|url-status=dead}}

The club's most popular celebrity supporters are the likes of actors Bahram Bagirzade, Bashir Safaroglu and Lutfali Abdullayev, composers Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov and Niyazi, judoka Ilham Zakiyev and scientist Mirali Qashqai.{{cite web|title=Cüdo üzrə ikiqat paralimpiya çempionu İlham Zəkiyev də "Neftçi"yə dəstək oldu|url=http://www.olimpiya.az/?page=content&lang=1&content=6432|website=olimpiya.az|access-date=8 November 2014|language=az|archive-date=8 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108033857/http://www.olimpiya.az/?page=content&lang=1&content=6432|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Keçmişə Salam 08.04.2013|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLQPa9j8sNY|work=ANS TV|access-date=16 April 2013|language=az|date=8 April 2013}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}{{cite web|script-title=ru:Дело – за первой сборной|url=http://www.azerisport.com/blog/bahram/20070115041102908.html|work=Azerisport.com|access-date=16 April 2013|language=ru|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922122142/https://www.azerisport.com/blog/bahram/20070115041102908.html|url-status=live}}

{{main|Böyük Oyun}}

Matches between Neftçi and Khazar Lankaran are some of the biggest clashes in Azerbaijan. The relationship between the two clubs has always been known for its great animosity, as the classic opposes two geographic regions – with Neftçi and Khazar Lankaran representing the north and south of Azerbaijan, respectively.[http://www.extratime.az/article.php?aid=5522 Раиль МЕЛИКОВ: «Это главное дерби Азербайджана и его невозможно сравнить с другим матчем»] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001065541/http://www.extratime.az/article.php?aid=5522 |date=1 October 2009 }}{{in lang|ru}}

Statistics from the previous decade. For a full history see; List of Neftçi PFK seasons

;Key

File:Neftçi PFK graffiti in Baku.jpg

In 1937 Baku had already gained a reputation as an oil city. Therefore, those working in the field of "black gold" soon formed a football team on 18 March 1937. But they didn't have to think much about the name. They gave own names to the team. The color of "black gold" also formed the basis of the form. At that time, along with oil, cotton, called "white gold", played no less a role in the glory of the Azerbaijani SSR than oil, so it was decided that the color of cotton should be reflected in the form. Since then, Neftçi, has remained faithful to black-white.{{Cite web |url=http://premyer.az/xeberler/xfutbol/5104-neftchinin-tarixinden-lk-resmi-qol-ermenilere-vurulub.html |title="Neftçi"nin tarixindən: İlk rəsmi qol ermənilərə vurulub.. (FOTO) |website=Premyer.Az |access-date=2 November 2017 |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023204402/https://premyer.az/xeberler/xfutbol/5104-neftchinin-tarixinden-lk-resmi-qol-ermenilere-vurulub.html |url-status=dead }}

1949 means for history of Neftçi not less than the year of its establishment. That year taking part under the name Neftyanik, the club was qualified for the first time in its history for the Soviet Top League. A radical changes were made in the staff of Neftyanik with the aim to provide successes of the team among Football elite. Also the team logotype was made. The emblem was the letter "Н" of the Cyrillic Alphabet against the background of an oil rig – the first letter of the word Neftyannik. The logo of Neftçi has been changed four times, in 1977, 1997, 2004 and in 2024.{{cite web|url=http://www.neftchipfk.com/upload/editor/images/page/20.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915140957/http://www.neftchipfk.com/upload/editor/images/page/20.jpg|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2013-09-15|title=Neftchi's crests during its history – Neftçi PFK. Official club website|website=neftchipfk.com}}

File:Neftçi PFK historical kits.jpg

Neftçi's traditional kit was composed of black shirts, white shorts and socks of the same colour. Although through the years these two have gone from alternating between white and black stripes.{{cite web|script-title=ru:Так, кто же ты, Нефтчи?|url=http://sport.day.az/football/20121111032711256.html|work=Day.az|access-date=1 June 2013|language=ru|archive-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116061336/http://sport.day.az/football/20121111032711256.html|url-status=dead}}

On February 7, 2025, Neftçi signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with "Palms Sports," owned by International Holding Company.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title="Palms Sports"un baş icraçı direktoru: "Neftçi" sadəcə futbol klubu deyil, Azərbaycanın irsinin rəmzidir" |url=https://report.az/futbol-xeberleri/palms-sports-un-bas-icraci-direktoru-neftci-sadece-futbol-klubu-deyil-azerbaycanin-irsinin-remzidir/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Report İnformasiya Agentliyi |language=az}} The club's executive director, Cenk Sümer, stated that the revenue from the agreement accounted for 30% of the club's annual income.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title="Neftçi"nin "Palms Sports" şirkəti ilə imzaladığı müqavilədən gəliri klubun illik qazancının 30 faizini təşkil edir |url=https://report.az/futbol-xeberleri/neftci-nin-palms-sports-sirketi-ile-imzaladigi-muqavileden-geliri-klubun-illik-qazancinin-30-faizini-teskil-edir/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Report İnformasiya Agentliyi |language=az}}

{{main|Neftçi PFK in European football}}

File:Neftchi Baku - Inter Milan (1).jpg before the match with Internazionale in 2012.]]

The club have participated in 21 editions of the club competitions governed by UEFA, the chief authority for football across Europe. These include 7 seasons in the Champions League, 13 seasons in the UEFA Cup and Europa League, two seasons in the UEFA Europa Conference League and one seasons in the Cup Winners' Cup and Intertoto Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/teams/60609--qarabag/ |title=Qarabağ FK |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729055339/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=60609/profile/index.html |url-status=live }} Counting all of the 74 games the side have played in UEFA competitions since their first entry into the Cup Winners' Cup in the 1995–96 season, the team's record stands at 25 wins, 19 draws and 34 defeats.

{{updated|match played 17 August 2023}}

{{updated|17 August 2023|{{cite web |title=Neftçi PFK – History |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/59890--neftci/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 May 2015 |archive-date=2 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002114800/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/clubs/club=59890/history/index.html |url-status=live }}}}

{{updated|11 February 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://neftchi.az/en/teams/a-team |title=A team |publisher=Neftçi PFK |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208164634/https://www.neftchi.az/en/teams/a-team |url-status=live }}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=1|pos=GK|nat=AZE|name=Emil Balayev}}

{{Fs player|no=3|pos=DF|nat=AZE|name=Hojjat Haghverdi}}

{{Fs player|no=4|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Elvin Camalov}}

{{Fs player|no=6|pos=MF|nat=POR|name=Raphael Guzzo}}

{{Fs player|no=7|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Azer Aliyev}}

{{Fs player|no=8|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Emin Mahmudov}}

{{Fs player|no=9|pos=FW|nat=SEN|name=Bassala Sambou}}

{{Fs player|no=10|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Filip Ozobić}}

{{Fs player|no=11|pos=FW|nat=BRA|name=Alex Fernandes}}

{{Fs player|no=13|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Emil Safarov}}

{{Fs player|no=14|pos=MF|nat=MNE|name=Edvin Kuč}}

{{Fs player|no=17|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Rahman Hajiyev}}

{{Fs player|no=18|pos=MF|nat=JAP|name=Ryonosuke Ohori}}

{{Fs player|no=19|pos=DF|nat=AZE|name=Azər Salahlı}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=20|pos=MF|nat=SLE|name=Alpha Conteh}}

{{Fs player|no=22|pos=FW|nat=GAM|name=Dembo Darboe}}

{{Fs player|no=23|nat=GER|name=Robert Bauer|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=24|pos=DF|nat=SEN|name=Moustapha Seck}}

{{Fs player|no=30|pos=GK|nat=AZE|name=Rustam Samigullin|other={{small|loan from Sabah}}}}

{{Fs player|no=44|nat=BRA|pos=DF|name=Yuri Matias|other=vice-captain}}

{{Fs player|no=47|pos=MF|nat=AZE|name=Murad Mammadov}}

{{Fs player|no=77|pos=FW|nat=BLR|name=Yegor Bogomolsky}}

{{Fs player|no=88|pos=MF|nat=UKR|name=Andriy Shtohrin}}

{{Fs player|no=90|pos=FW|nat=AZE|name=Ramil Sheydayev}}

{{Fs player|no=91|pos=FW|nat=AZE|name=Agadadash Salyanski}}

{{Fs player|no=93|pos=GK|nat=AZE|name=Rza Jafarov|other=captain}}

{{Fs player|no=99|pos=DF|nat=CIV|name=Erwin Koffi}}

{{Fs end}}

For recent transfers, see Transfers summer 2024.

Neftçi-2 plays in the Azerbaijan Reserve League from 2023.

{{multiple image|align=right

| width =

| image1 = Azerbaijan Premier League trophy 2011-2012.jpg

| width1 = 175

| alt1 =

| image2 = Azerbaijan Cup trophy.jpg

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| alt2 =

| footer = Azerbaijan Premier League (left) and Azerbaijan Cup (right) trophy in Neftçi PFK museum.

}}

• Azerbaijan League
• Winners (9): 1992, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2020–21
• Runners-up (5): 2000–01, 2006–07, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22
• Third place (7): 1994–95, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2005–06, 2007–08, 2017–18, 2022–23
• Azerbaijan Cup
• Winners (6): 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2012–13, 2013–14
• Runners-up (5): 2000–01, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2022–23
• Azerbaijan Supercup
• Winners (2): 1993, 1995
• Runners-up (1): 2013

• Soviet Top League
• Third place (1): 1966
• Soviet First League
• Runners-up (1): 1976
• Third place (1): 1954
• Soviet Cup
• Semi-finalist (4): 1966–67, 1967–68, 1970, 1971
• USSR Federation Cup
• Runners-up (1): 1988

• UEFA Intertoto Cup
• Runners-up (1): 2008 (joint runners-up)

• Commonwealth of Independent States Cup
• Winners (1): 2006
• Runners-up (1): 2005

Neftçi has had numerous presidents over the course of its history, some of whom have been owners of the club while others have been honorary presidents. In 1988, Neftçi had registered as a professional football club and club since then had nine presidents.{{cite web|title=Klub prezidentləri|url=https://neftchi.az/az/history/presidents|website=www.neftchi.az|access-date=13 November 2022|archive-date=13 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113220628/https://neftchi.az/az/history/presidents|url-status=live}}

{{Further|List of Neftçi PFK managers}}

The following individuals have all won at least one trophy while coaching Neftçi:{{Cite web |url=https://neftchi.az/az/history/coaches |title=Məşqçilər |archive-date=2022-11-19|archive-url=https://archive.today/20221119183948/https://neftchi.az/az/history/coaches |url-status=live}}

{{multiple image|align=right

| footer =

| width =

| image1 = Ахмед Алескеров.JPG

| width1 = 156

| caption1 = Ahmad Alaskarov is the first manager to have won the trophy for Neftçi.

| image2 = Kazbek Tuayev.jpg

| width2 = 155

| caption2 = Kazbek Tuaev is the most successful Neftçi manager (5 titles in ten seasons).

}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |title=Behind the Curtain: Football in Eastern Europe: Travels in Eastern European Football |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |publisher=Orion |year=2006 |isbn=0752879456}}

{{commons category|Neftçi PFK}}

• {{official website|https://neftchi.az/}} {{in lang|az|en|ru}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/user/PfkNeftchi Neftçi PFK's official channel] on YouTube

{{Portal bar|Azerbaijan|Association football}}

{{Neftchi Baku PFK}}

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{{Neftchi Baku PFK squad}}

{{Neftchi Baku PFK managers}}

{{AFFA Supreme League}}

{{Azerbaijan Premier League}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Neftchi PFK}}

Category:Football clubs in Baku

Category:Association football clubs established in 1937

Category:1937 establishments in Azerbaijan

Category:Soviet Top League clubs

Category:Works association football teams