Neftchi Baku PFC

March 18, 1937 marks the birth of Neftçi Peşəkar Futbol Klubu when oil workers in Baku formed a team under the name Neftyanik. The club spent nearly three decades in the Soviet Top Division before the USSR dissolved, reaching its historic peak with a bronze medal finish at the 1966 USSR Championship. After adopting the name Neftçi in 1968, the team became the cornerstone of Azerbaijani football.

Since independence in 1991, Neftçi has dominated the domestic landscape with nine Azerbaijan Premier League titles, six Cups, and two Super Cups. They hold the unique distinction of being the only Azerbaijani club to reach the group stages of a UEFA competition. Their 2012–13 Europa League campaign included a memorable 2-2 draw against Inter Milan at the San Siro, a result that cemented their status as a serious European contender.

The squad currently operates out of the Palms Sports Arena, though the Bakcell Arena remains their traditional home for major fixtures. Recent seasons have seen the club rely heavily on international recruitment, with foreign players making up nearly 70% of the roster. This strategy helps them maintain competitiveness in qualifiers against teams like PAOK and Dinamo Minsk while developing local talent through their academy. [edit]

The club was established by oil industry workers in Baku on March 18, 1937, initially named Neftyanik. For years they competed in the lower tiers of Soviet football until rising to the top flight in 1964. Their greatest achievement during the Soviet era came in 1966 when they finished third in the USSR Championship, securing a bronze medal that remains a point of pride.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Neftçi emerged as the dominant force in independent Azerbaijan. They secured their first league title in 1992 and went on to win the championship nine times total. The club also claimed six Azerbaijan Cups and two Super Cups, establishing themselves as the most decorated team in the nation's history.

On the European stage, Neftçi made history in the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League season by qualifying for the group stage. They drew 2-2 against Inter Milan at the San Siro, a result widely celebrated across the country. In recent years, the team has continued to participate in UEFA Champions League and Conference League qualifiers, facing opponents such as Partizan Belgrade, PAOK, and Dinamo Minsk. [edit]