Şahin Diniyev

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.

International

Statistics accurate as of 20 October 2015

Managerial

As of match played 3 November 2024

Diniyev was born on 12 July 1966 in the Beylagan district. At the age of 17, he was admitted to the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sports. Diniyev's two sons, Karim and Coşqun, are also professional footballers, the latter having been a senior international since 2015.