S. Popov

Sayf Popov came through the Kairat academy and made his name in the club's youth ranks, scoring 21 goals in 49 appearances for Kairat-Zhastar between 2021 and 2024.

Breaking into Kairat's first team proved a slower process. Across parts of five seasons with the senior side he was restricted to seven appearances and did not find the net, and the club sent him out on loan to gain experience elsewhere. A spell at Khan-Tengri in 2024 brought three goals in 12 matches, form that carried into a longer loan at Altay the following year, where he added six goals in 24 appearances.

Popov has continued that loan spell at Altay, where he wears the number 77 shirt in midfield. He has also been capped at international youth level, representing Kazakhstan's under-19 side in 2022, for whom he scored once in six matches, before stepping up to the under-21s, for whom he has made eight appearances since 2023.