Islam Khusiyevich Chesnokov (; born 21 November 1999) is a Kazakhstani professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Russian Premier League club Krylia Sovetov, on loan from Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Tobol, and the Kazakhstan national team.
He previously played for Heart of Midlothian, Belshina Bobruisk, and as a youth player for Altai-M Semey.
Club career On 4 February 2023, Chesnokov joined Tobol in his home country on a permanent transfer from Belshina Bobruisk. On November 2023, Chesnokov scored the only goal in the Kazakhstan Cup final for Tobol against Ordabasy.
In June 2025, he signed a pre contract agreement to join Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) on expiration of his contract with Tobol on 31 December 2025. Hearts had previously tried to sign the winger in January 2025, but could not agree a fee. On 6 January 2026, Hearts confirmed his arrival on a deal until the summer of 2028. On 28 June 2026, Hearts confirmed that he would return to FC Tobol, following just 11 appearances at the club.
On 18 August 2026, Tobol announced that Chesnokov joined Krylia Sovetov on a year-long loan, with the option to make the move permanent.
International career Chesnokov scored his first and second international goals for Kazakhstan during a 3–1 win against San Marino on 17 November 2023 during UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAltai2020Kazakhstan Premier League11100––111Belshina Bobruisk2021Belarusian First League28720––307202227320––293Total55104000005910Tobol2023Kazakhstan Premier League2256261–348202421103140102911202525941––2910Total6824134101109229Heart of Midlothian2025–26Scottish Premiership1011000–111Tobol2026Kazakhstan Premier League70004100111Krylia Sovetov (loan)2026–27Russian Premier League4000––40Career total155361841421018842
International No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 17 November 2023 Astana Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan 1–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying 2. 2–0
Honours FC Tobol Kazakhstan Cup: 2023, 2025 Kazakhstan Super Cup: 2024
Kazakhstan FIFA Series: 2026
Individual Kazakhstan Premier League Top Scorer: 2024 FIFA Series Player of the Tournament: 2026
References
External links