Who Is Nail Yakupov? Age, Biography and Wiki
Nail Yakupov, born on October 6, 1993, in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, is a former professional ice hockey player known for his exceptional skills and agility on the ice. He made a significant impact in the world of ice hockey when he was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012 NHL Draft. Over the years, Yakupov has played for various teams in the NHL, showcasing his talent and determination to succeed.
As of 2025, Yakupov is 31 years old and has continued to be a part of the ice hockey community, leveraging his experience to inspire young athletes.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1993 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Birth Place | Nizhnekamsk, Russia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Russia |
Popularity
Nail Yakupov's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nail Yakupov stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall and weighs around 190 pounds (86 kg). His lean physique and quick agility have contributed to his effectiveness as a winger throughout his career. His body stats highlight his dedication to maintaining peak athletic condition, which is vital for an athlete in a demanding sport like ice hockey.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Nail Yakupov has remained relatively private about his personal life. However, it has been rumored that he is currently dating a fellow athlete, although he has not made any formal announcements regarding his relationship status. Yakupov has expressed his desire to focus on his career while also enjoying his personal life away from the public eye.
He grew up in a supportive family in Russia, which played a crucial role in his early development as an athlete. Yakupov often shares how his family’s encouragement fostered his passion for ice hockey during his formative years.
Nail Yakupov is an ethnic Volga Tatar and a Muslim. He is the first Tatar and only Muslim ever to be selected first overall at the NHL Entry Draft. With his draft selection, Yakupov surpassed Nazem Kadri as the highest-drafted Muslim player in NHL history.
His father, Rail, worked with the HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk hockey team as a coach and executive. Yakupov first skated when he was four years old, but was more interested in soccer and the English Premier League club Chelsea than in hockey.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Nail Yakupov's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings stem from various sources, including his NHL contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures. During his career, he has commanded a salary that reflects his status as a former first-round NHL draft pick, with his peak earnings reported to be in the millions annually.
Although he has experienced fluctuations in team contracts, Yakupov has managed to secure his financial future through smart investments and ventures within and outside the sports industry.
With two years remaining on his contract, Yakupov was traded by SKA to HC Vityaz in exchange for Pavel Koltygin on 8 May 2020. While continuing in the off-season, Yakupov was then traded on by Vityaz just over a month from his initial acquisition, to Amur Khabarovsk in exchange for financial compensation on 14 June 2020.
Career, Business and Investments
Nail Yakupov has had a colorful career since entering the NHL, marked by his dynamic play and undeniable flair. After several years with the Edmonton Oilers, he played for various teams, including the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche. As of 2025, he has transitioned into a role that involves mentoring young players, sharing his extensive knowledge of the game.
In addition to his ice hockey career, Yakupov has ventured into entrepreneurship, investing in sports equipment brands and training academies for aspiring hockey players. He is committed to giving back to the community and helping nurture the next generation of ice hockey talent.
Nail Railovich Yakupov (, ; born 6 October 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey forward for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and also played with the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche.
Due to his relatively poor performance, short NHL career and low point totals, Yakupov is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NHL history.
Social Network
Nail Yakupov maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing glimpses into his life. He frequently engages with followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he posts about his training routines, career updates, and personal interests. His social media following continues to grow, demonstrating his continued influence and popularity among fans of ice hockey.
Education
While Nail Yakupov's primary focus has been on his hockey career, he has also placed importance on education throughout his life. He completed his basic education in Russia before moving to North America to pursue his hockey dreams. Although he did not attend college after his entry into professional sports, Yakupov recognizes the value of education and encourages young athletes to prioritize their studies alongside sports.
In conclusion, Nail Yakupov's journey is one of talent, resilience, and continued growth. In 2025, he remains a prominent figure in the ice hockey world, both on and off the rink.
