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Aleksandr Anyukov

Aleksandr Anyukov is a Russian football coach and former right-back known for his decorated playing career primarily with FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and over 70 caps for the national team.

1. Early Life and Career Start

1.1. Childhood and Youth Football

Aleksandr Anyukov was born on September 28, 1982, in Samara, then known as Kuybyshev. He began his football journey at the age of six, joining a football school in Samara. His early years were dedicated to developing his skills within the Samara youth system.

1.2. Early Club Career

In 2000, Anyukov commenced his professional career by joining the reserve team of FC Krylia Sovetov Samara, which competed in the Russian Second Division. His talent was soon recognized by coach Aleksandr Tarkhanov, who promoted him to the first team. Anyukov made his debut in the Russian Premier League on October 14, 2000, in a match against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. He remained with Krylia Sovetov until mid-2005, during which time he established himself as a prominent player and earned his first call-up to the national team.

2. Club Career

Anyukov's club career was marked by significant spells at two main clubs: FC Krylia Sovetov Samara and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, with a brief return to Krylia Sovetov on loan later in his career.

2.1. FC Krylia Sovetov Samara

From his debut in 2000 until mid-2005, Anyukov was a key player for FC Krylia Sovetov Samara. During this initial period, he played 71 league matches, scoring three goals, and contributed to the team's performances in various domestic competitions. His consistent play earned him recognition at the national level, leading to his international debut while still with the club.

2.2. FC Zenit Saint Petersburg

In July 2005, Anyukov made a significant transfer to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, a move that would define the majority of his professional playing career. With Zenit, he experienced immense success, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup 2005-06 and subsequently winning the UEFA Cup 2007-08. This was followed by a victory in the 2008 UEFA Super Cup, a major European club honour.

Anyukov remained a cornerstone of Zenit's defense for over a decade, contributing to numerous domestic triumphs. He was instrumental in Zenit securing five Russian Premier League titles in 2007, 2010, 2011-12, 2014-15, and 2018-19. His contributions also extended to cup competitions, as he helped the team win the Russian Cup in 2009-10 and 2015-16, along with four Russian Super Cups in 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2016. Across all competitions, Anyukov made a total of 417 appearances for Zenit, scoring 13 goals.

2.2.1. Captaincy and Major Achievements

In July 2009, following the departure of Anatoliy Tymoshchuk to Bayern Munich, Anyukov was appointed as the captain of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. As captain, he continued to lead the team to numerous domestic and international successes, solidifying his status as a club legend. His leadership and consistent performance were vital to Zenit's golden era, marked by multiple league and cup victories.

2.3. Loan to FC Krylia Sovetov Samara

After initially announcing his retirement from playing and joining Zenit's coaching staff in June 2019, Anyukov made a temporary return to playing. On July 14, 2019, he came out of retirement to join PFC Krylia Sovetov Samara on a loan spell for the 2019-20 season. He played 18 league matches for Krylia Sovetov during this period. On May 28, 2020, Krylia Sovetov announced that his contract would not be extended beyond its original May 31 expiry date, and he would return to Zenit to rejoin their coaching staff, effectively concluding his playing career.

3. International Career

Aleksandr Anyukov's international career with the Russian national team spanned from 2004 to 2013, during which he earned over 70 caps and participated in multiple major tournaments.

3.1. Debut and Early Appearances

Anyukov made his international debut for Russia in May 2004 in a match against Austria. He scored his first and only international goal in 2005 against Germany in a friendly match that ended in a 2-2 draw.

3.2. UEFA European Championship Appearances

Anyukov was a consistent presence in Russia's squads for several UEFA European Championships.

He was notably called up for UEFA Euro 2004 despite not having made any appearances during the qualifying campaign. His inclusion was a result of injuries to other defensive players. During the tournament, he played in the third group stage match against Greece.

Anyukov also featured prominently in UEFA Euro 2008. Although he was occasionally deployed in non-traditional positions such as center-back, center-half, and right-sided midfielder during the qualifiers, he resumed his primary role as the regular right-back in the main tournament. His strong performances contributed significantly to Russia's unexpected run to the semi-finals, where they ultimately secured a bronze medal.

He was confirmed as part of the finalized squad for UEFA Euro 2012 on May 25, 2012, further cementing his status as a key component of the national team's defense.

4. Playing Style and Characteristics

Aleksandr Anyukov in 2016
Aleksandr Anyukov in 2016

Aleksandr Anyukov primarily played as a right-back, a position where he demonstrated consistent performance throughout his career. He was known for his solid defensive capabilities and his ability to contribute to the attack from the right flank. Standing at 70 in (178 cm) tall and weighing 148 lb (67 kg), he was known for his right-footed play. While primarily a right-back, Anyukov displayed versatility, having been deployed in various other positions such as center-back, center-half, and right-sided midfielder during his career, particularly during the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers. His nickname among teammates and fans was АняAniaRussian.

5. Personal Life and Hobbies

Outside of his football career, Aleksandr Anyukov is known for his varied personal interests and hobbies. He enjoys fishing and cooking as leisure activities. For his holidays, he often spends time with his family or friends, engaging in activities such as shopping in the city. Anyukov has expressed a fondness for his birthday and New Year's Day. He also has an interest in language learning and studied German during his school years.

6. Post-Retirement Career

Following his extensive playing career, Aleksandr Anyukov transitioned into a coaching role. On June 25, 2019, after announcing his retirement, he joined the coaching staff of his former club, FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. Although he briefly returned to playing on loan for Krylia Sovetov Samara during the 2019-20 season, his contract with them expired on May 31, 2020, and he officially rejoined Zenit's coaching staff. He currently serves as an assistant coach for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg.

7. Career Statistics

7.1. Club Statistics

ClubSeasonLeagueCupEuropeTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Krylia Sovetov-2200018100-181
Total18100-181
Krylia Sovetov20004021-61
20013020-50
20022110-31
200318060-240
200429270-362
200515040-190
Total713221-934
Zenit20051211080211
20062516060371
20072326080372
200826300151414
20092712050341
20102713060361
2011-1237150110531
2012-132214090351
2013-141402060220
2014-151702090280
2015-161503070250
2016-171002040160
2017-1810102040
2018-1916021100281
Total27211391106141713
Zenit-22017-1861--61
Krylia Sovetov2019-2018000-180
Career total38516612106155219

7.2. International Goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.2005-06-08Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, GermanyGermany1 - 02-2Friendly

8. Honours

8.1. Club

Zenit Saint-Peterburg

  • UEFA Cup: 2007-08
  • Russian Premier League: 2007, 2010, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2018-19
  • Russian Cup: 2009-10, 2015-16
  • UEFA Super Cup: 2008
  • Russian Super Cup: 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016

8.2. International

Russia

  • UEFA European Championship bronze medalist: 2008

9. Legacy and Assessment

Aleksandr Anyukov is widely regarded as one of Russia's most accomplished right-backs of his generation. His long and successful tenure at FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he won every major domestic and a European club title, solidifies his place as a club legend. His consistent performance, leadership as captain, and ability to adapt to various defensive roles made him an invaluable asset for both his clubs and the Russian national team. Anyukov's dedication and achievements have left a lasting impact on Russian football, serving as an inspiration for aspiring young players.