Legendary Striker Artyom Dzyuba Indicates Likely Retirement at 38

Oct. 1, 2026 Artem Dzyuba. Dmitry Belitsky / Moskva News Agency Artyom Dzyuba, Russia's all-time leading scorer and former national football team captain, said Thursday that his professional playing career was likely over. The 38-year-old striker has been without a club since departing Russian Premier League side FC Akron Tolyatti at the end of the 2025-26 season in May. “My career is over. That’s it, guys,” Dzyuba told reporters, according to a video published by the outlet RB Sport. He stopped short of issuing an official retirement statement, saying he could still play at the Fonbet Russian Cup, which started in July and runs through June 2027. A product of Spartak Moscow’s youth academy, Dzyuba enjoyed a long career across Russian football. In March 2025, while playing for newly promoted Akron Tolyatti, the Samara-based club founded in 2018, Dzyuba secured his place in Russian football history by scoring his 234th career goal. Dzyuba racked up 264 total club and international goals over his professional career. His club career saw him win four Russian Premier League titles, three Russian Super Cups and four Russian Cups. All but one were with Zenit St. Petersburg. On the international stage, Dzyuba scored 31 goals in 56 caps for Russia, tying Alexander Kerzhakov as the top scorer in the history of the Russian national team. Dzyuba rose to national prominence during Russia’s home 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he converted a game-tying penalty against Spain. Russia won 4-3 after a penalty shootout and reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 1970. Read more about: Football , Sports Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more U.S. Soccer Federation Denies Holding Talks With Russia The Russian Football Union had earlier claimed it was in talks about organizing football matches between the Russian and U.S. national teams. 2 Min read Putin Congratulates Ovechkin on NHL Goals Record The Kremlin leader said Alex Ovechkin’s record was not only a personal success but “a true celebration for fans in Russia and abroad.” 2 Min read IOC Invites 39 Russian, Belarusian Athletes to Compete as Neutrals in Paris Games The fresh list of names included competitors from tennis, shooting and rowing. 1 Min read European Football Body UEFA Upholds Russian Youth Team Ban Last month, UEFA made a surprise decision to readmit Russia’s Under-17 team this season, a move that was met with backlash from some members. 1 Min read