Ilzat Akhmetov has joined Zenit St. Petersburg, sealing a deal that ties the 26-year-old midfielder to the club through the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to extend for another year. The club confirmed the agreement on its official channels, framing it as a step forward for Zenit on the Neva.
Previously, Akhmetov built his career in Russian football, making his RPL debut with Rubin Kazan in 2014. He spent four seasons there before moving on to CSKA Moscow, where he continued to develop as a central figure in midfield over another four-year period. During his time with CSKA, the team added the Russian Super Cup to its honours in 2018. In 2022, Akhmetov transferred to Krasnodar, continuing his professional journey with the Bulls.
In the current season, Akhmetov has appeared in 21 matches across all competitions for Krasnodar, recording 3 goals and 2 assists. Across his Krasnodar tenure, he has made 61 appearances, contributing seven goals and eight assists in total for the club. His varied experiences across Rubin Kazan, CSKA, and Krasnodar have underscored his adaptability in midfield roles and his capability to influence matches in different gears.
There is public commentary about Akhmetov’s standing, with Alexander Mostovoy reportedly calling him the best footballer in Russia, a statement that highlights the esteem some voices in Russian football reserve for him. This perspective adds to the narrative around his move to Zenit and the expectations that accompany it. [Source attribution: press service reports and internal club communications]