Valery Gazzaev, who previously led CSKA and served as the Russian national team coach, spoke about Igor Akinfeev, the long-time captain and goalkeeper of CSKA Moscow. Gazzaev described Akinfeev as a player who stands shoulder to shoulder with legendary goalkeepers like Yashin. He highlighted Akinfeev’s consistent excellence, noting the medals and titles he has amassed over a storied career. Akinfeev, Gazzaev pointed out, is not only a top tier shot-stopper but also a patriot and a consummate professional in every sense.
Gazzaev called Akinfeev a true legend who has set an example for teammates and rivals alike. The veteran coach emphasized that Akinfeev’s leadership and dedication have helped CSKA Moscow achieve sustained success, reinforcing the goalkeeper’s reputation as a cornerstone of the club’s modern era.
Throughout his professional journey, Akinfeev has been a one-club man with CSKA Moscow, contributing to six Russian league titles, six Russian Cup victories, seven Russian Super Cup triumphs, and a UEFA Cup trophy. On the international stage, he helped the Russian national team secure a bronze medal at the 2008 European Championship and captained the squad to a quarter-final finish at the 2018 World Cup, underscoring his impact as a player who leads by example on big stages.
Recent discussions around Akinfeev’s legacy also noted his inclusion alongside other historical greats in objective rankings by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). The organization evaluated goalkeepers across years of data, starting from 1987, and positioned Akinfeev within the historical ladder while acknowledging the numerous peers who have shaped the position over time. In the evaluation, Rinat Dasayev appeared as one of the top figures, reflecting the breadth of Russia’s goalkeeper tradition, while Akinfeev’s standing highlighted the enduring quality of his career alongside the sport’s most storied names. The ranking process leaned on long-term statistical performance, notable saves, leadership qualities, and contributions to club and country. Such recognitions contribute to the broader discussion about the greatest custodians in Russian football history and the role that Akinfeev has played in that narrative.
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