Russian midfielder Alan Dzagoev has announced the end of his professional football career. The news came from the official channel of Lamia, the Greek club he joined in the most recent months of his playing journey.
“Lamia respects the decision of this great footballer, thanks him for his cooperation and wishes him success in his life,” the club noted in a statement.
Dzagoev, 33, joined Lamia at the end of September and made his debut on October 21. He appeared in only two matches for the club before sustaining a knee injury. The choice to retire is often linked to injuries, among other factors, and this case appears to fit that pattern.
His career with CSKA Moscow spanned fourteen years, from 2008 to 2022. During that time he helped the club win three league titles and secure four domestic cups and super cups, establishing himself as one of Russia’s standout midfielders of his generation. After leaving CSKA, he spent the 2022/23 season with Rubin Kazan, departing the club in the summer of 2023. Rubin Kazan’s decision not to renew his contract was reportedly influenced by a history of muscle injuries that limited his availability and impact in recent seasons.
Over the course of his club career, Dzagoev accumulated 435 official appearances and produced 89 goals with 95 assists. On the international stage, he wore the Russian national team shirt 59 times, scoring nine goals. He was part of the squad at major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship in 2012 and the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2014 and 2018, contributing with flashes of creativity and decisive moments whenever called upon by the national team.
Earlier in his career there were comparisons involving fellow Russian players as well, offering context about how players at similar levels navigate their careers and contracts in different leagues. For instance, a separate discussion touched on salaries in Russia versus France, illustrating how financial considerations can influence choices at the highest levels of the game. Such conversations often accompany retirements or moves, as players weigh long-term prospects alongside on-pitch opportunities. (Source: various industry analyses and public statements)
In reflecting on Dzagoev’s impact, one can recall his early rise with CSKA Moscow, his peak years when he formed key partnerships in midfield, and the resilience he showed through injuries that challenged his consistency in later seasons. His career offers a case study in longevity for attackers and midfielders alike, highlighting how talent, form, and health intersect to shape a player’s legacy. The arc from youth prospects to established veterans is a familiar narrative in Russian football, and Dzagoev’s path embodies many of its defining moments, from domestic triumphs to international appearances that brought a distinctly technical style to the national team’s fabric. (Attribution: Lamia official communications; CSKA Moscow archives; Rubin Kazan club history)