Alexander Gleb Responds to Memorial Match Questions for Ilya Tsymbalar

Former Belarusian midfielder Alexander Gleb gave a candid reply when a Ukrainian journalist asked about attending the memorial game for Ilya Tsymbalar. He made clear that the topic had become political in the journalist’s view, insisting that there was no political motive behind the tribute and that foreign players were invited to pay their respects. Gleb emphasized that he and many people in both Russia and Belarus hold Ilya Tsymbalar in high regard for his achievements on the pitch, and he spoke openly about the difficulty of the moment for everyone involved. This reflection comes as fans and football figures alike debate the purpose of such commemorations and the lines between sport and memory. The event, scheduled for September in Moscow, honors Tsymbalar, who enjoyed a successful period with Spartak, capturing the Russian Championship six times and securing the National Cup twice in his tenure with the club. The planned match in his memory will feature Spartak Legends taking on a world team, with prominent figures preparing to coach both sides. Oleg Romantsev and Stanislav Cherchesov are slated to lead the red-and-white team, while Massimo Carrera will head the world selection, according to reports from ua.tribuna. The broader conversation around the memorial has also included comments from Vyacheslav Koloskov regarding whether Sevikyan would choose to play for the Russian national team, a topic that some see as separate from the tribute itself and its meaning for Tsymbalar’s legacy. The event marks a moment for supporters to reflect on Tsymbalar’s contributions and the ways sports communities honor former players who left a lasting impact on the sport and its fans, beyond political considerations.