Monaco’s Russian midfielder Alexander Golovin spoke about his ongoing connection with Daler Kuzyaev, his former Zenit teammate who now stars for the opposing side. The exchange came after Monaco’s 1-1 draw with Le Havre, and the topic of their friendship and professional ties became a talking point, as reported by Sports Express.
Asked if he had been in touch with Kuzyaev, Golovin replied that they had exchanged a few messages, nothing dramatic. He emphasized that their friendship outside the pitch remains strong and that they stay in contact regularly, so there’s no need for a game to bring them together. The Russian midfielder noted that their communication is constant, reflecting the close bond between the two athletes beyond matchday battles.
On the field, both players started the match. Golovin played the full 90 minutes, contributed to the attack, and earned an assist for the goal. He even came on for Kuzyaev in the 88th minute, highlighting the depth of talent on both sides and the close competition between the two national players. The moment underscored Golovin’s role as an influential creator in Monaco’s setup this season, standing as a key figure in their campaign.
Golovin joined Monaco from Moscow’s CSKA in the summer of 2018, a move that set a club transfer record at the time. The Russia international was acquired for 30 million euros and has since become a central figure for the French club, featuring in numerous appearances this season. He has tallied goals and assists across league and cup competitions, with fans repeatedly voting him as one of the team’s standout players for his performances and leadership on the field.
Kuzyaev, meanwhile, signed with Monaco on July 12, agreeing to a contract that runs through the summer of 2025. His prior six-year spell with Zenit helped him establish himself as a reliable presence in the midfield, and his Ligue 1 debut season has seen him adapt quickly to French football. Kuzyaev opened his Ligue 1 account with a goal on August 20, marking a memorable milestone in his first season in France and reinforcing his status as a versatile midfielder whose work rate and vision suit top-flight football well.
Throughout their careers in France, both Golovin and Kuzyaev have become notable examples of Russian players making an impact abroad. Their paths have intersected at moments on and off the pitch, and their ongoing camaraderie—despite facing each other in competitive fixtures—highlights the camaraderie that often defines international teammates when they later compete as rivals. Observers note that their experiences reflect broader trends of Russian talent contributing to European leagues, while also underscoring the value of strong personal relationships that endure beyond club rivalries. This dynamic adds an extra layer of interest for fans following Russian footballers in Ligue 1 and beyond, as explained by analysts tracking player movements and national team pipelines. (citation: Sports Express)