One of the first outlets to report the death of footballer Alexander Kozlov was the Baza Telegram channel. According to the source, the cause of death was a ruptured blood clot. The news arrived abruptly. Dmitry Egorov, a journalist and head of the BrokeBoys media football team, said he had been corresponding with Kozlov that morning about a potential contract with the team for the new season in the Media Football League. [Source: Baza]
It was noted that Kozlov had not yet signed with Zorkiy due to financial constraints, but he planned to travel around Russia and support his two children. He had experience across several leagues, including LFL, F-League, and KFK. Egorov recalled that Kozlov was expected to provide an answer later that day. They had exchanged messages in the morning, but during a training session, Kozlov went to the massage table in the club office, suddenly collapsed, turned blue, and began to wheeze. All signs pointed to a blood clot separation, an outcome not typically visible in routine medical checks. [Source: Championat.com]
Some reports suggested that the 29-year-old player had died during a massage after training, a claim the club quickly denied.
The club stated on its social networks that more details were emerging and urged readers not to believe reports that Kozlov died after a training massage. [Source: Sport24 Zorky]
Kozlov was regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation. He signed with Spartak Moscow at 15 and made his Champions League debut at 17. He represented the national U17 team, scoring several goals. Later, injuries hindered his progress. While at Spartak-2, he tore both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, travelled to Italy for treatment, and underwent multiple surgeries. The recovery stretched on, preventing a return to his previous peak. In 2016, he signed a two-year deal with Fakel Voronezh, appearing in 15 matches but not making a significant impact. He then moved to Tosno, played briefly there, and joined Fakel Voronezh again before transferring to Okzhetpes in Kazakhstan in 2017. A year later he returned to Russia to play for Tyumen, followed by stints with Khimki near Moscow and Ararat Yerevan in the Football National League. His final club was Aluston-YuBK from Crimea, and he was preparing for the 2022/23 season with Zorkiy. [Source: Club histories]
Moscow Spartak requested that the first round of the Russian Premier League match against Akhmat Grozny on July 16 begin with a minute of silence for Kozlov. The club confirmed condolences. [Source: Spartak press service]
Spartak issued a statement: “Today, a former Spartak striker Alexander Kozlov passed away at 29. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.” [Source: Spartak]
Kozlov also wore Fakel Voronezh colors, a club that would participate in the Russian Premier League in the upcoming season. In the 2016/17 season he played 15 matches for Fakel, though he did not leave a lasting mark in those games. [Source: Fakel historical record]
The Voronezh club added its own tribute: “Today, the 29-year-old footballer Alexander Kozlov has passed away. He played for our club in the 2016/17 season. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We will remember you, Sasha.” [Source: Fakel Voronezh statement]
Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russian national team and Rostov, expressed his condolences, noting the player’s talent. He said Kozlov showed promise that could have translated to higher levels. [Source: Sport24 Karpin]
Well-known sports journalist Vasily Utkin shared his reflections on Kozlov’s passing, suggesting that the demanding schedule may have taxed his heart. He recalled that Kozlov played a high number of games in a recent match and that such intensity can take a toll. [Source: Utkin Telegram]