Artem Dzyuba intends to enroll his sons in Lokomotiv’s football program, signaling a personal and professional alignment with the club.
Artem Dzyuba, the prolific striker associated with Moscow’s Lokomotiv, has expressed a clear desire to see his two boys start their football journey within the red-green club’s youth system. The football world has followed his recent public statements as he explained the motivation behind this family decision. He noted that his eldest, Nikita, who is approaching his tenth birthday on April 24, and his younger brother Maxim, who will be seven, frequently ask him about joining Lokomotiv. The passion is unmistakable; they confide their dream of wearing the club’s colors, and Dzyuba feels a strong obligation to support that dream with a practical plan. He added that he intends to make every reasonable effort to turn that dream into a tangible opportunity, reflecting his commitment to both his children’s development and Lokomotiv’s future prospects [Source: team press statements].
Historically, Dzyuba has a storied tenure with Zenit, where he spent seven seasons and helped the club win the Russian Championship four times and the Russian Cup twice. His performance during that period established him as one of the league’s top forwards, including being the league’s leading scorer on two separate occasions. Such achievements have cemented his reputation as a clinical finisher with a deep understanding of the game, qualities he aims to translate into the development of his sons through structured youth training and exposure to high-level coaching. His time at Zenit is viewed by many as the formative chapter that shaped his approach to professional football and mentorship within the family setting [Official Zenit period records].
In February, the forward signed a six-month contract with Lokomotiv, following a stint at Adana Demirspor in Turkey that lasted only a few months. This move placed him back in Moscow’s football landscape, offering him a renewed platform to influence the club’s attacking culture while balancing his responsibilities as a parent. The contract with Lokomotiv is seen by observers as a bridge that not only highlights his ongoing career but also positions him to guide upcoming talents within the team, including potential paths for his sons if they pursue football seriously. The shift underscores Dzyuba’s continued readiness to compete at a high level and to contribute to Lokomotiv’s ambitions in the Russian Premier League and domestic cup competitions [Transfer announcements, club communications].
Local observers, including Olga Smorodskaya, the former head of Moscow Lokomotiv, have weighed in on the potential trajectory for Dzyuba within the club. While discussing his future, she emphasized the importance of evaluating opportunities that align with the club’s sporting goals and Dzyuba’s evolving role as a mentor figure for younger players. Her insights reflect a broader understanding of how veteran players can impart experience, professionalism, and resilience to a squad eager to compete for titles. The discussions around his involvement with Lokomotiv continue to generate interest among fans who remember his past contributions and anticipate how his example could influence a new generation within the Red-Greens [Club commentary records].