Fabian Balbuena, the Paraguayan defender with Dinamo Moscow, drew a thoughtful parallel between Moscow and London in a wide-ranging chat with Sports Express. He noted that while the two capitals share numerous similarities, Moscow tends to feel noticeably colder. Balbuena stressed that he does not prefer one city over the other, expressing comfort and a sense of belonging in both London and Moscow.
Balbuena previously wore the West Ham United colors in London, from 2018 through 2021. He paused his contract with Dinamo Moscow last summer and spent the season on loan at Corinthians in Brazil. This summer, he returned to Dinamo Moscow, rejoining the blue-and-white squad. The move signaled a smooth continuation of his European career, returning to a familiar environment within the Russian Premier League.
The 32-year-old Paraguayan defender appeared in 16 matches across all competitions for Dinamo this season, contributing goals and assists that helped the team stay competitive near the top of the table. His experience in both the English Premier League and Russian football provides a measured, informed perspective to Dinamo’s defensive unit, where discipline and adaptability are highlighted as vital strengths.
Dinamo Moscow stood in third place in the Russian Premier League after 16 weeks, accumulating 28 points. The club has crafted a solid campaign in a league known for fierce competition and a blend of domestic and foreign talent. Balbuena’s presence on the pitch has been part of a broader effort to strengthen the defense and push for a higher finish as the season progresses.
In addition, a Spartak legend later observed that salaries in Russian football had risen, reflecting ongoing discussions about compensation trends within the league. This context underscores the financial landscape players navigate while pursuing opportunities across Russia and Europe, a path Balbuena has navigated through stints in England and a return to Russia.