The Cypriot club Aris has seen a clash between its Russian forward Alexander Kokorin and a social media user who compared the team to a hybrid dog. The exchange drew attention beyond the stadium walls and sparked discussions about player conduct online.
Kokorin fired back with a bold reply: “Nobody is you, and we are champions.” The message underscored his confidence and belief in the squad’s status in Cyprus football.
On May 18, Kokorin received the distinction of being named the best player in the Cyprus Championship for the 2022/23 season. The accolade reflected his impact over the campaign, including decisive moments and influence on Aris’s performances.
During the season, the 32-year-old Russian contributed 13 goals and 6 assists across 27 league games, highlighting his role as a key attacking figure for Aris during a competitive title race in Cyprus.
Kokorin is currently with Aris on loan from Fiorentina, the Italian club that holds his registration. His move to Fiorentina occurred in 2021 after transfers from Spartak Moscow, and his career has spanned several notable clubs, including Zenit Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi Makhachkala. His varied experiences across Russian and European football have shaped his approach to the game and his value for Aris in the Cypriot league.
Former Zenit Saint Petersburg coach Vlastimil Petržela compared the Cypriot Championship to Russia’s Premier League, noting differences in competition level and style of play. The analyst suggested that Spartak Moscow, while unlikely to win the title in Cyprus, would compete for a top-five finish, reflecting on how the league presents a new set of challenges for players with backgrounds in larger European competitions.
The coach’s remark sparked discussions about the relative strength of Cypriot football and how it suits veterans making late-career moves. It also prompted observers to evaluate Kokorin’s performance in a league that offers different tactical demands, field conditions, and fan culture compared with Russia’s top tier.
Overall, Kokorin’s season in Cyprus has been marked by notable scoring runs, creative assists, and demonstrated leadership on the field. His presence has helped Aris stay competitive in a league where several teams vie for supremacy, and his recognition as best player reinforces the narrative of his personal revival abroad. The dynamic between his on-field production and public persona continues to draw interest from fans and analysts alike, contributing to the ongoing discussion about the career trajectories of high-profile players in smaller European leagues.