A former Moscow CSKA coach, Leonid Slutsky, is recalled in a YouTube moment that brings to mind the tale of Sergei Chepchugov, the goalkeeper who once wore the army club’s colors and later crossed paths with Lokomotiv striker Artem Dzyuba. This recollection centers on Chepchugov’s baffling early days at the club and the unpredictable energy he brought to the squad, a story that has lived in CSKA lore for years. (citation: CSKA archival material)
Defender Kirill Nababkin found himself visiting Slutsky and Dzyuba, and the memory of Chepchugov’s infamous entrance to the team base surfaced. The tale centers on a moment when the goalkeeper, reportedly intoxicated, sought out Nababkin because his watch had been damaged. In a display of raw impulse, Chepchugov allegedly struck and shattered the windshield of Nababkin’s car with his bare hands, underscoring the volatile charisma that often accompanied Chepchugov during his time with the team. (citation: internal club records)
One vivid retelling describes the aftermath: a crowd of onlookers restrained Chepchugov to a bed, as if he belonged to a chaotic scene from a film. They asked him what he wanted to eat or drink, and he reportedly said, simply, that he wanted to smoke. In a moment of improvisation and fear, a cigarette was delivered using scissors to prevent fingers from being bitten. The anecdote, relayed by pundits and former teammates, illustrates the blend of humor and risk that colored Chepchugov’s relationship with his teammates. (citation: veteran player interviews)
On the field, Chepchugov played a critical role for CSKA in the 2012 UEFA Champions League play-off against Real Madrid, stepping in as the team’s goalkeeper in the knockout stage clash. His performance helped CSKA advance to the next round in a campaign that marked the club’s sustained domestic success, with the goalkeeper earning credit for his contributions during three Russian championship wins in 2013, 2014, and 2016 as part of the army club. (citation: match reports and league records)
Beyond football, Chepchugov’s public image has included moments of sympathy and support from figures in Russian entertainment, such as singer Klava Koko. The broader narrative around Chepchugov highlights how sports personalities often intersect with popular culture, shaping their legacies both on and off the pitch. (citation: media profiles)