In a story that captured the attention of football fans across Russia and beyond, 9-year-old Daniil Akinfeev, the son of CSKA Moscow’s legendary goalkeeper and captain Igor Akinfeev, emerged as a surprising hero ahead of the postponed 21st round clash with the capital’s Spartak. The video released by the army club’s press service showcased Daniil presenting the lineup for the foosball derby, a lighthearted and upbeat prelude to a big league duel between the two storied clubs.
During the clip, Daniil announced the roster for the Red-Whites’ foosball squad. He highlighted Georgiy Dzhikia, wearing the captain’s armband, and noted that he was among the reserves that day. The youngster also mentioned Quincy’s Word, suggesting the player might be on the bench as well, adding a playful twist to the presentation before the match.
As the screen broadened, Daniil and his eight-year-old sister Evangelina appeared in the final frame, a touching moment that connected the family to the club’s ongoing narrative. The scene underlined the close ties between CSKA Moscow and the Akinfeev family, who have long been associated with the club and its culture of resilience and loyalty.
Scheduling details confirmed that CSKA and Spartak would meet on April 25, with kickoff slated for 20:30 Moscow time. In their first-round encounter, the sides played to a 2-2 draw, a result that set the stage for a fiercely contested rematch in the capital. As the season progressed, Spartak sat in fourth place with 38 points, while CSKA trailed in sixth on 37 points. The league leaders remained Zenit Saint Petersburg, perched at the top with 50 points, followed closely by Krasnodar just four points behind.
Meanwhile, a separate development from the broader football world drew attention to team discipline and legal accountability. On March 13, Promes faced arrest in the United Arab Emirates in connection with a traffic incident. He reportedly fled the scene after colliding with a bus and had previously been under house arrest. The Netherlands was reported to pursue extradition, and the midfielder remained in custody, missing all matches following the league’s restart in Russia. The incident added another thread to the ongoing storylines surrounding the league’s players, clubs, and their off-pitch circumstances.
Earlier communications from CSKA offered an update on Akinfeev’s condition ahead of the Spartak match, highlighting the club’s commitment to transparency and the well-being of its players. The blend of youthful energy in the Akinfeev family, traditional club loyalty, and the high-stakes atmosphere of the Moscow derby underscored a season rich with drama, hope, and competitive rivalry. As fans prepared for the upcoming clash, the narrative extended beyond on-field tactics to the broader culture surrounding one of Russia’s most celebrated football institutions.
In the weeks leading up to the derby, observers noted the significance of this fixture for both clubs. Spartak has long claimed a place among the league’s elite, and CSKA’s history as a powerhouse in Russian football remains a key part of the sport’s landscape. The interaction between sport, family moments, and public interest created a multi-dimensional story that resonated with supporters who follow the league closely, both in Russia and among the diaspora who track the action from North America and other parts of the world.