Denis Cheryshev on the Russian national team and the path ahead for Russian football
Denis Cheryshev, the Russian midfielder who has taken his talents to Venice in Italy, recently spoke about the fate of the Russian national team and the broader landscape of Russian football. The 32-year-old former Real Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal standout emphasized that he hopes the national team will be able to compete again in major tournaments one day. He stressed that players should not be made to bear responsibility for political decisions and that the sport should be protected from political disputes. His message was clear: athletes want to play, and peace and normalcy in football should return as soon as possible.
Cheryshev’s comments come at a time when the global football community has faced disruptions tied to sanctions. In the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend the participation of Russian teams and the national squad in events and competitions governed by those bodies. The suspension marked a significant turn in Russian football, affecting players at every level and altering the competitive landscape for clubs and national teams alike. The pause interrupted a generation of players who had hoped to showcase their skills on the world stage and to continue a proud tradition that dates back decades.
The forward of Venice joined the Italian club during the 2022 summer transfer window. His career has spanned some of Europe’s most renowned clubs, and his experience in top leagues has shaped his perspective on the sport. In his time with Venice, the team has been competing in the Italian league system, with performance reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by clubs working to establish themselves in a competitive environment. Cheryshev’s contract with the club runs through June of this year, a period during which both the player and the team have been navigating the demands of a demanding schedule, injuries, and the ever-changing dynamics of professional football. Last season saw him taking the field in a substantial number of matches in Serie B, contributing four goals and two assists. Venice finished the season positioned in the upper middle of the standings, demonstrating resilience and continuity in a league known for its tactical discipline and physical rigor. The experiences from this season contribute to a broader narrative about Russian players operating abroad and the communities that rally around them as they pursue elite-level football while their national team’s status remains uncertain.
Beyond the field, the situation surrounding Russian football has prompted reflections from veterans and current players alike. Some former national team figures have expressed concern about the impact of the suspension on the sport’s development and confidence. The sense of fear or uncertainty expressed by longtime insiders often centers on how young players will navigate their careers during periods when access to international competition is restricted. The hope echoed by Cheryshev and others is that political tensions will ease, allowing a return to normal competition, youth development, and the exchange of ideas that come from playing against a broad range of international opponents. In this view, football stands as a unifying force, offering a shared language of competition, teamwork, and goal scoring that transcends national headlines and political disputes.
For supporters in Canada and the United States, the situation underscores how interconnected the world of football has become. Players move across leagues, clubs seek talent beyond their borders, and fans follow matches from coast to coast. The resilience shown by players like Cheryshev, who continue to train, adapt, and contribute in foreign leagues, resonates with fans who value perseverance, professionalism, and the joy of the game. As in other periods of disruption, the focus shifts to the on-pitch performances, the stories of clubs, and the personal journeys of players who keep faith with their craft while awaiting a possible return to international competition. The broader narrative highlights the sport’s ability to endure, evolve, and adapt to evolving political realities while maintaining its appeal to millions of fans across North America and beyond.
Looking ahead, many observers expect that the course of Russian football will continue to evolve as sanctions are reviewed and the global football federation community seeks pathways back to regular competition. For now, players who compete abroad, including Cheryshev, continue to contribute their skill, experience, and leadership to their teams. Their efforts help maintain a high level of performance and inspiration for younger players watching from Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. As negotiations and diplomatic efforts unfold, the football world remains hopeful that the power of sport to heal divisions will be felt, allowing the sport to return to a stage where talent, effort, and teamwork can again take center stage, free from the shadows of political conflict.