Alexander Shuplyakov, who mentored Artem Dzyuba in his early years at Lokomotiv Moscow, stated that he did not find any reason for concern over a recent birthday moment. Kristina, Dzyuba’s wife, sang a song about Zenit performed by a group from Leningrad, and Shuplyakov noted that the gesture did not cross lines or disrespect anyone. The coach emphasized that a sports career sometimes intersects with personal celebrations, and a single song about another club should not be read as a personal attack. He added that fans should see the broader context: a player who has contributed to several teams and continues to show competitive spirit. This perspective is reflected in his comments to Sports Express, where the focus remained on the athlete’s overall conduct and commitment to his team, Lokomotiv, rather than on a momentary moment of humor or fandom.
Shuplyakov articulated a straightforward view: Artem performed a song about Zenit, yet did not direct comments at rivals, insult teammates, or engage in hostile rhetoric. The point, in his opinion, is that a player’s public image is shaped by the consistency of on-field performance, leadership, and respect toward colleagues. Even though Dzyuba currently wears Lokomotiv’s colors, the coach argued that past affiliations with another Russian club should not automatically color the interpretation of a single, harmless celebration. In professional sports, he observed, athletes often celebrate achievements in diverse ways, and a momentary nod to a former club or its supporters should be understood as part of the complex emotional landscape of football, not a breach of etiquette.
During his seven-year tenure in Saint Petersburg, Dzyuba represented Zenit with distinction, earning league titles and domestic cups as part of a period that highlighted his goal scoring prowess and leadership on the pitch. The striker’s career is marked by multiple championships and memorable performances, which have contributed to his standing as one of Russia’s most recognizable forwards. Beyond Zenit, he has also left an imprint at Rostov and Arsenal Tula, building a reputation for reliability in front of goal and an ability to influence games in critical moments. Alongside top scorers and peers, he has been recognized as a prolific figure for the national team, sharing the status of Russia’s top scorer with Alexander Kerzhakov at various stages of his international career. The arc of his journey demonstrates how a player can evolve from a domestic champion to a seasoned veteran whose experience informs both club performance and national team duties.
Dzyuba joined Lokomotiv Moscow on a contract that solidified his status as a key asset for the squad. The arrangement was later extended under a 1+1 structure, reflecting the club’s confidence in his continued contribution and leadership. This move marked a new chapter in his professional life, aligning his experience with Lokomotiv’s ambitions and providing him a platform to showcase his abilities within Russia’s top flight. His presence was expected to elevate the team’s attacking options and bring a level of maturity to the squad’s playmaking and finishing instincts, complementing the existing tactical framework and helping to sustain competitive performance across the season.
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in 16 Russian Premier League matches, contributed four goals, and added three assists across league and domestic cup competitions. These numbers are set against a backdrop of a player who continues to adapt his style to modern football, balancing physicality, positioning, and opportunistic finishing. In the previous campaign, he shared the club’s golden boot honor with teammates Izidor and Anton Miranchuk, who had limited time on the field due to injury and rotation. This shared achievement underscored the depth of Lokomotiv’s attacking options and highlighted Dzyuba’s willingness to collaborate with teammates to maximize scoring opportunities. The sequence of seasons illustrates how experience can translate into consistent value for a team, combining leadership with productive on-field output and a steady contribution to the club’s tactical plans.
Earlier in his Lokomotiv stint, a video surfaced showing Dzyuba reacting to a joke, reflecting the player’s lighter, more relatable side off the pitch. Such moments often humanize professional athletes and can soften the perception of pure competition, reminding fans and analysts that players balance seriousness in games with humor in everyday life. The club’s public communications around these moments typically aim to present Dzyuba as a well-rounded figure who remains focused on performance while engaging constructively with fans, teammates, and media. This portrayal aligns with Lokomotiv’s broader messaging about building a cohesive squad culture that values both competitive drive and mutual respect among players and staff. [Source: Sports Express]