Artem Dzyuba, the Lokomotiv striker, posted a new video marking International Women’s Day. In the clip, he greets viewers and applauds the women who light up every day with kindness, beauty, and strength. He wished them enduring happiness and the ability to celebrate with flowers and gifts, then he let the song by Mota open the moment that followed.
Earlier, on February 8, Dzyuba put pen to paper to extend his stay with Lokomotiv through the current season. The signing came amid a storm of reactions from the club’s home city, including a banner near the stadium that directed strong language toward the player after the announcement. Later that season, he delivered a standout performance in the final round, delivering a hat-trick against Rostov to cap the campaign on a high note.
Before returning to Lokomotiv, the forward had spent several months without a club striker on the roster. He had moved to Adana Demirspor in Turkey in August 2022, but the relationship with the Turkish side ran its course, and his contract was terminated on November 3. In total, he appeared in four matches for Adana, not registering a goal, and seldom earning a spot in the starting XI during that stint.
From a broader perspective, Dzyuba remains the top scorer for the Russia national team, a record that highlights his impact on the international stage. He is also the all-time leading scorer in the Russian Premier League, underscoring his long years of high-level contribution in domestic football. These milestones solidify his status as one of the most recognizable strikers in Russian football history.
There were comments from a former Lokomotiv teammate noting that Dzyuba had relatively fewer of the team’s core players around him at certain points, which sparked discussions about squad depth and the dynamics of the club during his periods away from the squad. The remarks underscored the broader context of how team composition can influence a striker’s performance and the club’s strategic planning as it navigates seasons with changing rosters. This context helps explain the public and media reactions to transfers, contract decisions, and match outcomes that have involved Dzyuba over the years.
Across the arc of his career, Dzyuba has been a central figure for Lokomotiv and Russia, noted for his physical presence, goal-scoring instinct, and ability to influence big matches. His return to Lokomotiv in early February was met with both scrutiny and support, reflecting the mixed perceptions that often accompany veteran players rejoining familiar clubs. As the league schedule plays out, observers will be watching how his experience translates into performances, leadership in the locker room, and the club’s plans for future seasons. [citation needed]