Four-time Olympic champion Alexander Tikhonov weighed in on Lokomotiv striker Artem Dzyuba after the latter publicly acknowledged his Russian patriotism and support for Vladimir Putin. Tikhonov’s remarks were cited by RB Sports, and they carried a blunt, opinionated tone that sparked discussion about the meaning and consequences of such statements in sport and national service.
According to Tikhonov, Dzyuba’s declaration should not be treated as anything extraordinary or inherently masculine. He argued that every citizen today has a responsibility to consider politics and patriotism alongside their professional duties. Tikhonov suggested that Dzyuba might have chosen a different path—whether dedicating himself fully to football or, in a broader sense, taking a more active role in national matters. He hinted that the moment of realization could be personal or circumstantial, but he did not frame the statement as a remarkable act. The critic’s point was that a public figure’s words are not automatically exceptional, and that life choices for athletes can be influenced by changing circumstances and social expectations.
On February 8, Dzyuba formalized his return to Lokomotiv by signing a contract through the current season. His move followed a stint at Turkish club Adana Demirspor at the start of the 2022/23 season, which began with promise but ended after a few months when the contract was terminated as he searched for a new club as a free agent. The season’s trajectory for the striker thus included a period of transition and reevaluation, before rejoining a club where he had previously competed at the top level of Russian football.
Dzyuba’s first competitive appearance for Lokomotiv came in a Russian Cup clash against Spartak, where he played the full 90 minutes without finding the back of the net. In the subsequent league fixture, Lokomotiv fell to Spartak with a 2-4 scoreline, a result that added to the narrative surrounding his return and the team’s ongoing efforts to rebuild attacking momentum. Observers noted that his adaptation to the new or resumed role was a focal point for fans and analysts as the season progressed, with questions about cohesion, form, and the impact of his presence on the squad’s dynamics remaining in the discourse.
Former State Duma Deputy Dmitry Svishchev commented that Dzyuba’s stance resonates with millions of people, underscoring how a footballer’s public position can intersect with broader social and political conversations. The broader reaction among supporters and critics alike reflected a landscape in which sports figures are increasingly seen not only as athletes but as public figures whose statements can influence morale and national sentiment during times of national discourse.