Former St. Petersburg powerhouse Zenit celebrated a milestone, and the club’s supporters had reason to cheer beyond the final whistle. Retired St. Petersburg forward Hulk, a former member of the Zenit squad known for his impact on the field, sent a warm message to the club in the wake of its tenth Russian Premier League title. In a video posted to his social media accounts, Hulk extended his congratulations and expressed pride in defending the colors of a club that has become a staple of Russian football. He noted the privilege of being part of Zenit’s rich history and his happiness at having had the chance to wear the blue-white-sky blue jersey during his career, underscoring the special bond between a player and the team that helped shape his legacy. The club’s communications team subsequently shared a brief note on Telegram to confirm the celebratory message from the former striker and to acknowledge the fans who have stood by Zenit through thick and thin.
The season’s drama reached a crescendo on May 7 in St. Petersburg, where Zenit and Spartak Moscow clashed in the 26th round of the national league. The meeting brought high emotions to a home crowd that has grown accustomed to watching Zenit rise to the occasion. Zenit emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, sealing the championship ahead of the final rounds. It was a testament to the team’s discipline, tactical cohesion, and relentless drive to secure domestic glory. With this triumph, Zenit secured a fifth consecutive league title, an achievement that cements their status as one of Russia’s premier football clubs in the modern era.
The championship will allow Zenit to wear a two-star jersey, signaling a notable milestone in the club’s history and reinforcing its status among the elite in Russian football. The squad will now shift focus to completing the remaining fixtures of the campaign, including upcoming matches against Orenburg, Sochi, and Fakel Voronezh. Each remaining game is viewed as an opportunity to further demonstrate the depth and versatility of the squad, as well as to build momentum heading into the next stage of the season. The team’s depth has been on display throughout the campaign, with a blend of experienced leaders and exciting young talents contributing to a balanced and potent attack, complemented by a solid defensive structure.
Doubts and discussions rarely disappear entirely in football, and some observers have weighed in on potential changes or future possibilities for Zenit. In particular, veteran commentator Gennady Orlov spoke about the strategic outlook for St. Petersburg’s club in the event that Brazilian forward Malcolm were to depart. Orlov emphasized that Zenit’s core identity and competitive spirit would continue to guide the club through any transition, while underscoring the importance of maintaining depth and a clear plan for revitalizing the squad during the off-season. While speculation can be part of the sport’s fabric, the immediate focus for Zenit remains the retention of a championship-winning ethos and the continued development of players who have already earned the trust of head coach Sergei Semak and the coaching staff. The club’s leadership has repeatedly highlighted the importance of a stable environment, strong fitness foundations, and precise tactical execution as the cornerstones of sustained success.
As Zenit basks in its latest league triumph, supporters are looking ahead to the next chapter. The championship banner will serve as a reminder of what the squad, staff, and fans can achieve together when they stay true to their game plan and maintain high standards on and off the pitch. For the players, the title is more than a trophy; it represents years of training, teamwork, and a shared belief in the club’s mission. The club’s backers in St. Petersburg and beyond will remain vocal contributors to the ongoing narrative, celebrating each milestone while anticipating further exploits from a team that has consistently raised the bar in Russian football. The season’s end is not a conclusion but a prelude to continued ambition, and Zenit’s story continues to unfold with every match that remains on the schedule.
Citations: Zenit press service reported Hulk’s congratulatory message and the Telegram update; the league match result and the five-title sequence were corroborated by official match summaries and seasonal reviews from the club’s communications team.