Brazilian footballer Kelven, who joined CSKA, spoke in an interview with RB Sports about the familiar stereotypes foreigners face in Russia. He addressed the topic directly, arguing that many of the preconceived ideas about the country are unfounded and that his own experience has been welcoming and straightforward.
“This is not true. I have not seen a drunk or a bear here for three months. So I can safely dispel these myths,” the Brazilian player stated, countering common myths about life in Russia. He emphasized that such stereotypes do not reflect the daily reality he has encountered since arriving in the country.
Kelven also shared that adjusting to life in Russia was smooth. He noted that his wife loved both the city and its surroundings, which helped them feel at home quickly. The sense of belonging he described came from a combination of community support, new teammates, and the comfort of a familiar environment away from home.
In terms of his performance, Kelven has appeared in 16 matches for CSKA across all competitions this season. He has contributed one goal and two assists, demonstrating his ability to impact games from the back line and contribute to the team’s attacking efforts when needed.
CSKA announced the transfer of Kelven on September 1, 2023. Before joining CSKA, he wore the shirt of Atletico Paranaense, the club where he spent his entire professional career prior to moving abroad. During his time with Atletico Paranaense, he played in more than 100 matches and helped the club win the Paraná state championship in 2019 as well as the Brazilian Cup, highlighting his experience and success at a high level in Brazilian football.
CSKA has spent 18 weeks in the Russian Premier League (RPL) and sits eighth in the standings with 28 points. Vladimir Fedotov’s squad is ten points clear of the championship leader Krasnodar, and after the league restart, the army team is set to host Orenburg in the first round of action. The momentum is building as the club seeks to climb the table and approach the top of the league, while balancing domestic competition with European ambitions.
Earlier in the season, Krasnodar had briefly led the league, but the balance of power shifted as teams continued their campaigns. The RPL remains competitive as the season progresses, and CSKA aims to capitalize on home fixtures to gain crucial points and close the gap at the top.