Leonid Slutsky, long known for his roles as head coach at CSKA Moscow and Rubin Kazan, has spoken about how his finances have shifted since stepping away from coaching. The 52-year-old specialist parted ways with Rubin Kazan in November 2022 and has not returned to a coaching job since that break. Instead, he has taken part in a variety of television and media appearances, expanding his public presence beyond the dugout.
Questioning how much his income has changed after moving from the world of football management to media work, Slutsky notes a noticeable increase. He described a deliberate experiment aimed at exploring whether a public persona could be monetized beyond the football pitch. In discussions on a popular online channel, he stated that, in some countries, media engagement can surpass traditional coaching earnings. He acknowledged that in Russian sports such a monetization path is not yet as fully developed, but he sees potential for growth and diversification.
Slutsky described himself as an early adopter of this plan, testing whether a wider media footprint could translate into financial gains. The answer, based on his experience, appears positive. He suggested that building a personal brand through media activities can be financially rewarding when paired with the credibility gained from a career spent coaching at the highest levels. His reflections come from a period where his public profile has expanded well beyond the stadium, encompassing appearances, interviews, and potentially sponsorship opportunities tied to his career in football.
During his time as Rubin Kazan’s coach from 2019 to 2022, Slutsky led the team through a challenging span. In the season prior to his departure, Rubin Kazan finished in 15th place and faced direct relegation to a lower division, a dramatic downturn after competing in Russia’s top flight. The team’s status altered significantly, with the league structure at the time changing in ways that reshaped the competitive landscape for Russian clubs. Historically, Rubin Kazan has been a strong presence in Russian football, visiting European competitions and collecting domestic silverware under various managers. Slutsky’s tenure marked a difficult chapter for the club as it navigated transitions and the consequences of relegation threats.
In contrast to his two previous appointments, Slutsky’s achievements with CSKA Moscow stand out. During his period with CSKA, he guided the club to multiple domestic titles, including three Russian Premier League championships, along with two Russian Cup victories and a Russian Super Cup triumph. These successes contributed to his reputation as a coach capable of delivering top results in Russia’s most prominent league. His career is frequently cited when discussing the balance between on-field performance and the broader opportunities available to managers who cultivate a public profile beyond the stadium walls.
There have been broader conversations about how football figures transition after active coaching careers. Reports have touched on various possibilities for players and managers in different leagues and countries. In Slutsky’s case, the discussion centers on how media opportunities, endorsements, and brand partnerships can supplement or even surpass traditional coaching income, depending on the market, audience reach, and commercial strategy employed. These considerations reflect ongoing shifts in the sports economy, where a well-known manager can leverage name recognition, media appearances, and strategic collaborations to build a durable financial footing after stepping away from coaching duties.
Finally, it is worth noting that the football world continues to evolve in ways that affect both on-field results and career prospects after coaching. Slutsky’s experience illustrates how a veteran figure can adapt by blending competitive insight with media presence, creating a diversified portfolio that resonates with fans and sponsors alike. This approach demonstrates the growing importance of credibility, visibility, and strategic branding in shaping the income trajectories of football professionals in today’s sports ecosystem.