The honorary president of the Russian Football Union, Vyacheslav Koloskov, recently weighed in on the question of who stood out most in this season’s Russian Premier League. His assessment centers on a single name that has dominated headlines and match tempos alike. According to Koloskov, Malcolm stands out as the best player of the current RPL campaign, a verdict grounded in his pivotal role during Zenit’s march to the championship and his ability to influence games beyond the stat sheet. The veteran observer notes that while teammates like Claudinho and Barrios are undeniably class acts aligned with Zenit’s ambitions, Malcolm’s broader skill set and consistency set him apart and make his contribution uniquely influential for the squad as a whole. The emphasis is not merely on goals scored or assists tallied, but on the versatility, decision-making, and on-field impact that elevate the team under pressure and in moments of tactical adaptation, delivering a clear edge to Zenit’s season-long pursuit of glory.
Malcolm’s journey to the top tier of Russian football began with a bold move from Barcelona to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019. Since then, the Brazilian winger has woven himself into the fabric of the club’s sporting success, helping Zenit secure multiple domestic titles across a storied period. His time in Russia has seen him lift the Russian Premier League trophy on four occasions, claim the national Cup once, and lift the Super Cup on three occasions. With his contract extended through the summer of 2027, Malcolm has established himself as a consistent cornerstone of Zenit’s offensive philosophy, contributing not only with goals and assists but through intelligent movement, fearless dribbling, and a keen eye for space creation that repeatedly unsettles defenses. The continuity of his presence has provided Zenit with a steady heartbeat on the frontline, enabling the team to maintain high performance levels across seasons characterized by intense competition and tactical evolutions within the league.
Within Zenit’s ranks, Malcolm’s influence is not simply measured in individual accolades. It is reflected in the way the team builds attacks, how he connects with midfield playmakers, and how his presence alters opponents’ defensive schemes. Former coach William de Oliveira has publicly commented on the potential for future developments involving Malcolm, addressing questions about whether the striker might depart the club and how such a move would alter Zenit’s strategic balance. The discussions around his possible departure underscore how closely the team’s ambitions and Malcolm’s personal performance have become interlinked. Observers note that while the squad benefits from depth and competition among its attacking options, Malcolm’s unique blend of pace, technical skill, and vision often makes him the decisive factor in tight matches where games hinge on a single moment of brilliance. The narrative around his career at Zenit remains one of durable excellence, sustained by a clear understanding of his role within the system and a personal commitment to maintaining peak form across demanding campaigns. The ongoing dialogue about his future only highlights his enduring value to the club and the broader perception of his impact on Russian football’s contemporary landscape, as captured by contemporary sports analysis and fan discussion in foot-ball communities around the country.