Former television commentator turned blogger, Vasily Utkin, occasionally shares quick updates with his Telegram subscribers, revealing insights about the strongest footballer who holds a Russian passport. His hint was concise: Malcolm.
Malcolm, a Brazilian winger who rose to prominence with Zenit St. Petersburg, earned Russian citizenship during his stint in the city. On February 24, 2023, he and fellow Brazilian Claudinho, both players connected with Zenit, were issued Russian passports. This dual citizenship process underscored Malcolm’s unique position in Russian football circles and his deep ties to the league.
Malcolm joined Zenit on August 2, 2019, moving from Barcelona after a high-profile transfer valued at €40 million, with an additional €5 million paid to the Spanish club as a performance-related bonus. His arrival coincided with Zenit’s ambitions to solidify their attacking options, and he quickly became a centerpiece of the squad. In the 2022/23 season, he claimed the title of top scorer in the Russian Premier League (RPL) with 23 goals, a performance that cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. That same season, the Russian Football Union (RFU) recognized him as the league’s best footballer, highlighting his influence on the field and his impact on Zenit’s competitive achievements. During his years in Russia, Malcolm helped Zenit win multiple trophies, including four league titles, one Russian Cup, and three Russian Super Cups, contributing to a period of sustained domestic success for the club.
On August 23, 2023, Zenit announced that Malcolm would depart for Saudi club Al-Hilal, signaling a new chapter in his career. This move reflected the broader trend of Russian-based talents exploring opportunities in the Saudi Arabian league, while also presenting Zenit with a strategic transition as they recalibrated their attacking options for future campaigns.
Earlier in his career with Zenit, Malcolm’s status as a foreign-born player who became a citizen added an extra layer of significance to his narrative within Russian football. Acknowledgments from league leadership, including remarks from the former president of the Russian Premier League, underscored the recognition of his contributions and the broader discussion about the role of foreign talent in the league.