The goalkeeper for the Russian national team and Krasnodar, Matvey Safonov, has made clear that he no longer follows football closely. In remarks cited by Sports Express, Safonov explained that he rarely watches football and that the sport no longer holds his full attention. He emphasized that he consumes only select matches now, namely the Russian Premier League’s games, and even then mostly the big clashes. He described his current approach simply: there is too much football in life, and his interest in following leagues outside the Russian league has waned. He added bluntly that he is not particularly interested in much of the sport these days. This stance reflects a personal shift away from the daily rhythm of football and toward a more selective viewing habit (Sports Express).
Safonov developed through Krasnodar’s system, joining the club’s ranks as a young talent. He made his first-team debut in 2017 and since then has grown into a trusted goalkeeper for the club. His contract with Krasnodar runs until June 2026, a signal of the club’s continued confidence in his abilities. In the current season of the Russian Premier League, Safonov has featured in seven matches, during which he conceded two goals. These numbers illustrate a steady presence between the posts and a level of reliability that Krasnodar has relied upon as the team competes at a high level in the league. Per Transfermarkt, Safonov’s market value stands at 16 million euros, underscoring his status as a valued player within Russian football and a potential asset in the transfer market (Transfermarkt).
At various points, Safonov has been candid about the attention he receives from other clubs. He indicated that he had not received concrete offers from other teams, a status that aligns with his current focus on his role at Krasnodar and the responsibilities that come with representing the national team. This discretion reflects a player who prioritizes personal balance and professional readiness over ongoing speculation, choosing to concentrate on the immediate duties of training, match preparation, and performance on the field. The goalkeeper’s approach demonstrates that even top athletes sometimes recalibrate their relationship with the sport, emphasizing preparation and consistency over sensational headlines or frequent transfers (Sports Express).