Former Spartak and Tottenham winger Roman Pavlyuchenko voiced a clear stance on the topic of naturalizing foreign players for the Russian national team, specifically weighing in on Zenit’s Brazilian duo Malcolm and Claudinho and their pursuit of Russian citizenship. His remarks were shared with Match TV, a source he trusted for football analysis and commentary.
Pavlyuchenko has long held the view that eligibility rules should favor players born in Russia. He believes that homegrown talent should lead the national squad, and while he acknowledges that the best athletes from abroad can raise the level of the team, his core conviction centers on giving opportunities to players who were raised within Russian football culture. He suggested that the nation’s football development would benefit from focusing on internal growth and the gradual improvement of domestic players, rather than expanding the pool through naturalization.
Still, Pavlyuchenko offered a measured caveat: if Malcolm and Claudinho seek to represent Russia and receive Valery Karpin’s blessing, their inclusion should be considered as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad. He stressed that any decision should be rooted in the team’s long-term stability and the everyday demands of qualifying campaigns, rather than short-term sentiment.
During the summer, Malcolm and Claudinho, both of whom play for Zenit, publicly discussed the desire to remain with the Neva side for the forthcoming season. As conversations progressed, they began to explore the possibility of obtaining Russian citizenship, signaling a potential ongoing relationship with the national team that could span several seasons if approved.
In the current Russian Premier League season, Malcolm has been a standout for Zenit. He has appeared in twenty league matches, contributing sixteen goals and five assists, a haul that underscores his effectiveness in the Russian top flight and his potential impact on the national team if he becomes eligible.
Another notable figure in the naturalization conversation is Mario Fernandez, a defender who has been associated with the broader discussion around players who have acquired Russian citizenship and earned national team caps. Fernandez’s career with Russia has included a substantial number of appearances, making him one of the most prominent examples of a naturalized player in the national setup.
Valery Gazzaev, who previously coached the Russian national team, also weighed in on the topic. He expressed opinions about the implications of Malcolm and Claudinho obtaining citizenship, noting that such a path could influence the team’s tactical balance and depth. Gazzaev’s perspective reflects the ongoing debate among coaches, players, and fans about the balance between nurturing homegrown talent and integrating experienced players from abroad who have developed in Russia.