Dynamo Moscow striker Fedor Smolov spoke about the chances of returning to the national team in the near future, offering a candid assessment of where things stand for Russia on the international stage.
Smolov indicated that a recall to the national squad is unlikely in the short term. He said, clearly and without hesitation, that he does not expect to play in an official match for the Russian national team again. He explained that based on the current events and developments, there is little reason to believe the team will return to the level required for international competition in the near future, and he did not foresee a rapid return to major tournaments for the national side. He added that the situation demands a new generation of players to be given opportunities and experience at the highest level, which could pave the way for the team’s future progress. These remarks were made during an interview with Nobel Arustamian and shared with straightforward honesty. Cited by Nobel Arustamian
The broader context helps explain Smolov’s stance. In March 2022, the International Football Federation, known as FIFA, suspended Russia from participating in the World Cup play-offs for Qatar. The suspension effectively paused Russia’s chances to compete on the global stage at a critical juncture. Then, in October 2022, UEFA barred the Russian team from participating in Euro 2024, further narrowing the opportunities available to the national squad and affecting long term planning for players and clubs alike. These actions created a challenging environment for a player like Smolov, who has spent much of his career in top European football and hoped to contribute to the national team’s success again. The situation underscores a period of transition and uncertainty that many players and fans have been navigating. Cited by credible football federation announcements
There is also a note about the domestic side of the equation. Earlier reports mentioned Montenegrin striker Luka Djordjevic in connection with Sochi, a club in Russia, signaling how frequent player movements and tactical decisions shape national team prospects. In Smolov’s view, the emphasis of the national program should shift toward nurturing emerging talents who can step into national duties with fresh energy and perspective, rather than leaning on veterans who may be discouraged by current geopolitical and sporting obstacles. This line of thinking aligns with broader discussions in European football about rebuilding squads after disruptions to international competition. Cited by general sports analysis