The Dynamo forward Fedor Smolov spoke on the YouTube channel The white-navy blues about the rivalry he senses with fellow striker Konstantin Tyukavin and what the future might hold for him personally. He shared the idea that no matter how the competition unfolds, the team benefits when players push each other to improve, and he even hinted at a generous, almost mentorship-like attitude toward Tyukavin. Smolov suggested that he could see himself stepping away from professional football when he reaches 36 years old, which would give Tyukavin room to take on a larger role within the squad and help to shape the club’s attacking dynamics in the years ahead. He spoke with a candid tone about timing and transition, underscoring that the ultimate aim is to keep the club competitive while honoring the pipeline of young talents coming through the Dynamo ranks. The message conveyed a sense of steady continuity rather than a dramatic retirement plan, and it echoed Smolov’s long-term commitment to the club and its fans.
During the discussion, Smolov emphasized that competition within the team is healthy and fair, insisting that it signals progress rather than friction. He noted that Tyukavin has a bright future, supported by solid data and clear potential, and he expressed genuine wishes for his teammate to stay injury-free while continuing to ascend. The veteran striker reiterated that a 36th birthday milestone would not be a grim terminus but rather a natural point for reassessing roles and opportunities on the field. In this context, he humorously framed the possibility of stepping aside so that Tyukavin can shine, while still conveying respect for his own career arc and the shared mission to bring success to Dynamo.
Looking back at Smolov’s arrival, it is recorded that in January last year he signed a contract with Dynamo and joined the club as a proven goal scorer with a wealth of top-flight experience. His professional journey with Dynamo began after years with Lokomotiv, a club based in the capital, where he previously forged his reputation as a reliable striker. Across his time with Dynamo, Smolov has been part of squads that earned silver and bronze medals in the Russian Championship, captured multiple Russian Cup titles, and lifted the Russian Super Cup. His tenure has been marked by leadership on the pitch and a willingness to adapt to different tactical setups as the team sought domestic success and competitive performances in European contexts.
In the current campaign, Smolov has appeared in 16 Russian Premier League matches, contributing seven goals, including three penalties, and delivering two assists that aided teammates in critical moments. His presence has added a blend of experience and finishing prowess to Dynamo’s attack, offering a reliable option in the central forward position and contributing to the team’s overall attacking balance. While the statistics reflect his direct impact in front of goal, they also point to the intangible value Smolov brings through his positional sense, quick decision-making, and the leadership role he exercises during training and in the dressing room. The combination of his maturity and his ability to perform under pressure continues to define his contribution to the club’s ambitions for the season.
Smolov also addressed public remarks once made by a former teammate, Alexander Kokorin, who had spoken about topics related to prison. He acknowledged the conversation and offered his perspective, framing the incident as a moment in which public discourse can diverge from the realities of professional sports. Smolov’s response reflected a measured approach, focusing on the responsibilities of athletes as role models and the importance of maintaining focus on football while navigating media narratives. The overall tone of his reflections remained oriented toward resilience, teamwork, and a steadfast commitment to Dynamo’s goals.