The Russian football veteran and former State Duma deputy Dmitry Bulykin speaks warmly about Fedor Smolov, the striker once lighting up Dynamo Moscow and now stepping back from international duties after announcing his retirement from the Russian national team. Bulykin stresses Smolov’s sustained impact across leagues and his ability to perform at the highest level, both at home and abroad.
Bulykin notes that every player can point to moments when they did not fully realize their potential, yet Smolov stands out for turning potential into tangible results. He highlights Smolov’s achievement as the top scorer in the Russian Premier League, his successful stints overseas, and his contributions to the national team. Even as Smolov finishes this chapter, Bulykin believes he remains in strong condition and could still demonstrate his quality in future competitions. He adds that personal milestones, such as marriage, can invigorate a player, sometimes fueling a surge of energy that translates into brighter seasons ahead. The public will have to wait for the next campaign to see how Smolov translates his experience into fresh form, and Bulykin reminds listeners that the national team’s schedule has paused, allowing room for reflection on Smolov’s legacy and future opportunities.
Smolov, who wore the national jersey in 46 appearances and found the back of the net 15 times, has built a career across several top clubs. In Russia, he featured for Dynamo Moscow, Ural Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, and Lokomotiv Moscow. His European chapters include a spell with Feyenoord in the Netherlands and a stint with Celta Vigo in Spain. In the most recent Russian Premier League season, Smolov contributed 10 goals and 6 assists in 24 league matches for Dynamo, underscoring his ongoing influence in domestic football.
A notable moment nearby involves Vadim Evseev, the former head coach of Fakel Voronezh, who commented on a journalist’s remarks about foreign agents following Lokomotiv Moscow’s match. Evseev’s response reflects a broader dialogue surrounding foreign players and the evolving landscape of Russian football, a topic that continues to draw analysis from fans and pundits alike. The conversation around Smolov’s career and future remains part of this larger narrative, as clubs and supporters assess his legacy and potential moves in coming seasons.