Former football figure Vladimir Ponomarev, once part of the USSR national setup, has publicly suggested that Fyodor Smolov, a Dynamo Moscow forward, should consider retirement from professional football. He stated that the moment has arrived to end Smolov’s career, arguing that Smolov has already given everything he had and that clubs will not offer much for him anymore. According to Ponomarev, Smolov is currently a spent asset, someone who can no longer contribute at the highest level and who is difficult to justify keeping in a squad.
Smolov began his career with Dynamo Moscow, later returning to the club for a significant spell. In the most recent season with Dynamo, he appeared in 24 league matches and found the back of the net ten times, contributing 10 goals in 24 appearances as the team finished ninth in the Russian Premier League with 45 points.
Across his career, Smolov has represented several clubs outside Dynamo, including Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, Celta Vigo in Spain, and Lokomotiv Moscow. Over time, he built a reputation as a prolific striker during his peak years, establishing himself as one of the more notable attacking talents in Russian football.
In discussions surrounding Smolov’s standing, officials within the Russian Football Union have at times highlighted his impact as a reliable and productive forward during his best years, noting his status among the country’s leading strikers in recent history. The current debate centers on his form, fitness, and the practicalities of maintaining a place in top-tier squads as he moves further into his career. This ongoing dialogue reflects broader questions about the longevity of high-intensity forwards in modern football and how clubs manage veteran players while remaining competitive.
Cited perspectives emphasize Smolov’s contributions to Dynamo Moscow and his broader career arc, while also acknowledging that professional football is a field of evolving evaluations. Analysts and fans alike consider whether Smolov can rediscover peak levels or if a transition into mentoring, lower-tier competition, or a different role within the sport might align better with his current capacities. As evaluations continue, Smolov’s legacy includes a period of notable productivity in Russia and across several major European leagues.