The first coach of Spartak Moscow’s Russian forward Alexander Sobolev, Alexander Gorbunov, recently spoke about the player’s unusual hobby: a deep love for computer games. While discussing how the athlete handles pressure and routine, the coach noted that gaming can be a meaningful distraction and a way to unwind after intense sessions on the training pitch. While some athletes use workouts or media commitments to decompress, Sobolev’s approach includes time spent with digital worlds and competitive play, which appears to be an important part of his personal balance during a demanding season.
Gorbunov described Sobolev as someone who can channel stress through focused play, suggesting that Dota 2 might serve as a form of mental reset. This perspective aligns with a broader trend in professional sports where controlled, moderate gaming can help players manage fatigue, sharpen tactical thinking, and decompress between high-stakes matches. Even if the sport remains the principal focus, the habit of winding down with interactive games can contribute to a healthier rhythm for an athlete bearing heavy responsibilities on and off the field.
On the field, Sobolev was briefly removed from the starting lineup following the first-round Russian Premier League clash against Orenburg, which ended in a 0-2 defeat. Reports indicate the forward informed head coach Dejan Stankovich of a desire to depart the club, a development that has grabbed attention from fans and analysts alike. Such transfer speculations are not uncommon when a player with a strong goal-scoring record considers a change, especially amid a period of renewed interest from other top clubs.
Since joining Spartak Moscow in 2020, Sobolev has logged a substantial tally: 139 appearances for the club, with 58 goals and 32 assists to his name. His contract is currently set to run through the summer of 2026, a window that keeps him in Moscow’s plans for the foreseeable future. The club’s management has repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping key talents, and Sobolev remains a central figure in their attacking lineup, capable of delivering decisive moments when it matters most.
During the recent off-season, there was notable talk about a potential move to Zenit. Reports suggested that a transfer could have materialized, but Spartak’s management reportedly raised the price significantly in the final moments, leading Zenit to walk away from the deal. The standoff underscored the competitive nature of top-tier Russian football transfers, where clubs must balance ambition with valuation and timing. In the wake of such rumors, Sobolev has continued to train with his teammates, focusing on consistency and readiness for forthcoming fixtures.
Earlier coverage indicated that Sobolev had spent a sizable amount on computer games following a suspension, a detail that drew questions about how players allocate time and resources during setbacks. While the exact amount remains a topic of speculation, the broader takeaway is that even high-profile athletes manage a spectrum of interests outside football. This mix of sport, personal pursuits, and professional obligations helps paint a fuller picture of Sobolev as a modern footballer who navigates the pressures of top competition while pursuing personal passions in a controlled, constructive way.