Vlastimil Petrzhela weighs in on Malcolm and Claudinho’s Russian citizenship grants
The former head coach of Petersburg Zenith, Vlastimil Petrzhela, spoke about the recent granting of Russian citizenship to forward Malcolm and midfielder Claudinho from Brazil. He did not mince words, arguing that the move was unlikely to result in the players turning out for the Russian national team. According to Petrzhela, the players pursued passports primarily for financial reasons, not for national duty. The assertion, captured by RB Sports, sparked discussions about how citizenship laws influence the composition of national squads and club rosters alike. [citation: RB Sports]
During this season of the Russian Premier League, Malcolm has appeared in 16 matches, contributing 11 goals and 5 assists. Claudinho has found the back of the net twice and has provided 4 assists across 11 appearances. These numbers reflect the immediate impact the Brazilians have had at their club, as they adapt to a new league, style of play, and language challenges. The credit for their performances is often shared among teammates, coaching staff, and the tactical framework that has allowed them to express their abilities on the field. [citation: RB Sports]
Zenit teammates themselves have started to discuss the possibility of Malcolm and Claudinho obtaining Russian citizenship, highlighting a broader pattern in which athletes secure dual eligibility to expand their professional horizons. It is notable that Malcolm has resided in Russia since 2019, and Claudinho since 2021, years marked by growth both on and off the pitch. Both players had previously achieved Olympic success with Brazil, earning gold at the Beijing Games as members of the national squad. Their journeys illustrate how international experience and club success can intersect with nationality decisions in modern football. [citation: RB Sports]
Former Slovak professional Jan Durytsa, who formerly played for Moscow’s Lokomotiv, also offered commentary on the citizenship developments involving Malcolm and Claudinho. His perspective added to a range of opinions circulating among former players and analysts about the strategic and ethical implications of nationality changes for elite athletes. The discussion continues to unfold as clubs weigh competitive advantages against national team eligibility and sports governance considerations. [citation: RB Sports]