Yuri Pervak, who once led Moscow Spartak as general manager, argued that the red-and-whites must prove themselves as a people’s team. He aligned with remarks attributed to Alexander Medvedev, the chair of Zenit’s board in St. Petersburg. Pervak supports this view, pointing to Zenit’s recent performances and Spartak’s struggles in the same period as a clear contrast between two rival clubs.
Zenit has built a track record of meaningful progress over the past decade. The club’s evolution touches players, supporters, and the management culture that supervises every facet of the organization. The idea of a “People’s Team” runs deep in Zenit’s identity, yet much of the current sentiment remains more aspirational chatter than tangible reality. For a broad audience to feel connected, victories must convert into visible signals of support, from packed match days to the energy around official shops, merchandise sales, and the breadth of youth development programs. Stories from fans illustrate the diverse experiences within Spartak’s development system, where some athletes describe environments that are demanding and self-reliant. From a neutral vantage point, Zenit appears to have grown into Russia’s most popular club in recent years, surpassing Spartak in multiple areas of achievement. In St. Petersburg, stadiums often overflow with fans, while Moscow occasionally experiences lower attendance. Fan cards have become widespread, shaping how people participate, and loyalty is tested by triumphs and downturns alike. The notion of a strong fan identity can feel contested, with some arguing it remains more talk than lived reality.
Zenit holds nine Russian championships and sits at the top of the table after extensive play, while Spartak’s historic crown count stands at ten. Spartak last claimed the title in the 2016/17 season, with its previous federation gold dating back to 2001. These historical milestones frame the contemporary rivalry and influence how supporters and pundits perceive both clubs.
Earlier discussions also referenced a veteran within CSKA who criticized Spartak by labeling a player as the worst, highlighting how legacy emotions from rival clubs color current judgments. This reminder underscores the intense atmosphere surrounding Russian football, where history and identity frequently intersect with on-pitch results. The ongoing narrative reflects a sport where fans, players, and executives continually negotiate meaning, pride, and expectation as the seasons unfold across Russia’s football landscape.