31 Facts About Aleksandr Kerzhakov

Aleksandr Anatolyevich Kerzhakov is a Russian football manager and former professional football player who played as a striker.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov is the most prolific goalscorer in the history of Russian football, with the number of goals scored in competitive games standing at 233.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov is described as a forward who likes to "drop deep to link with the midfield, expecting players to break beyond him" for whom he creates space.

In 2001 Aleksandr Kerzhakov transferred to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, debuting in March and scoring his first goal in June against Spartak Moscow.

In 2002, Aleksandr Kerzhakov developed a striking partnership with Andrey Arshavin which earned them both call-ups to the Russian national team.

That year Aleksandr Kerzhakov represented Russia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Under then manager Juande Ramos, Aleksandr Kerzhakov featured alongside Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute.

In February 2008, after being left out of Sevilla's Champions League tie against Fenerbahce, Aleksandr Kerzhakov signed a three-year contract with Russian side Dinamo Moscow.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov established himself as a first choice striker with Tsvetan Genkov and Cicero, scoring his first goal against FC Moscow.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov finished the 2008 season as the top scorer in the squad with seven goals, helping the club finish in third place and earn a play off spot in the qualifiers for the UEFA Champions League.

In January 2010, Aleksandr Kerzhakov rescinded the last year of his contract with Dynamo and returned to his first professional club Zenit St Petersburg.

However, Aleksandr Kerzhakov went on to score 23 goals in 32 appearances in the Russian Premier League, finishing as the second highest goal scorer behind CSKA Moscow's Seydou Doumbia.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov participated in the UEFA Champions League, scoring his only goal outside the Russian Premier League against Anderlecht.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov played in the club's Champions League campaign, coming on as a substitute in three of the group stage matches.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov would go on to score five goals in seventeen appearances in a campaign that ended in the club's relegation from the Swiss Super League.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov officially retired on 13 July 2017 and was appointed the coordinator of Zenit's youth and academy teams.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov began playing for the Russian U21 team in 2001.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov made his senior debut for Russia in a friendly against Estonia on 27 March 2002.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov was on the bench for the games against Spain and Greece, but played a full game against Portugal, as Russia was eliminated from the group stage.

Under Guus Hiddink, Aleksandr Kerzhakov continued his role as the first choice striker but was dropped after limited appearances for Zenit in late 2006.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov did not score again for the rest of the qualification campaign but managed to make three additional appearances as Russia topped Group B to qualify directly for the final tournament.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov has appeared in Capello's squads for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov was on the bench against Sweden and Austria while being substituted at half-time against Liechtenstein and Moldova.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov made his final appearance for the national team in a friendly against Lithuania on 26 March 2016.

On 15 March 2018, the Russian Football Union announced signing a contract with Aleksandr Kerzhakov to manage the Russia national under-17 football team until the end of 2019.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov moved to with his family to Dubai but did not have a job there.

On 8 February 2023, Aleksandr Kerzhakov was hired as a manager by Cypriot club Karmiotissa Polemidion.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov left Karmiotissa after 1 victory in 6 games under his management on 1 April 2023, moving back to Dubai.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov's younger brother, Mikhail, is a professional footballer who plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg as a goalkeeper.

In 2002, Aleksandr Kerzhakov authored his autobiography titled Up to 16 and older.

Aleksandr Kerzhakov opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and connected leaving Russia in 2022 with the opposition to the invasion.