Andrey Sergeyevich Arshavin (Russian:Андрей Сергеевич Аршавин,IPA:[ɐnˈdrʲejsʲɪrˈɡʲejɪvʲɪtɕɐrˈʂavʲɪn]; born 29 May 1981) is a Russian former professional footballer who played as awinger ormidfielder. Since 2019, Arshavin has held administrative posts at Zenit. In 2022, he became Deputy General Director for Sports Development, and became a member of the club's executive board in 2023.[3]
He had a breakout performance atUEFA Euro 2008 where he impressed throughoutRussia's run to the semi-final of the tournament, and also finished 6th in the 2008Ballon d’Or.[4] Arshavin thereafter signed for EnglishPremier League clubArsenal during the 2008–09 winter transfer window, becoming the most expensive player in Arsenal's history at the time, with a fee of £15 million. Arshavin eventually rejoined Zenit, at first on loan and then permanently in 2013.[5][6]
Arshavin was born in Leningrad, nowSaint Petersburg, on 29 May 1981. His father Sergey Arshavin played as an amateur footballer. Arshavin survived an accident that could have killed him when he was hit by a car as a child. His parents divorced when he was 12, with Andrey having to sleep on the floor of a cramped flat with his mother. It was his father who persuaded him to pursue a career in football after his own failure to become a professional football player. While growing up he enjoyed playingChess, a popular sport in Russia.[7]
Arshavin began playing football at an early age and at seven years of age, he was enrolled in theSmena football academy ofZenit, his hometown club. As a schoolboy before football became his sole focus, he was a talenteddraughts player. Arshavin's father died of heart failure at age 40.[8] He has written three books, including one titled555 Questions and Answers on Women, Money, Politics and Football.[9] Arshavin also has a degree in Fashion Design.[9] He often misbehaved at school, commenting, "I behaved badly at school. When I was in the second grade, I tore down the registering journal of the class." It was this incident described by Arshavin that saw him expelled.
In 2000, Arshavin was included in the Zenit first-team squad, making his debut in a 3–0 away win over English sideBradford City in theIntertoto Cup,[10] coming on as a first-half substitute forAndrey Kobelev.[11] He played in various positions on the field, starting as a right midfielder, then as an attacking midfielder, and finally adopted the second striker's role playing on a flank or behind the target man.
Arshavin playing for Zenit in 2008
In the 2007Russian Premier League season,Shava (Шава inRussian), as he was nicknamed by Zenit fans,[12] guided his Zenit side to the title in starting all 30 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists which was the most in the Russian Premier League that year en route.[13] It was the club's first league title since winning the now-defunct Soviet Top League in 1984. Arshavin was also a key player during Zenit's2007–08 UEFA Cup triumph and was namedMan of the Match in thefinal, again topping the list for assists in that season'sUEFA competition.[14] In October 2008, Arshavin was nominated for the prestigiousBallon d'Or award, along with 29 others in a list that included compatriotYuri Zhirkov.[15]
Arshavin's performances in the UEFA Cup andUEFA Euro 2008 brought him to the attention of several European clubs.[16] However, interest had already been expressed in January 2008 byNewcastle United bossSam Allardyce, but he was sacked as manager as the transfer window opened.[17] In June 2008,Barcelona had their €15 million offer for the player turned down by Zenit.[citation needed] Additionally,Tottenham Hotspur's £16 million offer in August also fell short of Zenit's £22 million asking price.[18] Zenit's unwillingness to compromise on their asking price caused discontent from both Arshavin and his agentDennis Lachter.[citation needed]
During the January 2009transfer window, Arshavin was persistently pursued by EnglishPremier League clubArsenal. On 2 February, transfer deadline day, Arshavin was staying in aHertfordshire hotel, just a few miles from the Arsenal training ground. At around 10 am,[19] he left the hotel and was rumoured to be heading back to Russia, but with less than an hour of the transfer window left, a bid from Arsenal was finally accepted by Zenit. By this point, he had agreed personal terms and passed a medical, but a compensation payment by Arshavin himself to Zenit was supposedly holding up the deal.[20] The deal was further complicated bya snowstorm in England that had delayed the Premier League's registration process, eventually forcing the league to extend the deadline beyond 5 pm.[21] The deal was not confirmed until the following day (3 February), nearly 24 hours after the formal transfer deadline had passed, with Arsenal announcing "a long-term deal" for an undisclosed fee.[22] On the same day, Zenit's official web site claimed that Zenit received an officialFA letter confirming Arshavin's registration as an Arsenal player.
Arshavin in action for Arsenal againstStoke City in May 2009
At Arsenal Arshavin wore the number 23 shirt, last worn bySol Campbell. As Arshavin had played for Zenit in the2008–09 Champions League, he wascup-tied and could not play for Arsenal in the knockout phase.[23] Arshavin made his debut for Arsenal againstSunderland on 21 February 2009 in the Premier League, which ended 0–0. On 3 March 2009, Arshavin made his first contribution in a Premier League game againstWest Bromwich Albion by setting up a goal forKolo Touré in the 38th minute via a free-kick, the second goal in a 3–1 victory. On 14 March 2009, Arshavin scored his first Arsenal goal in a very tight angle going solo againstBlackburn Rovers in the 65th minute of the game. He later provided an assist toEmmanuel Eboué for the third goal of the game, which ended 4–0 to Arsenal.[24]
On 21 April 2009, Arshavin was namedMan of the Match when he scored all four Arsenal goals in a tight match againstLiverpool atAnfield, which ended 4–4. It was a thrilling encounter, and the first time Arshavin had scored four goals in one match in his entire career.[25] He also became the first away player to score four goals in a single league match at Anfield sinceDennis Westcott forWolverhampton Wanderers in 1946,[26] and the first Arsenal player to score four goals in any match sinceJúlio Baptista in 2007, who also achieved the feat against Liverpool at Anfield. Additionally, he became only the sixth player in Premier League history to score four goals in an away match.[27] Arshavin captained Arsenal for the first time on 2 May 2009 in an away match againstPortsmouth, where they won 3–0 with Arshavin gaining two assists and a contentious penalty.[citation needed] On 8 May, he was named Premier League Player of the Month for April.[28] He was also voted as Arsenal's Player of the Month for April[29] and May[30] and came second in Arsenal's Player of the Season poll, despite only playing in the second half of the season and playing in fewer than a quarter of Arsenal's matches all season.[31]
Arshavin came off the bench to score two goals in Arsenal's 2–1 pre-season victory on 1 August overAtlético Madrid in theEmirates Cup. ManagerArsène Wenger commented afterward that "[Arshavin] knows how English football works", adding, "He knows as well that now he's part of the team from the start. I believe the team knows as well how important (he is) and how big an impact he can have on the results."[32] On 26 August 2009, Arshavin scored his firstUEFA Champions League goal for Arsenal in the 74th minute in a 3–1 win overCeltic. He also scored a 30-yard shot againstManchester United atOld Trafford on 29 August 2009, which was his first goal of the season although Arsenal lost the match 2–1.[33] In early December, Arshavin put in an excellent display againstStoke City, playing in an unfamiliar role as centre-forward left vacant afterRobin van Persie's injury. He won a penalty which Fàbregas missed before scoring himself and later assisted the second goal, with Arsenal winning the match 2–0.[34]
On 13 December 2009, Arshavin scored his fifth goal against Liverpool as Arsenal came from behind to beat Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield again, also winning the Man of the Match award in the end again.[35] On 20 January 2010, he scored again in Arsenal's 4–2 victory overBolton Wanderers, which helped Arsenal reach the top of the Premier League for the first time since August.[36]However, he suffered a calf strain against Barcelona, ruling him out for three weeks. Arshavin missed one of two games in May due to injury, but scored for the last time of the season againstFulham, in a match which Arsenal won 4–0.
On 17 July 2010, Arshavin scored the opening goal againstBarnet in Arsenal's first pre-season friendly match of the season, which Arsenal won 4–0.[37] He then won the Man of the Match award for best performance by Arsenal fans according to Arsenal's official website.[38] On 21 August 2010, Arshavin scored his first goal of the season via a penalty for Arsenal in a 6–0 win overBlackpool afterMarouane Chamakh was fouled byIan Evatt in the penalty area.[39] He also scored in Arsenal's very next game on 28 August 2010, scoring the winning goal against Blackburn Rovers for the third time whenCesc Fàbregas' shot was blocked and fell into the path of Arshavin, Arsenal winning the match 2–1.[40]
On 15 September 2010, Arshavin scored and provided two assists againstBraga in Arsenal's first Champions League group stage match, with Arsenal winning 6–0.[41] On 18 September 2010, Arshavin scored his first League Cup goal, which was also Arsenal's fourth goal during extra time, to defeat Tottenham in the third round of the League Cup, with Arsenal winning against their arch rivals 4–1.[42] He later scored Arsenal's first goal in a 3–1 midweek Champions League away win againstFK Partizan in the 15th minute after a backheel pass byJack Wilshere.Vladimir Stojković saved Arshavin's penalty in the second half after Marouane Chamakh was fouled in the penalty area.[43]
On 27 November 2010, Arshavin scored his first goal since September, which was the opening goal againstAston Villa in a 4–2 away win.[44] On 29 December 2010, Arshavin scored a scissor kick volley to bring Arsenal level when they were 1–0 down toWigan Athletic. He later made an assist forNicklas Bendtner to put Arsenal 2–1 up, but after aSébastien Squillaci own goal, the match ended 2–2.[45] He then won the Man of the Match award for best performance by Arsenal fans for the second time.[46]
On 1 February 2011, Arshavin came off the bench in the 62nd minute and scored his first 2011-goal and first goal since December just 8 minutes later to make Arsenal level when they were 1–0 down toEverton in a game that Arsenal won 2–1.[47] He then won the Man of the Match award for best performance by Arsenal fans for the third time.[48] On 16 February 2011, Arshavin scored as Arsenal beat Barcelona for the first time in their history in a 2–1 win in the Champions League round of 16. This was Arshavin's first Champions League goal for Arsenal not scored in the group stage.[49] The next day, Arsenal centre backJohan Djourou stated that "Arshavin showed he is a great player," because of his winning goal and his rising performance from his recent dip in form.[50] During hisgoal celebration against Barcelona, Arshavin memorably lifted up his jersey to reveal a t-shirt with an image of himself performing his normal finger-to-the-lips celebration.[51]
On 20 February 2011, Arsenal facedLeyton Orient forThe FA Cup fifth-round, a 1–1 draw in which Arshavin won the Man of the Match award for best performance by Arsenal fans[52] for the fourth time, even though he did not score, though he did come close numerous times.[53] Arshavin's next Premier League goal was away to West Bromwich Albion, bringing the score to 2–1 after West Brom had earlier taken a 2–0 lead. He also provided the cross for Robin van Persie's late equaliser in that game.
On 10 September 2011, Arshavin scored his first goal of the season againstSwansea City after a bizarre mistake by goalkeeperMichel Vorm. His other performances in the season were riddled with criticism about his refusal to track back and help with defense. During a home game against Manchester United, Arshavin was booed when he came on forAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain although it is believed that the booing was directed at the decision to make a substitution and not at Arshavin himself.
On 11 February 2012, Arshavin providedThierry Henry with the winning goal in the match against Sunderland. After coming on during the second half, Arshavin found space to deliver a cross during injury time, from the left side of the pitch despite being marked by two players. The cross found Henry's foot and made it into the back of the net, allowing Henry to score on his final match for Arsenal.[54]
Despite intense speculation that he would joinAnzhi Makhachkala to reunite with formerRussian national team coachGuus Hiddink, Arshavin sealed a loan move to his boyhood club Zenit Saint Petersburg for the remainder of the 2011–12 season. The deal was sealed just 40 seconds before the end of the Russian transfer window's deadline.[55] An intention to hold on to a place in Russia's Euro 2012 squad was the reason behind Arshavin's move toLuciano Spalletti's side.
On 3 March, Arshavin made his loan debut for Zenit in an away fixture againstCSKA Moscow which ended in a 2–2 draw. Arshavin wasn't eligible to feature in Zenit's 2–0 loss toBenfica in the last 16 of theChampions League.[56] In total, Arshavin made 11 appearances in his second spell at Zenit, scoring three goals.
Arshavin returned to Arsenal for the start of the2012–13 season. He appeared as a 77th-minute substitute in their first game of the season, a 0–0 draw against Sunderland on 18 August 2012.[57] On 26 September, Arshavin was handed his first start of the season in theLeague Cup. He scored the third goal and assisted two others in a 6–1 win overCoventry City.[58] On 20 October, Arshavin made his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in a 1–0 loss againstNorwich City. He also played in Arsenal's 2–1 loss againstOlympiacos in theChampions League on 4 December. Arshavin went on to leave Arsenal in June 2013.[6] Overall, Arshavin scored 31 goals and provided 41 assists in 143 appearances for the club.[6]
On 27 June 2013, it was announced that Arshavin signed a two-year deal with Zenit, joining on a free transfer. Arshavin stated that he was "very happy to put on Zenit's shirt again."[59]
Arshavin scored on his second league appearance for the club, opening a 1–1 draw at home toKuban Krasnodar on 26 July,[60] before netting again on 7 August, in a 5–0 win in the Champions League third qualifying round againstFC Nordsjælland.[61] In a total of 21 Russian Premier League appearances in 2013–14, he scored only one more goal, in a 4–0 away win atRostov on 22 September,[62] and Zenit finished the season as runners-up.
On 13 July 2015, Arshavin signed for Russian sideKuban Krasnodar on a one-year deal.[63] His contract was dissolved by mutual consent on 1 February 2016, after just 9 appearances.[64] Some new outlets reported that Kuban Krasnodar had only signed him to boost the PR of the region's governor before the regional elections. After the governor lost the elections, Arshavin and the other big-money players were shipped out.[65]
On 18 March 2016, Arshavin signed for Kazakhstani clubFC Kairat on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year.[66] He won theKazakhstan Premier League's Player of the Month award for July 2016, and again in September 2016.[67] Arshavin extended his stay at the club for an additional year on 9 November 2016.[68] He would win the prestigious Kazakhstan Player of the Year award for 2016.[69] Arshavin would go on to win the 2017Kazakhstan Super Cup.[70] On 5 November 2018, Kairat announced that Arshavin will leave the club after his farewell game on 11 November 2018.[71] He scored 30 goals in 108 appearances for Kairat.
On 3 December 2018, Arshavin confirmed his retirement from professional football.[72] He would later join upper management of his boyhood club,ZFK Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019.
Arshavin debuted for theRussian national team on 17 May 2002, but was overlooked for the squads at the2002 FIFA World Cup andEuro 2004.[73] His first goal with the squad came in afriendly match versusRomania on 13 February 2003. Since then, he managed to score or assist in every competition which Russia participated in. He was Russia's captain in aEuro 2008 qualifier againstEstonia. On 11 June 2009, Arshavin was made first-choice captain forRussia by managerGuus Hiddink.
Arshavin scoring againstSweden inEuro 2008. He scored twice during the tournament.
Arshavin was included in Russia's Euro 2008 squad by Guus Hiddink, despite being unable to play in the first two group matches due to suspension.[74] He announced his return by setting up the first goal and scoring the second in Russia's final group game againstSweden atTivoli Neu,Innsbruck, which helped his team qualify for the next round.
In the next match, thequarter-final against theNetherlands, Arshavin repeated the feat with his part in Russia's two goals in the second half of extra time, providing the cross forDmitri Torbinski's goal and scoring his own four minutes later. Russia consequently reached the semi-finals with a 3–1 victory. For both of these games,UEFA awarded himMan of the Match. However, Arshavin could not repeat the heroics in the semi-final against eventual winnersSpain, which Russia lost 3–0. Despite this, Arshavin was named in UEFA's squad for Euro 2008.[75] He, along with the rest of the Russian team, received a bronze medal.[76]
Arshavin captained the team to a second-place finish in theirgroup, scoring three goals in ten games. He provided the assist forDiniyar Bilyaletdinov's second goal to seal a 2–1 win overSlovenia in the first leg of thequalification play-offs. Despite this, Russia lost the second leg 1–0, knocking them out of the World Cup finals on away goals.
Arshavin was confirmed for the finalizedUEFA Euro 2012 squad on 25 May 2012.[77] He started all three of their games in the group stage of Group A, as Russia were eliminated in the group stage, finishing third place behind on the head-to-head ruling. Nonetheless, Arshavin was statistically named the best midfielder of the tournament by UEFA, having earned the most assists in the fewest minutes on the pitch (270 minutes). After the tournament, Russian fans were left disappointed by comments from Arshavin, who said: "the fact that we [Russian national team] hadn't exceed your [fans] expectations is not our [the players'] problem, it is your [fans'] problems." Arshavin later apologized for his comment as well as Russia's early exit from the tournament.[78]
After playing in new managerFabio Capello's first match in charge, a friendly match withIvory Coast,[79] Arshavin was omitted from Russia's squad for the entirety of its2014 World Cup qualification campaign.[80][81] He would not feature for the national team after the 2012 Euros, due to a breakdown in relations with the fans and his perceived lack of effort[65]
Arshavin and his former wife Julia Baranovskaya[84] met in 2003. They have three children, two sons named Artyom[85] and Arseniy[86] and a daughter named Yana.[85] In September 2016, he married his second wife, Alisa Arshavina, with whom he shares a daughter. After a year of marriage, the couple reportedly divorced.[87]
Post retirement, he continues to support his former clubs.[88][89] In 2025,Fabrizio Romano reported that Arshavin obtained his UEFA A coaching license.[90]
On 6 February 2012, Arshavin was one of 499 cultural, technical or sporting figures personally chosen in debates as campaign ambassadors forRussian presidential candidateVladimir Putin in the buildup to the 2012 Russian presidential election.[92]
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