Artem Dzyuba has made headlines by breaking Aleksandr Kerzhakov's long-standing record, becoming the top scorer in the history of Russian football. On March 11, 2025, during the 20th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL), Dzyuba scored his 234th career goal, surpassing Kerzhakov’s previous record of 233 goals. This landmark achievement came during the match between Dzyuba's current club, Akron Tolyatti, and Krylya Sovetov, where Dzyuba opened the scoring early on, leading to his team's 2-0 victory.
At 36 years old, Dzyuba has dedicated 19 years to professional football, making significant contributions both at the club and international levels. His scoring record is impressive: out of his total goals, 165 were netted during matches in the Russian Championship, along with 30 for the national team, 24 goals in European competitions, and 14 goals scored in Russian cup matches. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the top forwards in the league.
After surpassing Kerzhakov, Dzyuba took to his Telegram channel to express his gratitude. "I want to thank all my teammates, without you this record would not have been possible. Thank you to my family, friends, and fans... I am happy and ready for new heights with Akron," he shared.
While many congratulated Dzyuba on his newfound status, including NHL star Alexander Ovechkin, who remarked, "Artem, congratulations on your record. This is a great event...,” there were also mixed reactions from the football community. Aleksandr Kerzhakov himself responded mildly, stating, "I calmly relate to Dzyuba's record. Well done! But I haven’t followed it,” indicating his detachment from the race for the scoring title.
Aleksandr Shikunov, former sports director of Spartak, commented on Dzyuba’s achievement, calling it "significant for Russian football." Yet, this sentiment was not universal. Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union, labeled Dzyuba as "just a good forward, not exceptional," reflecting the skepticism some fans and analysts hold about Dzyuba’s character and career.
Dzyuba's path to becoming the all-time leading scorer has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. Starting his career at Spartak Moscow, he faced challenges such as conflicts with coaches and media figures, including accusations of theft early on. His transition to Zenit, where he performed exceptionally, was met with resentment from Spartak fans, making it difficult for him to garner widespread support.
Despite his record-breaking goal, many still have reservations about Dzyuba's legacy. The 36-year-old forward has experienced turbulence with fans and teammates alike, often finding himself embroiled in disputes with reporters and sports personalities. His provocative demeanor and history of conflicts have tainted his public perception compared to Kerzhakov, whose rapport with fans remains positive.
Kherzhakov is viewed as a beloved figure respected across Russian football for his loyalty and interactions with fans, contrasting Dzyuba’s more turbulent public image. Many supporters recall Kerzhakov for his genuine engagement with the fan community, participating actively in social projects and being regarded as one of the club's heroes during his tenure.
Looking closer at the numbers, Dzyuba's career has been largely spent within the Russian league, with limited success abroad, whereas Kerzhakov enjoyed stints with international clubs, enriching his legacy even more. Dzyuba’s achievements, though notable, are sometimes overshadowed by comparisons to Kerzhakov's history of delivering more 'valuable' goals—those directly leading to victories.
The rivalry of records has stirred debate among fans and experts about defining greatness and the importance of the contexts surrounding these achievements. Football enthusiasts are engaged in discussions weighing Dzyuba's stats alongside the legacy Kerzhakov cultivated over his career. Dzyuba's immediate goal now seems to be breaking another milestone, aiming for the record for the total contribution to scoring (goals + assists), currently held by Dmitry Loskov.
Fans and analysts alike will be following Dzyuba closely as he attempts to garner both the statistical accolades and broader affection from the football community. Despite his historic scoring, he remains under scrutiny as he navigates a career known for its ups and downs, grappling with his identity and reputation within Russian football.
Artem Dzyuba's remarkable achievement embodies not only his personal goals but also opens up discussions about the values fans associate with footballers and their journeys. While he celebrates this historic moment, the sentiments surrounding his character, both appreciated and distrusted, continue to shape the narrative of his career.