Aleksandr Kerzhakov
Encyclopedia
Aleksandr Anatolyevich Kerzhakov ' onMouseout='HidePop("37966")' href="/topics/Kingisepp">Kingisepp
) is a Russian international
association football striker currently playing for Russian Premier League
club Zenit St. Petersburg
.
, Russia in 1999. He spent the 2000 season at amateur club FC Svetogorets Svetogorsk helping them win the Northwest regional league by scoring 18 goals.
In 2001 Kerzhakov transferred to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
, debuting in March and scoring his first goal in June against Spartak Moscow
. In his first season, Kerzhakov was the second choice striker behind Hennadiy Popovych
. However later in 2001, he helped Zenit finish third in the Russian Premier League
and runners up in 2003. In 2002, Kerzhakov quickly developed a striking parternship with Andrei Arshavin which earned them both call ups to the Russian national team
.
In 2003, Czech manager Vlastimil Petržela
, promoted Kerzhakov as first choice striker which allowed him to become the top scorer of the Russian Premier League in 2004. While under Petržela, Kerzhakov was given a starting position in all four group games of the 2004–05 UEFA Cup
and went on to score a hat trick in a 5–1 victory over AEK Athens. The following season, Kerzhakov was in the starting line up once again in Zenit's second straight UEFA Cup
campaign. He helped Zenit qualify for the round of 32 by overcoming Vitória
, Beşiktaş
, Bolton
, and scoring a double against Sevilla
. In the knockout stages, Kerzhakov scored against Rosenborg
and Olympique de Marseille
as Zenit reached the quarterfinals to face Sevilla. Kerzhakov gave his best performance by scoring a goal in the away leg but could not save Zenit as they lost out 5–2 on aggregate.
During the summer of 2006, Dick Advocaat
was appointed manager and relegated Kerzhakov to the bench. As a result, Kerzhakov prepared to leave Zenit.
, signing a five and a half year contract worth €5 million, as part of the deal of the partnership of the clubs. Under then manager Juande Ramos, Kerzhakov was third choice striker behind Luís Fabiano
and Frédéric Kanouté
. He played his first match on 14 January 2007 and scored his first goal on 28 January 2007 in a 4–2 victory against Levante UD
. He scored the winning goal against Tottenham in a 4–3 victory in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals on 5 April 2007. Kerzhakov later contributed to Sevilla's victorious run in the 2006–07 UEFA Cup season.
After Juande Ramos resigned at Sevilla to manage Tottenham Hotspur in October 2007, Kerzhakov's playing time decreased under caretaker manager Manuel Jiménez. He made only four appearances, being the fifth striker behind Luís Fabiano
, Frédéric Kanouté
, Javier Chevantón
, and Arouna Koné
. It was speculated that Kerzhakov would quit Sevilla following interest from Tottenham, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain FC
. However, according to Russian newspaper Sport-Express
, on 30 January 2008, Kerzhakov stated he will stay at Sevilla to help in the La Liga
and UEFA Champions League
campaigns.
. Kerzhakov quickly established himself as a first choice striker with Tsvetan Genkov
and Cícero
. He scored his first goal for Dinamo with a powerful strike from outside of the penalty area against FC Moscow.
On 14 March 2009, Kerzhakov started the 2009 Russian Premier League
season by scoring a goal in the ninetieth minute against FC Moscow.
In Dynamo Moscow Kerzhakov played mostly a striker, but it was not a rare scene to see him switched to a role of a right midfielder when the team needed.
signed the striker from FC Dynamo Moscow
, the Russia
n international has already played for Zenit from 2001 to 2006 and has scored 95 goals in 205 games for them. On 28 April 2010 in victory against CSKA Moscow he scored first goal after return.
On 16 September 2010, he scored a hat-trick in the first half against R.S.C. Anderlecht
in the UEFA Europa League at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium
. His first was a powerful header delivered in just the 8th minute, then followed with two impressive strikes to complete the hat-trick just before the halftime whistle. He scored another hat-trick just nine days later in the Russian Premier League
against Saturn Moscow
to lead Zenit to a 6–1 victory.
in a friendly against Estonia
on 27 March 2002.
Kerzhakov was selected by Oleg Romantsev for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
. He was on the bench for Russia's first two games against Tunisia
and Japan
, but substituted Valery Karpin
against Belgium.
Kerzhakov went on to score his first goal for Russia in a friendly 1–1 draw against Sweden
on 21 August 2002.
Under Valery Gazzaev
's successor, Georgi Yartsev
, Kerzhakov was called up for the Euro 2004 qualifiers and scored two goals. In the final tournament, Kerzhakov was one of four strikers in the squad along with Dmitri Bulykin
, Dmitri Kirichenko, and Dmitri Sychev
. He was on the bench for Russia's games against Spain
and Greece
, but four days later played a full game against Portugal
.
After Euro 2004, Kerzhakov was in Russian squad for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers
. Yartsev promoted Kerzhakov to the starting line up along with Dmitri Sychev. With Yartsev's successor Yuri Semin
, Kerzhakov's starting position was further strengthened after Bulykin and Kirichenko were dropped from the squad and the recall of Andrei Arshavin.
Under Guus Hiddink
, Kerzhakov was the first choice striker ahead of Dmitri Sychev
and Andrei Arshavin. However, he was later dropped after limited appearances for Zenit in late 2006. Upon moving to Spain, Hiddink overlooked Kerzhakov for a friendly against the Netherlands
in February, 2007, but recalled him in March
against Estonia
following impressive performances for Sevilla
. Kerzhakov went on to score both goals in the 2–0 victory over Estonia. On 2 June 2007, Kerzhakov notched a hat-trick as Russia routed Andorra
4–0. He contributed further to Russia's Euro 2008 campaign by scoring a goal in a 3–0 victory over Macedonia on 8 September 2007. During Euro 2008 qualifying campaign Kerzhakov was the top scorer for Russia with 5 goals.
On 14 May 2008 Kerzhakov was not included in Hiddink's provisional 25 man squad for Euro 2008. There was speculation that Kerzhakov was to replace the injured Pavel Pogrebnyak
but was eventually left out of the squad.
Kerzhakov was recalled to the Russian
squad on 26 May 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
against Finland
. He started the game and ending up being the main factor in the Russian victory by scoring 2 goals.
On 18 November 2009, Kerzhakov came on as a half-time substitute for Roman Pavlyuchenko
, but was sent off in the 66th minute of the 2nd leg of Russia's 2010 World Cup playoff against Slovenia
after what was interpreted by referee Terje Hauge
to be a deliberate kick at Slovenia
n goalkeeper Samir Handanovič
. Slovenia managed to hold on to a 1:0 win and Russia were eliminated on the away goals rule
after an aggregate score of 2:2.
, is a professional footballer as well.
In 2002, Kerzhakov authored his autobiography titled Before and after 16.
Kingisepp
Kingisepp , formerly Yamburg , Yam , and Yama , is an ancient town and the administrative center of Kingiseppsky District of Leningrad Oblast, Russia, located along the Luga Riverw west of St. Petersburg, east of Narva, and south of the Gulf of Finland...
) is a Russian international
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
association football striker currently playing for Russian Premier League
Russian Premier League
The Russian Premier League , currently called SOGAZ Russian Football Championship due to sponsorship reasons, is the top division of Russian football. There are 16 teams in the competition...
club Zenit St. Petersburg
FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League...
.
Zenit
Aleksandr Anatolyevich Kerzhakov graduated from Smena football school in Saint PetersburgSaint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea...
, Russia in 1999. He spent the 2000 season at amateur club FC Svetogorets Svetogorsk helping them win the Northwest regional league by scoring 18 goals.
In 2001 Kerzhakov transferred to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
FC Zenit Saint Petersburg
Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League...
, debuting in March and scoring his first goal in June against Spartak Moscow
FC Spartak Moscow
FC Spartak Moscow is a Russian football club from Moscow. Having won 12 Soviet championships and 9 of 19 Russian championships they are one of the country's most successful clubs. They have also won the Soviet Cup 10 times and the Russian Cup 3 times...
. In his first season, Kerzhakov was the second choice striker behind Hennadiy Popovych
Hennadiy Popovych
Hennadiy Ivanovych Popovych was an Ukrainian professional footballer. He was born in Dniprodzerzhynsk. He made his professional debut in the Soviet Second League B in 1991 for FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih...
. However later in 2001, he helped Zenit finish third in the Russian Premier League
Russian Premier League
The Russian Premier League , currently called SOGAZ Russian Football Championship due to sponsorship reasons, is the top division of Russian football. There are 16 teams in the competition...
and runners up in 2003. In 2002, Kerzhakov quickly developed a striking parternship with Andrei Arshavin which earned them both call ups to the Russian national team
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
.
In 2003, Czech manager Vlastimil Petržela
Vlastimil Petržela
Vlastimil Petržela is a Czech football coach who worked with Zenit Saint Petersburg from 2003 to 2006, winning the silver medals of Russian Premier League in 2003 and reaching the quarterfinal stage of the 2005–06 UEFA Cup...
, promoted Kerzhakov as first choice striker which allowed him to become the top scorer of the Russian Premier League in 2004. While under Petržela, Kerzhakov was given a starting position in all four group games of the 2004–05 UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup 2004-05
The 2004–05 UEFA Cup season was won by CSKA Moscow, coming from behind in the final against Sporting Clube de Portugal. It was the first win by a Russian side in any European competition, and was even more impressive considering that the final was held at the José Alvalade Stadium, the home of...
and went on to score a hat trick in a 5–1 victory over AEK Athens. The following season, Kerzhakov was in the starting line up once again in Zenit's second straight UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup 2005-06
The UEFA Cup 2005–06 season was won by Sevilla FC, beating Middlesbrough FC in the final. It was the first victory for Sevilla in a European competition, and the first appearance by Middlesbrough in a European final. The final took place at Philips Stadion, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The match was...
campaign. He helped Zenit qualify for the round of 32 by overcoming Vitória
Vitória SC
The Vitória Sport Clube, also known as Vitória de Guimarães, or by the acronym VSC, is a sports club based in Guimarães, Portugal.It is a club that has big objectives such as the 5th place as a minimum in the Primeira Liga, and the presence in the UEFA Europa League...
, Beşiktaş
Besiktas J.K.
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü , or simply Beşiktaş , is a Turkish sports club. The club's football team is one of the major teams in Turkey. The professional sports club, founded in 1903, is based in the Beşiktaş district in Istanbul, Turkey...
, Bolton
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
, and scoring a double against Sevilla
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
. In the knockout stages, Kerzhakov scored against Rosenborg
Rosenborg B.K.
Rosenborg Ballklub is a Norwegian football club from the city of Trondheim, currently playing in the Norwegian Premier League. With 22 league titles and nine Norwegian Cup titles, the club is the most successful in Norway and has dominated Norwegian football since the start of the 1990s...
and Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
as Zenit reached the quarterfinals to face Sevilla. Kerzhakov gave his best performance by scoring a goal in the away leg but could not save Zenit as they lost out 5–2 on aggregate.
During the summer of 2006, Dick Advocaat
Dick Advocaat
Dirk Nicolaas "Dick" Advocaat is a Dutch football manager and former player currently the manager of the Russia national football team.He has been moderately successful as a football player and as a coach, which included two stints with the Dutch national football team...
was appointed manager and relegated Kerzhakov to the bench. As a result, Kerzhakov prepared to leave Zenit.
Sevilla
On 28 December 2006, Kerzhakov transferred to SevillaSevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
, signing a five and a half year contract worth €5 million, as part of the deal of the partnership of the clubs. Under then manager Juande Ramos, Kerzhakov was third choice striker behind Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano Clemente , commonly known as Luís Fabiano, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for São Paulo and the Brazilian national football team as a striker.-Early career:...
and Frédéric Kanouté
Frédéric Kanouté
Frédéric Oumar Kanouté is a French-born Malian footballer who currently plays for Sevilla FC in the Spanish La Liga. On 2 February 2008, Kanouté was named the 2007 African Footballer of the Year and is the first foreign-born player to win it.-Lyon:Born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, Rhône, Kanouté's...
. He played his first match on 14 January 2007 and scored his first goal on 28 January 2007 in a 4–2 victory against Levante UD
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
. He scored the winning goal against Tottenham in a 4–3 victory in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals on 5 April 2007. Kerzhakov later contributed to Sevilla's victorious run in the 2006–07 UEFA Cup season.
After Juande Ramos resigned at Sevilla to manage Tottenham Hotspur in October 2007, Kerzhakov's playing time decreased under caretaker manager Manuel Jiménez. He made only four appearances, being the fifth striker behind Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano Clemente , commonly known as Luís Fabiano, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for São Paulo and the Brazilian national football team as a striker.-Early career:...
, Frédéric Kanouté
Frédéric Kanouté
Frédéric Oumar Kanouté is a French-born Malian footballer who currently plays for Sevilla FC in the Spanish La Liga. On 2 February 2008, Kanouté was named the 2007 African Footballer of the Year and is the first foreign-born player to win it.-Lyon:Born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, Rhône, Kanouté's...
, Javier Chevantón
Javier Chevantón
Ernesto Javier Chevantón Espinosa is an Uruguayan footballer, who currently plays for Argentine club Colón de Santa Fe.He obtained a Spanish passport after playing a few years in Spain.-Lecce:...
, and Arouna Koné
Arouna Koné
Arouna Koné is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Levante UD on loan from Sevilla FC in Spain, as a striker.-Early years:Born in Anyama, Koné started his football career with Rio Sport d'Anyama, a club based in his hometown...
. It was speculated that Kerzhakov would quit Sevilla following interest from Tottenham, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain...
. However, according to Russian newspaper Sport-Express
Sport-Express
Sport-Express is a Russian daily sports newspaper founded by Vladimir Kuchmiy. Printed in 31 cities of Russia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the United States, it is the biggest-selling sports newspaper in Russia, with the daily audience of over 700,000 people.Sport-Express was founded...
, on 30 January 2008, Kerzhakov stated he will stay at Sevilla to help in the La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
and UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
campaigns.
Dinamo Moscow
In February 2008 it was announced that Kerzhakov has signed a three-year contract with Russian side Dinamo MoscowFC Dynamo Moscow
Dynamo Moscow is a Russian football club based in Moscow, currently playing in the Russian Premier League. Dynamo's traditional kit colours are blue and white...
. Kerzhakov quickly established himself as a first choice striker with Tsvetan Genkov
Tsvetan Genkov
Tsvetan Valentinov Genkov is a Bulgarian footballer who plays as a striker for Wisła Kraków.-Loko Mezdra:Born in Mezdra, Genkov began his career in the local Lokomotiv, previously having been an athlete. He made his debut during the 2001–02 season on 14 October 2001 in a 0–2 away loss against...
and Cícero
Cícero Semedo
Cícero Casimiro Sanches Semedo , simply Cícero, is a Portuguese-born Bissauan footballer who plays for F.C. Paços de Ferreira as a forward.-Football career:...
. He scored his first goal for Dinamo with a powerful strike from outside of the penalty area against FC Moscow.
On 14 March 2009, Kerzhakov started the 2009 Russian Premier League
Russian Premier League
The Russian Premier League , currently called SOGAZ Russian Football Championship due to sponsorship reasons, is the top division of Russian football. There are 16 teams in the competition...
season by scoring a goal in the ninetieth minute against FC Moscow.
In Dynamo Moscow Kerzhakov played mostly a striker, but it was not a rare scene to see him switched to a role of a right midfielder when the team needed.
Return to Zenit
On 16 January 2010 FC Zenit Saint PetersburgFC Zenit Saint Petersburg
Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League...
signed the striker from FC Dynamo Moscow
FC Dynamo Moscow
Dynamo Moscow is a Russian football club based in Moscow, currently playing in the Russian Premier League. Dynamo's traditional kit colours are blue and white...
, the Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n international has already played for Zenit from 2001 to 2006 and has scored 95 goals in 205 games for them. On 28 April 2010 in victory against CSKA Moscow he scored first goal after return.
On 16 September 2010, he scored a hat-trick in the first half against R.S.C. Anderlecht
R.S.C. Anderlecht
Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the...
in the UEFA Europa League at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium
Constant Vanden Stock Stadium
Constant Vanden Stock Stadium is a football stadium in the municipality of Anderlecht, Brussels. It is home to R.S.C. Anderlecht. It also hosted the UEFA Euro 1972 semifinal Hungary against Soviet Union, as well as several games of the Belgium national football team.It is in 1917 that RSC...
. His first was a powerful header delivered in just the 8th minute, then followed with two impressive strikes to complete the hat-trick just before the halftime whistle. He scored another hat-trick just nine days later in the Russian Premier League
2010 Russian Premier League
The 2010 Russian Premier League is the 19th season of the Russian football championship since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and 9th under the current Russian Premier League name. The season started on 12 March 2010. The last matches have been played on 29 November 2010. On 14 November 2010,...
against Saturn Moscow
FC Saturn Moscow Oblast
FC Saturn Ramenskoye was a Russian football club, based in the Moscow suburb of Ramenskoye. It is also known as FC Saturn Moscow Region . The club was founded in 1946...
to lead Zenit to a 6–1 victory.
International career
Aleksandr Kerzhakov began playing for Russian national U21 team in 2001. He made his senior debut for RussiaRussia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
in a friendly against Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
on 27 March 2002.
Kerzhakov was selected by Oleg Romantsev for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. He was on the bench for Russia's first two games against Tunisia
Tunisia national football team
The Tunisia national football team , nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage , is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football. They have qualified for four FIFA World Cups, the first one in 1978, but have yet to make it out of the first round...
and Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
, but substituted Valery Karpin
Valery Karpin
Valeri Georgievich Karpin is a former Russian professional association footballer who played midfielder and former manager of FC Spartak Moscow...
against Belgium.
Kerzhakov went on to score his first goal for Russia in a friendly 1–1 draw against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
on 21 August 2002.
Under Valery Gazzaev
Valery Gazzaev
Valery Georgievich Gazzaev is a Russian football manager and former footballer who is currently the president of FC Alania Vladikavkaz. As a Soviet footballer he played the position of a striker enjoying successes with his team FC Dynamo Moscow as well as the USSR national football team in the...
's successor, Georgi Yartsev
Georgi Yartsev
Georgi Aleksandrovich Yartsev is a soccer coach and former player, until 2005 the head coach of the Russian national team....
, Kerzhakov was called up for the Euro 2004 qualifiers and scored two goals. In the final tournament, Kerzhakov was one of four strikers in the squad along with Dmitri Bulykin
Dmitri Bulykin
Dmitri Olegovich Bulykin is an association footballer who plays for AFC Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie.Before joining Ajax, he played for Anderlecht, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moscow and Dynamo Moscow. In 2003–2005, he played regularly in the Russian national team.-Lokomotiv Moscow:Bulykin began...
, Dmitri Kirichenko, and Dmitri Sychev
Dmitri Sychev
Dmitri Yevgenyevich Sychev is an association footballer. His last name is also transcribed as Sytchev, and his first name as Dmitry or Dmitriy. He has been hailed by the international press as "The Russian Michael Owen" because of his pace and as "The most sensational young Russian forward since...
. He was on the bench for Russia's games against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
and Greece
Greece national football team
The Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
, but four days later played a full game against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
.
After Euro 2004, Kerzhakov was in Russian squad for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for UEFA teams. A total of 51 teams took part, divided in 8 Groups - five groups of 6 teams each and three groups of 7 teams each - competing for 13 places in the World Cup...
. Yartsev promoted Kerzhakov to the starting line up along with Dmitri Sychev. With Yartsev's successor Yuri Semin
Yuri Semin
Yuri Syomin is a Russian football coach and the current manager of FC Dynamo Kyiv. He is most notable for his former work as FC Lokomotiv Moscow manager and president.-Biography:...
, Kerzhakov's starting position was further strengthened after Bulykin and Kirichenko were dropped from the squad and the recall of Andrei Arshavin.
Under Guus Hiddink
Guus Hiddink
Guus Hiddink is a Dutch football manager and former player. He was the most recently manager of the Turkish national football team. He is considered to be one of the best managers of his generation and was the best-paid coach in international football in 2009...
, Kerzhakov was the first choice striker ahead of Dmitri Sychev
Dmitri Sychev
Dmitri Yevgenyevich Sychev is an association footballer. His last name is also transcribed as Sytchev, and his first name as Dmitry or Dmitriy. He has been hailed by the international press as "The Russian Michael Owen" because of his pace and as "The most sensational young Russian forward since...
and Andrei Arshavin. However, he was later dropped after limited appearances for Zenit in late 2006. Upon moving to Spain, Hiddink overlooked Kerzhakov for a friendly against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
in February, 2007, but recalled him in March
March 2007
March 2007 was the third month of that year. It began on a Thursday, and ended 31 days later on a Saturday.-International holidays:* March 1 – St Davids Day United Kingdom* March 4 – Purim * March 10 – Arba'een...
against Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
following impressive performances for Sevilla
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
. Kerzhakov went on to score both goals in the 2–0 victory over Estonia. On 2 June 2007, Kerzhakov notched a hat-trick as Russia routed Andorra
Andorra national football team
The Andorra national football team represents Andorra in association football and is controlled by the Andorran Football Federation, the governing body for football in Andorra. The team has enjoyed very little success due to the Principality's tiny population, the fourth smallest of any UEFA...
4–0. He contributed further to Russia's Euro 2008 campaign by scoring a goal in a 3–0 victory over Macedonia on 8 September 2007. During Euro 2008 qualifying campaign Kerzhakov was the top scorer for Russia with 5 goals.
On 14 May 2008 Kerzhakov was not included in Hiddink's provisional 25 man squad for Euro 2008. There was speculation that Kerzhakov was to replace the injured Pavel Pogrebnyak
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Pavel Viktorovich Pogrebnyak is an association footballer currently plays as a striker with German side VfB Stuttgart and the Russian national team...
but was eventually left out of the squad.
Kerzhakov was recalled to the Russian
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
squad on 26 May 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Group 4
The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 4 was a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The group comprised 2006 FIFA World Cup hosts Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein....
against Finland
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
. He started the game and ending up being the main factor in the Russian victory by scoring 2 goals.
On 18 November 2009, Kerzhakov came on as a half-time substitute for Roman Pavlyuchenko
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Roman Anatolyevich Pavlyuchenko is an footballer who currently plays as a centre forward for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and for the Russian national team.-Spartak Moscow:...
, but was sent off in the 66th minute of the 2nd leg of Russia's 2010 World Cup playoff against Slovenia
Slovenia national football team
The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. The team played their first match in 1992 after the split of Yugoslavia in 1991....
after what was interpreted by referee Terje Hauge
Terje Hauge
Terje Hauge is a Norwegian football referee from the club Olsvik IL.-Refereeing career:Since he made his debut in 1990, Hauge has refereed 232 matches in the Tippeligaen. He has been an authorised FIFA referee since 1993...
to be a deliberate kick at Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
n goalkeeper Samir Handanovič
Samir Handanovic
Samir Handanovič, is a Slovenian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Italian club Udinese and the Slovenian national team. He is well known for his ability to save pentalies...
. Slovenia managed to hold on to a 1:0 win and Russia were eliminated on the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
after an aggregate score of 2:2.
Personal life
Aleksandr is married and has a young daughter. His younger brother, MikhailMikhail Kerzhakov
Mikhail Anatolyevich Kerzhakov is a goalkeeper. Currently, he plays for FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod. He is the brother of striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov who currently plays for Zenit.-Career statistics:-External links:* -References:...
, is a professional footballer as well.
In 2002, Kerzhakov authored his autobiography titled Before and after 16.
Club statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... |
Super Cup Super Cup A Super Cup is a competition, usually but not exclusively in football, which often forms the curtain-raiser to a season. Most Super Cups are one-off fixtures between the League Champions and major Cup Winners of the previous season. Sometimes these are two-legged affairs, with a match played at... |
Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| FC Zenit Saint Petersburg FC Zenit Saint Petersburg Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League... |
2001 | 28 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 8 | 8 |
| 2002 | 29 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 16 | 3 | |
| 2003 | 27 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 16 | 3 | |
| 2004 | 29 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 30 | 6 | |
| 2005 | 25 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 19 | 11 | |
| 2006 | 21 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 6 | 1 | |
| All | 159 | 64 | 28 | 23 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 205 | 95 | 32 | |
| Sevilla FC Sevilla FC Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA... |
2006/07 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 7 | 3 |
| 2007/08 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 0 | |
| All | 26 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 11 | 3 | |
| FC Dinamo Moscow | 2008 | 27 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 8 | 3 |
| 2009 | 24 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 15 | 3 | |
| All | 51 | 19 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 23 | 6 | |
| FC Zenit Saint Petersburg FC Zenit Saint Petersburg Football Club Zenit is a Russian football club from the city of Saint-Petersburg. Founded in 1925 , the club plays in the Russian Premier League... |
2010 | 28 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 16 | 1 |
| 2011 | 22 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 17 | 5 | |
| All | 50 | 29 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 33 | 6 | |
| Career Total | All | 286 | 120 | 38 | 37 | 19 | 8 | 41 | 22 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 367 | 161 | 43 |
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-08-21 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
Friendly match Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|||
| 2 | 2002-09-07 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
UEFA Euro 2004 qualification | |||
| 3 | 2002-10-16 | Central Stadium Central Stadium (Volgograd) Central Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Volgograd, Russia, that is home to SC Rotor Volgograd. The capacity of the stadium is 32,120 with plans to expand to 45,015 in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.... , Volgograd Volgograd Volgograd , formerly called Tsaritsyn and Stalingrad is an important industrial city and the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast, Russia. It is long, north to south, situated on the western bank of the Volga River... , Russia |
UEFA Euro 2004 qualification | |||
| 4 | 2005-03-26 | Rheinpark Stadion Rheinpark Stadion The Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz is the national stadium of Liechtenstein. It plays host to the home matches of the Liechtenstein national football team, and is also the home of Liechtenstein's top football club, FC Vaduz.... , Vaduz Vaduz Vaduz is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament. The town, located along the Rhine, has about 5,100 inhabitants , most of whom are Roman Catholic. Its cathedral is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishop.... , Liechtenstein |
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 197 teams entered the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, competing for a total of 32 spots in the final tournament. Germany, as the host, qualified automatically, leaving 31 spots open for competition... |
|||
| 5 | 2005-09-03 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 197 teams entered the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, competing for a total of 32 spots in the final tournament. Germany, as the host, qualified automatically, leaving 31 spots open for competition... |
|||
| 6 | 2005-09-03 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 197 teams entered the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, competing for a total of 32 spots in the final tournament. Germany, as the host, qualified automatically, leaving 31 spots open for competition... |
|||
| 7 | 2005-10-08 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 197 teams entered the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, competing for a total of 32 spots in the final tournament. Germany, as the host, qualified automatically, leaving 31 spots open for competition... |
|||
| 8 | 2007-03-24 | A. Le Coq Arena A. Le Coq Arena A. Le Coq Arena is a football stadium in Tallinn, Estonia. As well as football matches, it also hosts various concerts and events. According to the plan, the stadium is unfinished.... , Tallinn Tallinn Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It occupies an area of with a population of 414,940. It is situated on the northern coast of the country, on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, south of Helsinki, east of Stockholm and west of Saint Petersburg. Tallinn's Old Town is in the list... , Estonia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 9 | 2007-03-24 | A. Le Coq Arena A. Le Coq Arena A. Le Coq Arena is a football stadium in Tallinn, Estonia. As well as football matches, it also hosts various concerts and events. According to the plan, the stadium is unfinished.... , Tallinn Tallinn Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It occupies an area of with a population of 414,940. It is situated on the northern coast of the country, on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, south of Helsinki, east of Stockholm and west of Saint Petersburg. Tallinn's Old Town is in the list... , Estonia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 10 | 2007-06-02 | Petrovsky Stadium Petrovsky Stadium The Petrovsky Stadium is a sport complex that consists of a number of sport buildings. One of them is the Grand Sport Arena which is the home of FC Zenit of Saint Petersburg, Russia and for simplicity referred by everyone as Petrovsky Stadium. The complex also contains another football stadium,... , Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea... , Russia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 11 | 2007-06-02 | Petrovsky Stadium Petrovsky Stadium The Petrovsky Stadium is a sport complex that consists of a number of sport buildings. One of them is the Grand Sport Arena which is the home of FC Zenit of Saint Petersburg, Russia and for simplicity referred by everyone as Petrovsky Stadium. The complex also contains another football stadium,... , Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea... , Russia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 12 | 2007-06-02 | Petrovsky Stadium Petrovsky Stadium The Petrovsky Stadium is a sport complex that consists of a number of sport buildings. One of them is the Grand Sport Arena which is the home of FC Zenit of Saint Petersburg, Russia and for simplicity referred by everyone as Petrovsky Stadium. The complex also contains another football stadium,... , Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea... , Russia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 13 | 2007-09-08 | Lokomotiv Stadium Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow) Lokomotiv Stadium is a football stadium in Moscow, Russia. It is the home stadium of Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russian National Team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. The stadium was reconstructed in 2002 and holds 28,800 people, all seated... , Moscow, Russia |
UEFA Euro 2008 qualification | |||
| 14 | 2009-06-10 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium Helsinki Olympic Stadium The Helsinki Olympic Stadium , located in the Töölö district about from the center of the Finnish capital Helsinki, is the largest stadium in the country, nowadays mainly used for hosting sports events and big concerts. The stadium is best known for being the center of activities in the 1952... , Helsinki, Finland |
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification The qualification competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a series of tournaments organised by the six FIFA confederations. Each confederation — the AFC , CAF , CONCACAF , CONMEBOL , OFC , and UEFA — was allocated a certain number of the 32 places at the tournament... |
|||
| 15 | 2009-06-10 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium Helsinki Olympic Stadium The Helsinki Olympic Stadium , located in the Töölö district about from the center of the Finnish capital Helsinki, is the largest stadium in the country, nowadays mainly used for hosting sports events and big concerts. The stadium is best known for being the center of activities in the 1952... , Helsinki, Finland |
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification The qualification competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a series of tournaments organised by the six FIFA confederations. Each confederation — the AFC , CAF , CONCACAF , CONMEBOL , OFC , and UEFA — was allocated a certain number of the 32 places at the tournament... |
|||
| 16 | 2010-10-08 | Aviva Stadium Aviva Stadium The Aviva Stadium is a sports stadium located in Dublin, Ireland, with a capacity for 50,000 spectators. The stadium is built on the site of the old Lansdowne Road venue, which was demolished in 2007, and replaces that stadium as home to its chief tenants: the Irish rugby union team and the... , Dublin, Ireland |
UEFA Euro 2012 qualification | |||
| 17 | 2010-10-12 | Philip II Arena, Skopje Skopje Skopje is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Macedonia with about a third of the total population. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic centre... , Macedonia Republic of Macedonia Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991... |
UEFA Euro 2012 qualification |
Honours
- 2003 – Russian Premier League CupRussian Premier League CupThe Russian Premier League Cup was a football competition organized by Russian Premier League.This was a knockout competition for 16 teams of the Premier League. All ties, including the final, were two-legged. The winners of the Cup did not get any special bonuses , and the matches were played on...
- 2004 – Russian Premier LeagueRussian Premier LeagueThe Russian Premier League , currently called SOGAZ Russian Football Championship due to sponsorship reasons, is the top division of Russian football. There are 16 teams in the competition...
, top scorer (18 goals) - 2007 – UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
, winner - 2007 – Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, winner - 2010 – Russian Cup, winner
- 2010 – Russian Premier LeagueRussian Premier LeagueThe Russian Premier League , currently called SOGAZ Russian Football Championship due to sponsorship reasons, is the top division of Russian football. There are 16 teams in the competition...
, winner - 2002 – First five prize as Russian Premier League's best young player (awarded by Russian Football Union)
- 2002, 2003 – Strelets prize as Russia's best striker
- 2003 – Named Best Striker according to Sport-ExpressSport-ExpressSport-Express is a Russian daily sports newspaper founded by Vladimir Kuchmiy. Printed in 31 cities of Russia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the United States, it is the biggest-selling sports newspaper in Russia, with the daily audience of over 700,000 people.Sport-Express was founded...
- 2004 – Gentleman of the year (awarded by Komsomolskaya PravdaKomsomolskaya PravdaKomsomolskaya Pravda is a daily Russian tabloid newspaper, founded on March 13th, 1925. It is published by "Izdatelsky Dom Komsomolskaya Pravda" .- History :...
) - 2005 – Voted Player of the Year by the club managers of the Russian Premier League