Yuri Zhirkov
Encyclopedia
Yuri Valentinovich Zhirkov ' onMouseout='HidePop("34229")' href="/topics/Tambov">Tambov
, Soviet Union
) is a Russia
n footballer who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala and the Russian national team
.
, on 20 August 1983. His father, Valentin Ivanovich Zhirkov worked at the "Revtrud" factory and his mother was a postwoman. Yuri was the second child in the family. The family lived in poverty, struggling to buy basic goods such as food and clothes. He had to help his family grow vegetables during the summer so that his family could have adequate food during the winter. His first coach was Valery Sharapov who signed him for the Tambov Regional Children and Youth Sports School.
where he scored 26 goals in 74 games playing as a winger before leaving for CSKA Moscow
against Spartak Moscow
. CSKA's 3–1 victory gave Yuri his first trophy. Zhirkov made his debut in the Champions League
on 27 July against Neftchi Baku PFC. He also appeared in the third qualifying round against Rangers F.C.
Zhirkov won the 2004–05 UEFA Cup
with CSKA, and scored in the final as the team beat Portuguese side Sporting 3–1.
His goal against Hamburger SV
in the UEFA Champions League 2006-07
was chosen as best goal of the competition by UEFA Magazine "Goal". He made six appearances in the group stages, scoring once.
He made his debut in the Commonwealth of Independent States Cup
against FC Gomel
and was replaced in the 70th minute. The final score was 2–2. In his second game, against FC Pakhtakor Tashkent
, he played all 90 minutes, with the final score being 2–1. In the last qualifying match against Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda
which also ended 2–1, Yuri played all 90 minutes. After the Cup, Yuri Adzhem
claimed that Yuri had a good chance to receive a permanent place in the squad.
Although Zhirkov missed the first game against S.L. Benfica, he participated in the return game. He also took part in both games vs. FK Partizan
and made a save in the second game. After beating Auxerre
and Parma
CSKA made its way to the final. On 18 May 2005 in Lisboa at the Jose Alvalade Stadium
, Zhirkov scored a goal in the 65th minute and CSKA took the lead 2–1. The final score in that game was 3–1, making CSKA the first football club from Russia
to win the UEFA Cup
.
Zhirkov participated in all six games of the group stage in the 2006 Champions League
. On 6 December 2006 he scored a brilliant goal against Hamburger SV
, which was selected as the best goal of the competition by UEFA
's official magazine. In the 2007–08 season, however, CSKA lost almost every game in Europe.
Zhirkov began his participation in the following season of European competition on 18 September 2008, against Croatian club NK Slaven Belupo
. CSKA came from behind to win their first match 2–1. In the next game, CSKA beat Deportivo
, 3–0. Zhirkov provided goal assists against AS Nancy
, Feyenoord and scored in the game with Lech Poznań
. It was his third goal in European competition.
In 2009, Zhirkov participated in three games in European competitions, two against Aston Villa
and one against Shakhtar Donetsk
. In the second game, he scored his first goal in the 2009 tournament. In the third game, he was cautioned by the referee and, therefore, missed the next game.
on a four-year contract for a reported fee of £18m, exceeding the £15 million that Arsenal
paid for Andrei Arshavin in January 2009, thus making Zhirkov the most expensive Russian football player of all time. He scored on his debut, in a friendly against AC Milan, that ended as the winning goal. After regaining fitness from a knee injury, he made his competitive debut at left back against Queens Park Rangers in a Carling Cup tie on 23 September.
After battling a knee injury he made his Champions League
debut for Chelsea on 25 November against F.C. Porto playing as a left back and setting up the goal of his teammate Nicolas Anelka
in a 1–0 win. Zhirkov then made his Premier League debut as a substitute for Joe Cole
against West Ham United
on 20 December 2009.
He made his first Premier League start in a 2–1 victory over Fulham
on 28 December. Due to Ashley Cole's injury against Everton
on 10 February, which ruled him out for three months, Zhirkov automactically became first choice left back.
He was one of Chelsea's best players in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Inter Milan denying several scoring opportunities from the Italian side's strikers, but it wasn't to be for Chelsea as they were defeated 1–0 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate to end their European dreams again.
In March 2010, he won two penalties for Chelsea against Aston Villa, both converted by Frank Lampard
, as Chelsea won 7–1.
On 13 April 2010, Zhirkov put on the man of the match performance against Bolton Wanderers
despite receiving an injury which lead to him getting four stitches in his head and had his head bandaged for the remainder of the first half after a clash with the Bolton captain Kevin Davies
. During his first season with the club they won the league and FA Cup
double making it the club's most successful season ever. His only goal for Chelsea came on 19 October 2010, a volley in a UEFA Champions League
match against Spartak Moscow.
He also started for the first team as a replacement for the injured Ramires
against Wolverhampton Wanderers
at Stamford Bridge
and Blackburn Rovers
at Ewood Park
providing two crucial assists. On 1 March, he came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, replacing Florent Malouda
against the rivals Manchester United
. Zhirkov won a penalty in the 78th minute, taken and scored by Frank Lampard
, which proved to be the match winner. He also hit the post, and the ball was deflected into the net by Nemanja Vidic, the Manchester United center back. The final score was 2–1 in favour of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
.
side Anzhi Makhachkala
for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be around £13.2 million. Zhirkov signed a four-year contract with the Russian team. He set up debutant Samuel Eto'o
in the 80th min with a cross after a darting run down the wing as Anzhi Makhachkala Drew 1-1 with Rostov away from home. Zhirkov's first Anzhi goal came against Amkar Perm on the 29th of October 2011, hitting a rebound from a corner into the back of the net.
since his debut back in 2005. and was named in the UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament. In October 2008, Zhirkov was named as one of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or award, given to the top player in Europe. On 18 November 2009, Zhirkov received his first red card for the national side – he was sent off late in the game for a second bookable offence in the dying minutes of Russia's 0–1 away loss to Slovenia
in the 2nd leg of the 2010 World Cup playoff after pushing a Slovenia
n substitute. Zhirkov was heckled by Russian fans during a friendly match against Serbia in Moscow, almost every time he contacted the ball and even bombarded with a cigarette packet near the corner area.
. He left this accident unharmed.
CSKA
Chelsea
Russia
Tambov
Tambov is a city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Russia, located at the confluence of the Tsna and Studenets Rivers southeast of Moscow...
, Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
) is a 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 footballer who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala and 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...
.
Early life
Yuri Valentinovich Zhirkov was born in TambovTambov
Tambov is a city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Russia, located at the confluence of the Tsna and Studenets Rivers southeast of Moscow...
, on 20 August 1983. His father, Valentin Ivanovich Zhirkov worked at the "Revtrud" factory and his mother was a postwoman. Yuri was the second child in the family. The family lived in poverty, struggling to buy basic goods such as food and clothes. He had to help his family grow vegetables during the summer so that his family could have adequate food during the winter. His first coach was Valery Sharapov who signed him for the Tambov Regional Children and Youth Sports School.
Club career
Zhirkov started his career at FC Spartak TambovFC Spartak Tambov
FC Spartak Tambov is a Russian association football club from Tambov, founded in 1960. As of 2009, it plays in the Russian Second Division. It played on the second-highest level of the Soviet First League from 1960 to 1962...
where he scored 26 goals in 74 games playing as a winger before leaving for CSKA Moscow
CSKA Moscow
Zhirkov joined CSKA Moscow in January 2004. His first official game was on 7 March 2004 in the Russian Super CupRussian Super Cup
The Russian Super Cup is a one-match football annual competition. Its official sponsored name is TransTeleCom Russian Supercup . The two participating clubs are holders of the Russian Premier League champions title and the Russian Cup...
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...
. CSKA's 3–1 victory gave Yuri his first trophy. Zhirkov made his debut in the 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...
on 27 July against Neftchi Baku PFC. He also appeared in the third qualifying round against Rangers F.C.
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
Zhirkov won 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...
with CSKA, and scored in the final as the team beat Portuguese side Sporting 3–1.
His goal against Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV
Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department...
in the UEFA Champions League 2006-07
UEFA Champions League 2006-07
The 2006–07 UEFA Champions League was the 15th season of UEFA's premier European club football tournament, the UEFA Champions League, since it was rebranded from the European Cup, and the 52nd season overall. The final was contested by Milan and Liverpool on 23 May 2007...
was chosen as best goal of the competition by UEFA Magazine "Goal". He made six appearances in the group stages, scoring once.
Commonwealth of Independent States Cup
The Commonwealth of Independent States Cup is a tournament for football clubs which was set up after the split of the Soviet Union. It is open to all the national champions of the successor states of the Union, i.e., the Commonwealth of Independent States member states, as well as Estonia, Latvia,...
against FC Gomel
FC Gomel
FC Gomel is a Belarusian football club, playing in the city of Gomel. Their new home stadium is Central Stadion.- History :Teams from Gomel played in Belarusian SSR championships since early 20's...
and was replaced in the 70th minute. The final score was 2–2. In his second game, against FC Pakhtakor Tashkent
FC Pakhtakor Tashkent
FC Pakhtakor Tashkent is an Uzbek professional football club, based in the capital Tashkent. Pakhtakor means cotton-grower in English.Playing in the Uzbek League since 1992, the club has been the undisputed powerhouse in Uzbekistan since the fall of the Soviet Union, winning eight Uzbek League...
, he played all 90 minutes, with the final score being 2–1. In the last qualifying match against Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda
Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda
Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda is football club based in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan and currently play in the top division. Regar-TadAZ have dominated football in Tajikistan since the turn of the century...
which also ended 2–1, Yuri played all 90 minutes. After the Cup, Yuri Adzhem
Yuri Adzhem
Yuri Nikolayevich Adzhem is a retired Soviet football player and a current Russian coach.-Honours:* 1976 UEFA European Under-23 Football Championship winner.* 1980 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship winner.-International career:...
claimed that Yuri had a good chance to receive a permanent place in the squad.
Although Zhirkov missed the first game against S.L. Benfica, he participated in the return game. He also took part in both games vs. FK Partizan
FK Partizan
Fudbalski klub Partizan is a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. In its long history, FK Partizan won as many as 37 trophies. The club is the holder of 23 national championships, 12 national cups and 1 national supercup, and has also won the Mitropa Cup in 1978...
and made a save in the second game. After beating Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
and Parma
Parma F.C.
Parma Football Club , commonly referred to as just Parma, is an Italian professional football club based in Parma, Emilia–Romagna that will compete in Serie A for the 2011–12 season, having finished in twelfth position last season. Founded as Verdi Foot Ball Club in July 1913, the club changed its...
CSKA made its way to the final. On 18 May 2005 in Lisboa at the Jose Alvalade Stadium
Estádio José Alvalade
Estádio José Alvalade is a football stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, home of Sporting Clube de Portugal, one of the country's biggest clubs. It is the center of a complex called Alvalade XXI , designed by Portuguese architect...
, Zhirkov scored a goal in the 65th minute and CSKA took the lead 2–1. The final score in that game was 3–1, making CSKA the first football club from 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...
to win the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The 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...
.
Zhirkov participated in all six games of the group stage in the 2006 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...
. On 6 December 2006 he scored a brilliant goal against Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV
Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department...
, which was selected as the best goal of the competition by UEFA
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....
's official magazine. In the 2007–08 season, however, CSKA lost almost every game in Europe.
Zhirkov began his participation in the following season of European competition on 18 September 2008, against Croatian club NK Slaven Belupo
NK Slaven Belupo
NK Slaven Belupo, often referred to simply as Slaven and known internationally as NK Slaven Koprivnica, is a Croatian football club based in the city of Koprivnica in the north of the country...
. CSKA came from behind to win their first match 2–1. In the next game, CSKA beat Deportivo
Deportivo de La Coruña
Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña is a professional football club based in the city of A Coruña, Galicia; founded in 1906 and currently playing in Segunda División...
, 3–0. Zhirkov provided goal assists against AS Nancy
AS Nancy
Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of...
, Feyenoord and scored in the game with Lech Poznań
Lech Poznan
Lech Poznań is a Polish football club based in Poznań, Poland. The club is named after Lech, the legendary founder of Polish nation.The club was established in 1922 as Lutnia Dębiec, later changing its name several times. From 1933 until 1994, the club was closely linked to Polish State Railways...
. It was his third goal in European competition.
In 2009, Zhirkov participated in three games in European competitions, two against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
and one against Shakhtar Donetsk
FC Shakhtar Donetsk
FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year...
. In the second game, he scored his first goal in the 2009 tournament. In the third game, he was cautioned by the referee and, therefore, missed the next game.
Chelsea
On 6 July 2009, Zhirkov joined ChelseaChelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
on a four-year contract for a reported fee of £18m, exceeding the £15 million that Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
paid for Andrei Arshavin in January 2009, thus making Zhirkov the most expensive Russian football player of all time. He scored on his debut, in a friendly against AC Milan, that ended as the winning goal. After regaining fitness from a knee injury, he made his competitive debut at left back against Queens Park Rangers in a Carling Cup tie on 23 September.
After battling a knee injury he made his 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...
debut for Chelsea on 25 November against F.C. Porto playing as a left back and setting up the goal of his teammate Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka
Abdul-Salam Bilal on 14 March 1979) is a French international footballer, who plays as a striker for English Premier League club Chelsea. Anelka was also a regular starter for the French national team...
in a 1–0 win. Zhirkov then made his Premier League debut as a substitute for Joe Cole
Joe Cole
Joseph John "Joe" Cole is an English footballer who plays for Lille, on loan from Liverpool, and the England national football team as midfielder. He started his career with where he played more than 100 games during five years, until he left for Chelsea in 2003...
against West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
on 20 December 2009.
He made his first Premier League start in a 2–1 victory over Fulham
Fulham
Fulham is an area of southwest London in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, SW6 located south west of Charing Cross. It lies on the left bank of the Thames, between Putney and Chelsea. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
on 28 December. Due to Ashley Cole's injury against Everton
Everton
Everton is a district of Liverpool, in Merseyside, England and a Liverpool City Council ward. At the 2001 Census the population was recorded as 7,398.-Toponymy:...
on 10 February, which ruled him out for three months, Zhirkov automactically became first choice left back.
He was one of Chelsea's best players in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Inter Milan denying several scoring opportunities from the Italian side's strikers, but it wasn't to be for Chelsea as they were defeated 1–0 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate to end their European dreams again.
In March 2010, he won two penalties for Chelsea against Aston Villa, both converted by Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard
Frank James Lampard is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea and the England national team. He also holds the position of vice-captain for his club side...
, as Chelsea won 7–1.
On 13 April 2010, Zhirkov put on the man of the match performance against Bolton Wanderers
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....
despite receiving an injury which lead to him getting four stitches in his head and had his head bandaged for the remainder of the first half after a clash with the Bolton captain Kevin Davies
Kevin Davies
Kevin Cyril Davies is an English footballer who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers and the England national football team as a striker. He was made Bolton team captain in January 2009....
. During his first season with the club they won the league and FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
double making it the club's most successful season ever. His only goal for Chelsea came on 19 October 2010, a volley in a 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...
match against Spartak Moscow.
He also started for the first team as a replacement for the injured Ramires
Ramires
Ramires Santos do Nascimento , commonly Ramires and Rambo, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Chelsea and the Brazilian national side. In 2008, he won a Bronze medal in the XXIX Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China...
against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
and Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
at Ewood Park
Ewood Park
Ewood Park is a football stadium in the English town of Blackburn, Lancashire, and is the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club — one of the founder members of the Football League and Premier League. Rovers have played there since they moved from Leamington Street in the summer of 1890. The...
providing two crucial assists. On 1 March, he came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, replacing Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda
Florent Johan Malouda is a French footballer who plays as a left winger for Chelsea and the French national team.-Châteauroux:A street footballer in his teen years, Malouda gradually developed into an interesting, new football talent, able to penetrate defenses with his technical skills and...
against the rivals Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. Zhirkov won a penalty in the 78th minute, taken and scored by Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard
Frank James Lampard is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea and the England national team. He also holds the position of vice-captain for his club side...
, which proved to be the match winner. He also hit the post, and the ball was deflected into the net by Nemanja Vidic, the Manchester United center back. The final score was 2–1 in favour of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge could be* Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire, a village in England** The Battle of Stamford Bridge* Stamford Bridge , in London** by metonymy, Chelsea F.C., football club based in the stadium...
.
Anzhi Makhachkala
On 14 August 2011, Chelsea announced the departure of Zhirkov to Russian Premier LeagueRussian 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...
side Anzhi Makhachkala
FC Anzhi Makhachkala
FC Anzhi Makhachkala is a Russian football club based in Makhachkala, capital of the Republic of Dagestan, which plays in the Russian Premier League. The word "Anzhi" is part of Anzhi-Qala the old name of Makhachkala.-History:The club was founded in 1991 and has played in the Russian league since...
for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be around £13.2 million. Zhirkov signed a four-year contract with the Russian team. He set up debutant Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o Fils is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala. He is also the current captain of the Cameroon national team.Eto'o trained at Kadji Sports Academy...
in the 80th min with a cross after a darting run down the wing as Anzhi Makhachkala Drew 1-1 with Rostov away from home. Zhirkov's first Anzhi goal came against Amkar Perm on the 29th of October 2011, hitting a rebound from a corner into the back of the net.
Career 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 | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| CSKA Moscow | 2004 Russian Premier League 2004 Lokomotiv won their second Premier League title, while Krylya Sovetov finished in the top three for the first time, winning bronze. Kuban were relegated after just one season in the Premier League. They were joined by Rotor who played at the top level since the beginning of the Russian league.- Top... |
25 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 6 |
| 2005 Russian Premier League 2005 - Final standings :- Top goalscorers :-Season statistics:*Goals: 539 **From penalties: 58 **Saved/Missed penalties: 17 **Goals scored home: 324 **Goals scored away: 215... |
20 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 3 | |
| 2006 Russian Premier League 2006 Russian Premier League 2006 was the 15th season of Russian Football Championship, and 5th under the current Russian Premier League name. The league was won by defending champions CSKA Moscow. Torpedo Moscow and Shinnik were relegated... |
27 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 42 | 4 | |
| 2007 Russian Premier League 2007 Russian Premier League 2007 was the 16th official season of Rosgosstrakh Russian Football Championship, and 6th under the current Russian Premier League name. The season started with the match between Luch-Energia and Moskva in Vladivostok on Saturday, 10 March 2007, at 18:00 local time... |
29 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 3 | |
| 2008 Russian Premier League 2008 The Russian Premier League 2008 was the 17th edition of the Russian Football Championship, and the seventh under the current Russian Premier League name. The season started on Friday, 14 March 2008 with a match between Terek and Krylia Sovetov in Grozny. Krylia Sovetov won 3–0... |
28 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 4 | |
| 2009 Russian Premier League 2009 The 2009 Russian Premier League was the 18th season of the Russian football championship since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and 8th under the current Russian Premier League name. The season started on 14 March 2009 with a goalless draw between Amkar Perm and Rostov. The last matches were... |
10 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 3 | |
| Total | 139 | 15 | 24 | 4 | 48 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 215 | 24 | |
| Chelsea | 2009–10 | 17 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Premier League The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011... |
12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 1 | |
| Total | 29 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 1 | |
| Anzhi Makhachkala FC Anzhi Makhachkala FC Anzhi Makhachkala is a Russian football club based in Makhachkala, capital of the Republic of Dagestan, which plays in the Russian Premier League. The word "Anzhi" is part of Anzhi-Qala the old name of Makhachkala.-History:The club was founded in 1991 and has played in the Russian league since... |
2011–12 2011–12 Russian Premier League The 2011–12 Russian Premier League is the 20th season of the Russian football championship since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and 10th under the current Russian Premier League name. The season began on 12 March 2011. The last matches will be played in spring 2012, as the league will switch... |
9 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Career | Total | 168 | 15 | 29 | 4 | 58 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 266 | 25 |
International career
Zhirkov has currently won 41 caps for the Russia national football teamRussia 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...
since his debut back in 2005. and was named in the UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament. In October 2008, Zhirkov was named as one of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or award, given to the top player in Europe. On 18 November 2009, Zhirkov received his first red card for the national side – he was sent off late in the game for a second bookable offence in the dying minutes of Russia's 0–1 away loss to 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....
in the 2nd leg of the 2010 World Cup playoff after pushing a 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 substitute. Zhirkov was heckled by Russian fans during a friendly match against Serbia in Moscow, almost every time he contacted the ball and even bombarded with a cigarette packet near the corner area.
Family
Zhirkov has a sister and two brothers. The younger brother, Nikolai, plays for the CSKA Youth Team. Zhirkov married on 1 February 2008 to a Russian model, Inna. On 8 September 2008, their son Dmitriy was born.Accidents
Zhirkov has had two automotive accidents in his life. The first accident occurred in January 2005 in Tambov. The footballer, driving on a high speed track, hit a pole while trying to avoid a merging racer. Zhirkov's airbags deployed, leaving him with only minor injuries. On 18 December 2008 Zhirkov was in an accident in KaliningradKaliningrad
Kaliningrad is a seaport and the administrative center of Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea...
. He left this accident unharmed.
Honours
CSKACSKA Moscow
CSKA Moscow is a major Russian sports club based in Moscow. It is popularly referred to in the West as "Red Army" or "the Red Army team" because during the Soviet era, it was a part of the Armed Forces sports society, which in turn was associated with the Soviet Army...
- 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...
: 20052005 UEFA Cup FinalThe 2005 UEFA Cup Final was between Sporting CP of Portugal and CSKA Moscow of Russia. The match took at place at Sporting's home, Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, on 18 May 2005. CSKA Moscow won their first UEFA Cup and became the first Russian club to win a major European championship.-Match details:... - 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...
: 2005Russian Premier League 2005- Final standings :- Top goalscorers :-Season statistics:*Goals: 539 **From penalties: 58 **Saved/Missed penalties: 17 **Goals scored home: 324 **Goals scored away: 215...
, 2006Russian Premier League 2006Russian Premier League 2006 was the 15th season of Russian Football Championship, and 5th under the current Russian Premier League name. The league was won by defending champions CSKA Moscow. Torpedo Moscow and Shinnik were relegated... - Russian Cup: 2005, 2006, 2008Russian Cup 2007-08The Russian Cup 2007–08 is the sixteenth season of the Russian football knockout tournament since the dissolution of Soviet Union. The competition started on April 18, 2007 and finished with the Final held on 17 May 2008.-First round:...
, 2009 - Russian Super CupRussian Super CupThe Russian Super Cup is a one-match football annual competition. Its official sponsored name is TransTeleCom Russian Supercup . The two participating clubs are holders of the Russian Premier League champions title and the Russian Cup...
: 20042004 Russian Super CupThe 2004 Russian Super Cup was the 2nd Russian Super Cup match, a football match which was contested between the Russian Premier League 2003 champion, CSKA Moscow and the winner of Russian Cup 2002-03, Spartak Moscow. The match was held on 7 March 2004 at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow, Russia...
, 20062006 Russian Super CupThe 2006 Russian Super Cup was the 4th Russian Super Cup match, a football match which was to be contested between the Russian Premier League 2005 champion and the winner of Russian Cup 2004-05...
, 20072007 Russian Super CupThe 2007 Russian Super Cup was the 5th Russian Super Cup match, a football match which was to be contested between the Russian Premier League 2006 champion and the winner of Russian Cup 2005-06...
, 20092009 Russian Super CupThe 2009 Russian Super Cup was the 7th Russian Super Cup match, a football match which was contested between the Russian Premier League 2008 champion, Rubin Kazan, and the winner of Russian Cup 2007-08, CSKA Moscow. The match was held on 7 March 2009 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia...
ChelseaChelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
- Premier League: 2009–10
- FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
: 20102010 FA Cup FinalThe 2010 FA Cup Final was the 129th final of the FA Cup, the world's oldest domestic football cup competition. The match took place on 15 May 2010, at Wembley Stadium, London... - Premier League Asia TrophyPremier League Asia TrophyThe Premier League Asia Trophy is a friendly four-team pre-season football tournament held in Asia every two years. The competition is contested by three Premier League football clubs and the home team...
: 20112011 Barclays Asia Trophy- Third-place playoff :- Final :-Ticket sales:Ticket prices for each match day in Hong Kong dollars were: $130 , $210 , $270 , $330 , $460 ....
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...
- UEFA European Football ChampionshipUEFA European Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
: 2008 bronze medalist