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Matvey Safonov

(Redirected from Matvei Safonov)

Matvey Yevgenyevich Safonov (also spelled Matvei Safonov; Russian: Матвей Евгеньевич Сафонов; born 25 February 1999) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Russia national team. He has been described by media sources as a penalty specialist.[3][4]

Matvey Safonov
Safonov with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025
Personal information
Full name Matvey Yevgenyevich Safonov
Date of birth (1999-02-25) 25 February 1999 (age 27)
Place of birth Stavropol, Russia[1][2]
Height 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Paris Saint-Germain
Number 39
Youth career
2015–2017 Krasnodar
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2024 Krasnodar 147 (0)
2018–2021 → Krasnodar-2 18 (0)
2024– Paris Saint-Germain 25 (0)
International career‡
2014 Russia U15 1 (0)
2014–2015 Russia U16 8 (0)
2015–2016 Russia U17 9 (0)
2016–2017 Russia U18 6 (0)
2017 Russia U19 3 (0)
2018–2020 Russia U21 10 (0)
2021– Russia 18 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 17 May 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 27 March 2026

Coming through the team's youth system, Safonov began his career with FC Krasnodar in 2017. After seven years with Krasnodar, Safonov moved to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in June 2024 for a transfer fee of €20 million, where he won the UEFA Champions League as part of a treble in 2025. After winning the starting spot in the following season, Safonov won another Champions League as part of a double in 2026.

Internationally, Safonov made his debut for Russia in 2021, and was subsequently included in the Russian squad for UEFA Euro 2020.

Early life and education

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Safonov was born in Stavropol.[1] His father, Yevgeny Safonov, was a basketball player and later worked as a youth coach at Lokomotiv Kuban, while his mother, Lidiya, was not involved in professional sport.[1] His family lived in several cities, including Maykop and Volgograd, before settling in Krasnodar by the time Safonov attended kindergarten and school.[5]

As a child, Safonov initially practised swimming, taekwondo, and basketball, also showing aptitude in mathematics and chess.[6] Aged 12, he participated in the Mathematical Kangaroo competition, placing second in his school.[7] He joined a football section while at school and was placed in goal during his first trial.[5] In the seventh grade, he entered the FC Krasnodar academy and moved into its boarding school system. In 2017, he enrolled at Kuban State University, where he studied pedagogy, psychology and communication, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 2021.[1][8]

Club career

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Krasnodar

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2017–2021

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Safonov made his debut in the Russian Premier League for Krasnodar on 13 August 2017 in a game against Amkar Perm.[9][10] He became a regular member of Krasnodar's first team during the second half of the 2018–19 season, when the club finished third in the league. At the end of 2019, Safonov and his teammate Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov shared the national award "First Five", given to the best young player in the Russian Premier League.[11]

Safonov with Krasnodar in 2022

In the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League play-off round, Safonov helped Krasnodar reach the competition's group stage for the first time. In the first leg against PAOK on 22 September 2020, he saved an early penalty from Dimitris Pelkas as Krasnodar won 2–1.[12] Krasnodar won the return leg by the same score on 30 September, securing a group stage promotion.[13] On 20 October 2020, he was named the man of the match in Krasnodar's 1–1 draw with Rennes.[14] By 2021, Safonov was also wearing the captain's armband for Krasnodar.[1] After the 2020–21 season, he won the Lev Yashin Goalkeeper of the Year award in Russia for the first time.[15]

Krasnodar finished third in their Champions League group, qualifying for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League play-off round.[16] Despite this European run, the 2020–21 season proved difficult domestically, as Krasnodar dropped to tenth place in the league with Safonov conceding 33 goals in 21 matches.[17]

2021–2024

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The 2021–22 season was marked by the departure of many foreign players from the club following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite the upheaval, Safonov remained as captain and recorded eight clean sheets in 27 league matches, conceding just 27 goals.[1][18] Krasnodar finished fourth that season.[1] By summer 2022, the Transfermarkt portal valued him at €16 million, making him the most expensive Russian footballer in the Russian Premier League at the time.[19] The 2022–23 season was mixed for Safonov. He led the league in total saves and save percentage for much of the campaign, but his form dipped before the winter break, when he conceded eight goals in two matches against Orenburg and Fakel. In the last league match of the season against Akhmat Grozny, he committed a costly error on a set piece that allowed the opponents to equalize, after which he lost his starting spot in the Russian Cup final against CSKA Moscow to Stanislav Agkatsev.

On 18 January 2024, Safonov extended his contract with Krasnodar to 31 January 2029.[20] In his final 2023–24 season with Krasnodar, Safonov played all 30 league matches as the club finished second in the league.[1] He was later named the winner of the Lev Yashin Goalkeeper of the Year award at the end of that season, his second win in the competition.[21][15] He also led the league in goals prevented, with a rating of 5.8.[22] In his final match for the club on 25 May 2024, he kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Dynamo Moscow, securing Krasnodar's first-ever silver medals in the Russian championship. In total, Safonov made 175 official appearances for Krasnodar's first team, recording 53 clean sheets.[1]

Paris Saint-Germain

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2024–25 season: Backup goalkeeper

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On 14 June 2024, Safonov joined reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), signing a contract until 2029.[23] Media reports quoted a transfer fee of €20 million.[24] On 18 September 2024, he made his debut for PSG in a 1–0 Champions League win over Girona.[25] On 22 December 2024, Safonov played in the Coupe de France round of 64 against Lens; after a 1–1 draw, he saved two penalties in the shoot-out as PSG advanced.[26] On 24 May 2025, he started in the 2025 Coupe de France final, keeping a clean sheet as PSG defeated Reims 3–0.[27] Following his team's 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final on 1 June, he became the fifth Russian Champions League winner since Denis Cheryshev, Igor Dobrovolski, Vladimir But and Dmitri Alenichev – and the first both in nine years and since 2022.[28]

2025–26 season: Earning the starting spot

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On 12 August 2025, PSG's starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma left the club to join Manchester City for a fee of €30 million.[29][30] Having provoked this departure, PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille for €40 million on 9 August 2025 to be their new first-choice goalkeeper.[31] However, Chevalier struggled to adapt, receiving criticism for errors, including against Marseille and Lyon.[32][33] On 31 August 2025, PSG's new Ukrainian signing Illia Zabarnyi stated in an interview with Football 360 that "I do not maintain any personal relations with any Russians. I have to interact with [Safonov] on a professional level during training and fulfil my obligations to the club."[34] On 2 September, when asked to respond to Zabarnyi's comments in an interview with Sport Express, Safonov declined.[34] On 29 November 2025, Chevalier suffered an ankle injury against Monaco,[35] allowing Safonov to temporarily take the starting position.[36] On 17 December 2025, in the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, Safonov saved four of five penalties in the penalty shoot-out. Consequently, Paris Saint-Germain won their first global title and sixth trophy of the 2025 calendar year.[37][38] Manager Luis Enrique later revealed that Safonov had fractured his hand on the third penalty kick, and saved the last two shots despite the injury.[39]

In January 2026, Chevalier conceded two goals in a 1–2 defeat to Sporting CP in the Champions League.[40] Enrique then opted to test Safonov immediately after his return as the starter against Newcastle United in the final matchday of the Champions League league phase.[41] From that point on, Safonov retained the starting position, playing in Le Classique against Marseille,[42] the Champions League play-off round against Monaco,[43] and other Ligue 1 matches. On 17 March 2026, Safonov delivered an exceptional performance in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, making nine saves in a 3–0 victory (8–2 on aggregate).[44] In the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool, he kept a clean sheet with six saves, helping PSG reach the semi-finals.[45] After the match, Safonov said: "it was a decent performance. There were a few mistakes, but I'm happy. I can do better. I have to be ready for the team whenever they need me."[46] On 6 May 2026, in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, Safonov made five decisive saves as PSG drew 1–1 to progress 6–5 on aggregate, reaching their second consecutive final.[47][48] On 30 May 2026, in the 2026 UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal, Safonov became the first Russian goalkeeper and the second Russian ever, after Dmitri Alenichev in the 2004 final, to play an UEFA Champions League final.[49] The match ended in a penalty shoot-out, after which PSG won its second consecutive Champions League on penalty shoot-out.[49] Hence, Safonov became the first Russian footballer to win the Champions League twice.[28]

International career

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On 9 October 2020, he was called up to Russia national football team for the first time for UEFA Nations League games against Turkey and Hungary.[50] On 11 May 2021, Safonov was included in the preliminary extended 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020.[51] He debuted on 1 June in a friendly match against Poland.[52] On 2 June, Safonov was included in the final squad.[53] On 16 June, he played in Russia's second group game against Finland, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory.[54] He played again on 21 June in the last group game: a 1–4 defeat to Denmark.[55]

Style of play

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In February 2026, Safonov's manager at Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique, stated: "He can play with his feet, which we like. He's courageous and physically very strong. The way we defend, I think, we leave a lot of space for our opponents, and that creates a real danger. But I think he's perfectly suited to our approach."[56] Safonov has also been acclaimed for his proficiency in saving penalties.[3][4] In the 2025–26 season, Safonov became recognised for deliberately kicking the ball out of play from a goal kick so that PSG could instigate their pressing system.[57]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 30 May 2026[58]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Krasnodar-2 2017–18 Russian Second League 10———40
2018–19 Russian First League 160———190
2020–21 Russian First League 10———10
Total 180———180
Krasnodar 2017–18 Russian Premier League 100000—10
2018–19 Russian Premier League 140205[b]0—210
2019–20 Russian Premier League 270006[c]0—330
2020–21 Russian Premier League 210006[d]0—270
2021–22 Russian Premier League 27000——270
2022–23 Russian Premier League 27090——360
2023–24 Russian Premier League 30000——300
Total 1470110170—1750
Paris Saint-Germain 2024–25 Ligue 1 100502[d]000170
2025–26 Ligue 1 1500011[d]01[e]0270
Total 2505013010440
Career total 1900160300102370
  1. ↑ Includes Russian Cup, Coupe de France
  2. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ↑ Three appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. 1 2 3 Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ↑ Appearance in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

International

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As of match played 27 March 2026[59]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Russia 202180
202330
202420
202540
202610
Total180

Honours

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Сафонов Матвей Евгеньевич" (in Russian). RBC. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Matvey Safonov". Paris Saint-Germain FC. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 "How many penalties has Safonov saved? The PSG goalkeeper's save percentage". Diario AS. 30 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  4. 1 2 "PSG's Matvey Safonov Leads Top Five Leagues in Penalty Saves this Season". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  5. 1 2 Kuznetsov, Egor (28 October 2020). "Правильное интервью отца Матвея Сафонова: Интерес из Англии после «Ренна», неприятие агентов и вызов в сборную России". Match TV (in Russian). Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  6. ↑ Boxall, George (28 December 2024). "Profile: Matvey Safonov's rising status at PSG". Ligue 1. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  7. ↑ Klementyev, Maksim (23 April 2026). "Сертификат «Кенгуру», шахматы с Галицким и виды Краснодара. Лига 1 сняла фильм о Сафонове". Sport Express (in Russian). Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  8. ↑ "Два выпускника КубГУ – в cборной России по футболу!" ["Two KubSU Alumni in Russia National Football Team's Squad"]. Kuban State University (in Russian). 12 October 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  9. ↑ "Krasnodar v Amkar game report". Russian Premier League. 13 August 2017.
  10. ↑ ""У него характер Акинфеева и бешеный талант". Новая звёздочка "Краснодара"" ["He has Akinfeev's character and mad talent". Krasnodar's new starlet]. Championat. 12 November 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  11. ↑ "Игроки «Краснодара» впервые стали обладателями премии «Первая пятерка»" (in Russian). RBC. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "Krasnodar 2-1 PAOK: Cabella edges hosts in front". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  13. ↑ ""Краснодар" впервые вышел в групповой этап Лиги чемпионов" (in Russian). TASS. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  14. ↑ "Сафонов признан лучшим игроком матча "Ренн" — "Краснодар"" [Safonov named man of the match "Rennes" — "Krasnodar"] (in Russian). Match TV. 20 October 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  15. 1 2 3 "Голкипер «Краснодара» Матвей Сафонов признан лучшим вратарем в прошедшем сезоне" (in Russian). Kommersant. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  16. ↑ "Сафонов Матвей Евгеньевич" (in Russian). RBC. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  17. ↑ "Как Матвей Сафонов покорил Европу, побил рекорд ФИФА и заиграл в основе ПСЖ". Yuga.ru (in Russian). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  18. ↑ "Как Матвей Сафонов покорил Европу, побил рекорд ФИФА и заиграл в основе ПСЖ". Yuga.ru (in Russian). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  19. ↑ "Биография Матвея Сафонова". Sport Express (in Russian). 6 June 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  20. ↑ ""Краснодар" переподписал контракт с Матвеем Сафоновым" ["Krasnodar" extends the contract with Matvei Safonov] (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 18 January 2024.
  21. 1 2 "Лучший вратарь России-2023/24" [Best goalkeeper of Russia 2023-24]. Kommersant (in Russian). 12 June 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  22. ↑ "Все лауреаты второй премии Winline Герои РПЛ". Russian Premier League (in Russian). 26 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  23. ↑ Devin, Eric (14 June 2024). "PSG sign Safonov". Ligue1.com. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  24. ↑ "Le PSG officialise l'arrivée du gardien de but russe Matveï Safonov". L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  25. ↑ "First for Matvey Safonov". Paris Saint-Germain FC. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  26. ↑ "Сафонов - о победе над «Лансом»: «Отбивать пенальти - это нормально для вратаря»". Sport Express (in Russian). 23 December 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  27. ↑ "PSG - Reims : le PSG réalise le doublé Coupe-Championnat". L'Équipe (in French). 24 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  28. 1 2 "Matvey Safonov sets a historic record in the Champions League". 31 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  29. ↑ "Man City transfers: Donnarumma completes move as Ederson exits". ESPN. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  30. ↑ "City sign PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma!". Manchester City F.C. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  31. ↑ "PSG sign goalkeeper Chevalier from Lille to replace Donnarumma". ESPN. 9 August 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  32. ↑ "OM-PSG (1-0) : Lucas Chevalier, le couac qui tombe mal" (in French). Le Parisien. 22 September 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  33. ↑ ""L'erreur n'est pas du gardien": Luis Enrique prend la défense de Lucas Chevalier après PSG-Lyon" (in French). RMC Sport. 10 November 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  34. 1 2 Banerjee, Neil (4 September 2025). "PSG goalkeeper refuses to respond to Illia Zabarnyi's 'Russians are aggressors' dig as Ukraine star reveals tension with new team-mate over ongoing conflict" (in French). Goal. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  35. ↑ "Monaco-PSG: les images de la cheville de Chevalier après le tacle violent de Camara" (in French). RMC Sport. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  36. ↑ Feuillette, Valentin (6 December 2025). "PSG : les deux parades époustouflantes de Safonov contre Rennes" (in French). Foot Mercato. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  37. ↑ "PSG 1-1 Flamengo (Dec 17, 2025) Game Analysis". ESPN. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  38. ↑ "Safonov saves four penalties as PSG beat Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup". France 24. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  39. ↑ "PSG keeper Safonov fractured hand during shootout heroics". ESPN. 19 December 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  40. ↑ "PSG-Sporting" (in French). Eurosport. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  41. ↑ Macedo, Aurélien (28 January 2026). "PSG : le constat lucide de Safonov après la déception contre Newcastle" (in French). Foot Mercato. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  42. ↑ Feuillette, Valentin (9 February 2026). "PSG : la nouvelle sortie de Luis Enrique sur Safonov et Chevalier" (in French). Foot Mercato. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  43. ↑ "Monaco-PSG: la compo probable des Parisiens, avec Safonov une nouvelle fois titulaire" (in French). RMC Sport. 16 February 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  44. ↑ Cassé, Josué (18 March 2026). "Chelsea - PSG : Matvey Safonov a-t-il mis fin à la concurrence avec Lucas Chevalier ?" (in French). Foot Mercato. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  45. ↑ Pettigrove, Jason. "What went wrong for Liverpool as they failed to overturn a UCL deficit against PSG" (in French). FlashScore. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  46. ↑ "Liverpool/PSG – Safonov shows great humility after 'XXL' performance" (in French). msn. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  47. ↑ "Paris Saint-Germain returns to Champions League final after beating Bayern Munich". NPR. 7 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  48. ↑ "Holders PSG beat Bayern Munich to reach Champions League final with Arsenal". Al Jazeera. 6 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  49. 1 2 "Un doublé pour l'histoire : le PSG vient à bout d'Arsenal aux tirs au but et conserve sa couronne en Ligue des champions". L’Equipe. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  50. ↑ ""По сравнению с сентябрем турецкие игроки в лучших кондициях"" (in Russian). Russian Football Union. 10 October 2020.
  51. ↑ Расширенный состав сборной России для подготовки к ЕВРО [Extended national team line-up for Euro preparations] (in Russian). Russian Football Union. 11 May 2021.
  52. ↑ Lasnov, Alexey (1 June 2021). Матвей Сафонов дебютировал за сборную России [Matvey Safonov made his debut for the Russian national team]. Championat (in Russian). Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  53. ↑ "Состав сборной России на ЕВРО-2020" [Russia national team line-up for EURO-2020] (in Russian). Russian Football Union. 2 June 2021.
  54. ↑ "Finland vs Russia UEFA EURO 2020". UEFA. 16 June 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020.
  55. ↑ "Russia v Denmark game report". UEFA. 21 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  56. ↑ "'He has all the physical and technical attributes to be a top goalkeeper in modern football': Enrique on Safonov". Tribuna. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  57. ↑ "20 Best Goalkeepers in the World [Ranked]". GiveMeSport. 20 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  58. ↑ Matvey Safonov at Soccerway
  59. ↑ "Safonov, Matvei". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  60. ↑ "Le PSG champion de France pour la 13e fois de son histoire après sa victoire contre Angers" (in French). L'Équipe. 5 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  61. ↑ "Grâce à un grand Safonov, le PSG s'impose à Lens et décroche son 14e titre de champion de France" (in French). L’Equipe. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
  62. ↑ Guillemet, Hugo (24 May 2025). "Le PSG s'offre une 16e Coupe de France après une victoire facile en finale contre Reims" (in French). L'Équipe. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  63. ↑ "Foot : Ousmane Dembélé offre sur le fil un nouveau Trophée des champions au PSG contre Monaco" (in French). L'Équipe. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  64. ↑ "Paris win Champions League: Doué double helps secure record-breaking final win against Inter". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 31 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  65. ↑ "Paris retain Champions League: Holders edge Arsenal on penalties". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 30 May 2026. Retrieved 30 May 2026.
  66. ↑ Bärthel, Julie. "UEFA Super Cup: PSG gewinnt Elfmeterkrimi gegen Tottenham". Sportschau (in German). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  67. ↑ "Porté par un énorme Safonov lors des tirs au but, le PSG remporte la première Coupe Intercontinentale de son histoire face à Flamengo" (in French). L’Équipe. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  68. ↑ "Douché par Chelsea, le PSG ne sera pas le premier vainqueur de la Coupe du monde des clubs" (in French). L'Équipe. 13 July 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  69. ↑ "Детская футбольная лига - Голосование - 2019". Children's Football League (in Russian). Retrieved 14 May 2026.
  70. ↑ "Все лауреаты второй премии Winline Герои РПЛ" [All winners of the second Winline Heroes of the RPL award] (in Russian). Russian Premier League. 26 May 2024. Archived from the original on 12 June 2025. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  71. ↑ "FIFA Council approves unprecedented prize money pot for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and takes key decisions on women's competitions". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
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