Igor Smolnikov
Igor Aleksandrovich Smolnikov is a Russian former football player who played as a right-back.
Club career
On 29 July 2020, he returned to Krasnodar, signing a 2-year contract with a 1-year extension option. On 8 June 2021, his contract with Krasnodar was terminated by mutual consent.On 23 July 2021, he joined Arsenal Tula.
On 8 February 2023, Smolnikov returned to Lokomotiv Moscow on a contract until the end of the 2022–23 season. Smolnikov left Lokomotiv in June 2023.
Smolnikov announced retirement from playing in August 2023.
International career
Smolnikov was called up by Fabio Capello to the Russia squad for the first time on 4 October 2013 for the 2014 FIFA [World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification matches] against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. He made his debut for the national team on 19 November 2013 in a friendly against South Korea.On 11 May 2018, he was included in Russia's extended 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. On 3 June 2018, he was included in the finalized World Cup squad. He played his first and last World Cup game in the last group stage game against Uruguay on 25 June 2018 when he started the game, but was sent-off for two yellow cards in the 36th minute.
On 11 May 2021, he was named as a back-up player for Russia's UEFA Euro 2020 squad.