Ilya Leonov


Ilya Yuryevich Leonov is a retired Russian beach soccer and former futsal player. From 2010 to 2018, he played for [FC FC Lokomotiv Moscow (beach soccer)|Lokomotiv Moscow (beach soccer)|Lokomotiv Moscow], where for a time he served both as player and coach. After his retirement as a player he is coaching the Russia women's national beach soccer team, winning with them two Euro Beach Soccer Cups in a row, and continues coaching Lokomotiv Moscow.
He is Merited Master of Sports of Russia.

Career

Leonov made his first steps into football in the school "Timiryazevets". He debuted in professional sports for Sportakademklub Moscow. After three seasons, Leonov decided to switch to futsal by debuting for Poligran Moscow. Following two seasons in the premier league, that club gained entry to the highest national futsal league. The 2002/03 season was the last one for Poligran, after which it was abolished. Leonov went to the Leman-Payp Moscow, then he played for Yakutian Almaz-Alrosa. In the second-highest division from 2009 to 2010 he and his team won the trophy.
In 2005, Leonov discovered beach soccer. Between futsal seasons he participated on beach soccer tournaments. He quickly debuted for the national beach soccer team and considerably helped his team to progress. In 2009 and 2011 the Russians won the superfinal of the Euro Beach Soccer League, and soon won their first championship title. Leonov as captain received the Golden Ball award.
On 21 December 2012, Leonov was named Merited Master of Sports by the order of the Sports Minister.

Achievements

Some of Leonov's notable achievements:

As player

Futsal clubs

  • European Champions Cup: 2006
  • Club World Cup: 2005
  • Intercontinental Cup: 2005, 2006, 2007

Beach soccer clubs

Beach soccer national team

Individually

As coach