Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| PFC CSKA Moscow | |
|---|---|
| Clubname | PFC CSKA Moscow |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Ground | VEB Arena |
| Capacity | 30,457 |
| Chairman | Yevgeni Giner |
| Manager | Vladimir Fedotov |
| League | Russian Premier League |
| Current | 2023–24 Russian Premier League |
PFC CSKA Moscow is a professional football club based in Moscow, competing in the Russian Premier League. Founded in 1911, it is one of the most successful clubs in Russia, historically affiliated with the Soviet Army. The club is renowned for its domestic and European successes, including being the first Russian side to win a major UEFA competition.
The club's origins trace back to the OLLS sports society, with its foundation year recognized as 1911. Following the Russian Revolution, the team was reformed under the auspices of the Central Sports Club of the Army, becoming a dominant force in Soviet football. Under the management of figures like Konstantin Beskov and Valery Gazzaev, the club won numerous Soviet Top League championships. Its modern era pinnacle came in 2005 when, led by Gazzaev, it triumphed in the 2005 UEFA Cup Final against Sporting CP in Lisbon. This victory marked a historic achievement for Russian football on the continental stage. The club has continued its success in the Russian Premier League era, regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League.
The club's trophy cabinet is among the most decorated in the nation. Domestically, it has won multiple Russian Premier League titles and Russian Cup victories. In the Soviet era, it claimed several Soviet Top League championships and Soviet Cup wins. Its greatest honour remains the UEFA Cup title won in 2005. The club has also secured the Russian Super Cup on several occasions. Other notable achievements include reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and winning the now-defunct UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Since 2016, the club has played its home matches at the modern VEB Arena, located within the Park of Legends complex in north-west Moscow. The stadium has a capacity of over 30,000 and meets all UEFA Category 4 requirements. Prior to this, the team's long-time home was the Luzhniki Stadium, and it also played at the Torpedo Stadium. The VEB Arena project was part of a major redevelopment of the former CSKA airfield site.
Throughout its history, the club has been home to many legendary figures of Soviet and Russian football. Iconic players include goalkeeper Lev Yashin, striker Grigory Fedotov, and midfielder Igor Netto. In the modern era, internationally renowned players like Vágner Love, Yuri Zhirkov, and Alan Dzagoev have been pivotal to its success. The club maintains a strong academy system, known as CSKA Moscow Academy, which has produced talents such as Georgi Shchennikov and Igor Akinfeev, the latter becoming the club's long-time captain and record appearance holder.
The club's primary and most intense rivalry is with FC Spartak Moscow, a clash known as the "Moscow Derby" or the "Russian Clasico," which divides the city's football loyalties. Another significant historic rivalry exists with FC Dynamo Moscow, rooted in the Soviet-era competition between the army and police-affiliated clubs. Matches against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg have also grown into a major rivalry in the Russian Premier League era, often deciding the national championship. European campaigns have fostered competitive fixtures with clubs like FC Internazionale Milano and Manchester United F.C..
The club's president is businessman Yevgeni Giner, who has overseen its operations since 2001. The first-team head coach is Vladimir Fedotov, a former player for the club. Historically, successful managers include Valery Gazzaev, who masterminded the UEFA Cup win, and Leonid Slutsky, who led the team to multiple league titles. The sporting directorate and scouting network have been instrumental in identifying talents from Brazil and other regions, contributing to the club's sustained competitiveness in European competitions.
Category:Association football clubs in Moscow Category:Russian Premier League clubs