Vasili Berezutski is a former Russian footballer who transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career.
He was awarded the Order of Friendship for his contributions to Russian football.
Berezutski played for PFC CSKA Moscow from 2002 to 2018, becoming a club legend.
Biography
Early Life
Vasili Vladimirovich Berezutski was born in Russia and began his football journey at a young age, graduating from the prestigious Torpedo Moscow academy. He made his professional debut at just 17 years old, marking the start of a remarkable career in football.
Career
Berezutski's career spanned nearly two decades, primarily with PFC CSKA Moscow, where he played from 2002 to 2018. As a versatile defender, he was known for his ability to play as a fullback, centre-back, and even as a wingback or midfielder. He earned his first cap for the Russia national team in 2003 and went on to represent his country in major tournaments, including the UEFA Euro 2008, where he helped the team secure a bronze medal. He achieved a significant milestone by earning his 100th cap in a friendly match against Ghana in 2016.
After retiring from international football in 2018, Berezutski transitioned into coaching. He began as an assistant coach at Vitesse in the Netherlands and returned to CSKA Moscow in various coaching roles. In 2024, he took on the head coach position at Azerbaijani club Sabah, leading them to a cup victory before moving on to manage Ural Yekaterinburg in 2025.
Legacy
Berezutski's contributions to football have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of Friendship and multiple league titles with CSKA Moscow. His legacy as a player and coach continues to influence the next generation of footballers in Russia.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Vasili scored his first goal for Russia during a Euro 2008 Qualification match against Macedonia. He was called up to Russia's Euro 2008 squad and came on as a late substitute in their second game against Greece in Salzburg and started the semi-final against Spain in Vienna. He was named in Russia's provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2012, but had to drop out before the tournament began due to a thigh injury. On 2 June 2014, he was included in the Russia's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, and appointed as the team captain. He was chosen in Russia's squad for Euro 2016 and scored an injury time equaliser in Russia's opening game against England. On 7 March 2018, he officially retired from international football.
On 3 January 2019, Vasili and his twin brother Aleksei joined Dutch club Vitesse as assistant coaches to Leonid Slutsky, who trained them with CSKA and the national team. In August 2020 he returned to CSKA Moscow as assistant to Viktor Goncharenko, where he was joined by Aleksei once again in February 2021. In April 2021, Goncharenko was fired by CSKA and hired by FC Krasnodar, and Vasili followed him as an assistant, with Aleksei staying back at CSKA. On 5 January 2022, Krasnodar fired Goncharenko and Berezutski. On 10 January 2022, he returned to CSKA as an assistant to his brother Aleksei, who was promoted to head coach by that time. On 15 June 2022, he left CSKA by mutual consent, together with his brother. In early 2024, Berezutski moved to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, once again as an assistant to Slutsky. On 25 November 2024 Berezutski signed a 2.5-year contract with Azerbaijani club Sabah, becoming the team's head coach. He led Sabah FK to a 2:2 (3:1 by penalty) win over Turan Tovuz PFK in the Azərbaycan Kuboku 2024/2025 Round of 16. On 14 June 2025, Berezutski's contract with Sabah was terminated by mutual consent. On 11 December 2025, Berezutski was hired by Russian First League club Ural Yekaterinburg. Under his management, Ural dropped from the second place (a direct promotion spot) to 3rd, which meant Ural qualified for promotion play-offs. They lost to Dynamo Makhachkala and remained in the First League.
Club
International goals
Scores and results list Russia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Berezutski goal.
- Club
- PFC CSKA Moscow (2002–2018)
- Club
- FC Moscow (1999–2001)
- Club
- Russia men's national football team (2003–2016)
- National team
- Russia
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Order of Friendship
Legacy
Player
CSKA
Russian Premier League (6): 2003, 2005, 2006, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16 Russian Cup (7): 2001–02, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13 Russian Super Cup: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013 UEFA Cup: 2004–05 Russia
UEFA European Football Championship: 2008 bronze medalist Individual
In the list of 33 best football players of the championship of Russia (9): 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2012–13, 2013–14.
Manager
Sabah
Azerbaijan Cup: 2024–25
Clubs
- FC Moscow1999–2001
- PFC CSKA Moscow2002–2018
- Russia men's national football team2003–2016
Played together with
Aaron Samuel OlanarePFC CSKA Moscow · 2016
Abbosbek FayzullaevPFC CSKA Moscow · 2023–2025
Abel HernándezPFC CSKA Moscow · 2018–2019
Ahmed MusaPFC CSKA Moscow · 2012–2016- Ahmed MusaPFC CSKA Moscow · 2018–2018
Alan DzagoevPFC CSKA Moscow · 2008–2022
Albert ShesternyovPFC CSKA Moscow · 1959–1972
Aleksandr GolovinPFC CSKA Moscow · 2014–2018
Aleksandr TarkhanovPFC CSKA Moscow · 1976–1984
Aleksandrs CauņaPFC CSKA Moscow · 2011–2011- Aleksandrs CauņaPFC CSKA Moscow · 2011–2017
Aleksei BerezutskiPFC CSKA Moscow · 2001
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Vasili Vladimirovich Berezutski is a Russian football manager and former player who played as a defender. He began his professional career in 1999 at the age of 17 with Torpedo Moscow, having graduated from their famed academy. He was a Russia national football team regular, earning his 100th cap on 6 September 2016 in a friendly against Ghana. He played as a fullback or centre-back and sometimes was also deployed as wingback or midfielder.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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