Zenith St Petersburg, the Northern club
Our page Zénith St. Petersburg tells the story of the city club founded by Peter the Great: their first title of champions of the USSR in 1984, their first championship win in Russia in 2007, the UEFA Cup and the Super Cup of Europe won in 2008, the genius of Andrei Arshavin, the Krestovsky Island stadium and its blue, white and sky blue colours.
The blue and white of Saint Petersburg.
From the USSR to the first Russian title of 2007
The Zenit, whose roots go back to the 1920s and adopted its name in 1936, spent a long time in the shadow of the big clubs in Moscow. The breakthrough came in 1984, with a first title of champion of the USSR, won when the city was still called Leningrad. It wasn't until 2007 that the club won its first Russian championship, under the guidance of Dutchman Dick Advocaat. This title marked the beginning of a long period of national dominance, establishing Saint Petersburg as a permanent rival to the capital.
Russian football
Russian clubs are also varied:
All clubs are listed on the Russian clubs page.
Manchester and Monaco: the European spring of 2008
On May 14 2008, at the City of Manchester Stadium, Zenit defeated the Glasgow Rangers two-nil in the UEFA Cup final, thanks to Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyryanov. Three months later, in Monaco, they tamed Manchester United, holders of the Champions League, in the European Super Cup. Unpredictable playmaker trained at the club, Andrei Arshavin is the symbol of this epic; he joined Arsenal the following winter before returning to Saint Petersburg in 2012. Ukrainian captain Anatoliy Tymoshchuk was then in the midfield.
From the Petrovsky Stadium to Krestovsky Island
Long based at the Petrovsky Stadium in the heart of the city, Zenit moved in 2017 to a retractable-roof arena built on Krestovsky Island, on the site of the old Kirov Stadium. Inaugurated for the Confederations Cup, it hosted the semi-final of the World Cup the following year, won by France against Belgium, and then matches from Euro 2020. The shirt combines deep blue, white and sky blue, colours that supporters display in giant tifos on big match nights.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
Did Zenit used to be called Zenit Leningrad?
Yes, from 1924 to 1991, Saint Petersburg was known as Leningrad, so the club was also known as Zenit Leningrad. It was under this name that they won the USSR championship in 1984.
Which famous foreign players have worn the Zenit shirt?
Brazilian Hulk, Belgian Axel Witsel, Portuguese Danny, or Italian Claudio Marchisio have all played in Saint Petersburg. These recruits accompanied the club's rise from the late 2000s onwards.
Which famous coaches have managed Zenit?
After Dick Advocaat, hero of 2008, the club handed the reins to Luciano Spalletti, Russian champion in 2010 and 2012, then to André Villas-Boas, crowned in 2015, and to Roberto Mancini. Names that illustrate the club's European ambitions.
What is Zenit's big derby?
The clash against Spartak Moscow pits the two largest cities in Russia against each other and thrills the entire country. Matches against CSKA Moscow are also among the most anticipated of the season by Petersburg supporters.
In which city does Zenit play?
Zenit is the club of Saint Petersburg, the second-largest city in Russia, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great on the banks of the Neva River. A former imperial capital, the city beats to the rhythm of its club, whose colours fill the streets on match days.
