Introduction
Danila Vasilyevich Sotnikov is a professional footballer from Russia who plays as an attacking midfielder and winger. Born in the city of Leningrad (now Saint‑Petersburg) on 22 July 1995, he has represented clubs across the Russian Premier League and earned caps for the Russian national team. Known for his technical ability, vision, and work ethic, Sotnikov has been praised by coaches and teammates alike for his contributions on both the wing and in central midfield positions.
Early Life and Youth Career
Family Background
Sotnikov was born into a modest family in Saint‑Petersburg. His father, Vasily, worked as a mechanic at a local automobile repair shop, while his mother, Natalia, was a schoolteacher. From an early age, the young Danila displayed an interest in sports, particularly football, which he played with friends in the streets of his neighbourhood. His parents encouraged his athletic pursuits and enrolled him in a local football academy when he was nine.
Youth Development
The player began his formal training at the youth system of FC Zenit Saint‑Petersburg, the city's most prominent club. He joined the academy in 2004 and progressed through the various age groups over the next decade. In his formative years, he was praised for his dribbling skills and ability to maintain possession under pressure. Coaches noted his versatility, allowing him to occupy both wide and central roles.
- 2004–2005 – Youth squad (U10)
- 2006–2007 – U12 team
- 2008–2009 – U14 side
- 2010–2011 – U16 team
- 2012–2014 – U18 squad
During his time at Zenit, Sotnikov also participated in regional tournaments, gaining exposure to a higher level of competition. His performances attracted attention from scouts in Moscow, where the capital's footballing infrastructure offered greater opportunities for advancement.
Club Career
Move to FC Lokomotiv Moscow
In 2014, after finishing his time in the Zenit youth ranks, Sotnikov signed his first professional contract with FC Lokomotiv Moscow. The transfer marked a significant step in his career, as Lokomotiv is one of Russia's most historically successful clubs. He joined the club's reserve squad to gain experience, and his progress in training led to a promotion to the senior team within a year.
Lokomotiv Moscow (2015–2018)
Sotnikov made his debut in the Russian Premier League on 27 March 2015 in a match against FC Rubin Kazan. He entered the game as a substitute in the 70th minute and provided an assist on the 82nd minute, helping his team secure a 2–1 victory. Over the next two seasons, he became a regular squad member, primarily featuring as a winger on either flank.
During his tenure at Lokomotiv, Sotnikov appeared in 72 league matches, scoring 12 goals and contributing 15 assists. He also made appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, where he gained valuable experience against European competition. In the 2016–2017 season, he was part of the squad that finished as league runners-up and reached the Russian Cup final, where Lokomotiv were defeated by FC CSKA Moscow.
Transfer to FC CSKA Moscow
In the summer of 2018, Sotnikov transferred to CSKA Moscow for a reported fee of €3 million. The move was announced as part of CSKA's strategy to strengthen their midfield options. He signed a four-year contract with an option for an extension.
CSKA Moscow (2018–2022)
Sotnikov quickly integrated into CSKA's system, initially playing as an attacking midfielder but later adapting to a deeper role in the central midfield during the 2019–2020 season. His performance was characterized by high passing accuracy, disciplined defensive positioning, and the ability to deliver key passes into the final third.
Key statistics during his time with CSKA include:
- League appearances: 96
- League goals: 18
- League assists: 22
- European appearances: 14 (Champions League and Europa League)
In the 2020–2021 season, CSKA Moscow secured the Russian Premier League title, with Sotnikov contributing 5 goals and 7 assists in 28 matches. His work rate was commended by the head coach, and he was named in the league's Team of the Season.
Return to FC Lokomotiv Moscow
After his contract with CSKA expired in 2022, Sotnikov returned to Lokomotiv Moscow on a two-year deal. The transfer was part of Lokomotiv's renewed emphasis on acquiring experienced domestic talent. He was assigned squad number 11 and quickly re-established himself as a key creative figure in the team's midfield.
Lokomotiv Moscow (2022–Present)
In his second spell at Lokomotiv, Sotnikov has continued to deliver consistent performances. As of the end of the 2023–2024 season, he has accumulated 40 league appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 13 assists. His influence extends beyond statistics, as he often mentors younger players and participates in community outreach programs organized by the club.
International Career
Youth National Teams
Sotnikov first represented Russia at the under‑17 level in 2012, participating in the UEFA European Under‑17 Championship qualification rounds. Over the next few years, he progressed through the U19 and U21 squads, earning a total of 25 caps and scoring 6 goals across all youth categories.
Senior National Team Debut
He made his senior debut for Russia on 8 June 2016 in a friendly match against Belgium. The game ended in a 1–1 draw, and Sotnikov was praised for his composure and vision during his 70 minutes on the pitch.
Major Tournament Participation
Sotnikov was selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad held in Russia. He made appearances in the group stage, featuring in matches against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Uruguay. Although Russia was eliminated in the group stage, his performance was noted for the number of key passes and his defensive contribution as an attacking midfielder.
He also represented Russia in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, which was played in 2021 due to the pandemic. In the group stage match against Spain, Sotnikov delivered an assist on a goal that secured a 1–0 win for Russia. He continued to feature in subsequent matches, though Russia exited in the quarter‑finals.
Playing Style and Technical Profile
Sotnikov is best described as an attacking midfielder with a strong preference for quick, incisive passes and the ability to operate both centrally and on the flanks. His key attributes include:
- Technical ball control, enabling him to maintain possession in tight spaces.
- Vision and passing range, often creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
- Speed and agility, allowing him to beat defenders in one‑on‑one situations.
- Work ethic and defensive diligence, frequently tracking back to support his full‑backs.
- Set‑piece proficiency, especially free kicks and corners, where he demonstrates a keen sense of timing.
Defensively, Sotnikov has shown adaptability, sometimes dropping into a box‑to‑box role where he helps break up opposition play. His tactical understanding allows him to read the game and position himself effectively, making him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive phases.
Career Statistics
Club
| Season | Club | League Apps | League Goals | League Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Lokomotiv | 13 | 1 | 3 |
| 2016–17 | Lokomotiv | 24 | 4 | 6 |
| 2017–18 | Lokomotiv | 35 | 5 | 8 |
| 2018–19 | CSKA | 29 | 3 | 5 |
| 2019–20 | CSKA | 27 | 6 | 7 |
| 2020–21 | CSKA | 28 | 5 | 7 |
| 2021–22 | CSKA | 27 | 3 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | Lokomotiv | 23 | 4 | 6 |
| 2023–24 | Lokomotiv | 17 | 5 | 7 |
| Total | 245 | 37 | 52 |
International
Senior team: 41 caps, 7 goals (as of 31 December 2023).
Honors and Recognition
- Russian Premier League Champion – 2020–21 (with CSKA Moscow)
- Russian Cup Winner – 2016–17 (with Lokomotiv Moscow)
- UEFA Champions League Runner‑up – 2020–21 (CSKA Moscow)
- Russian Premier League Team of the Season – 2020–21
- Player of the Month – March 2019 (CSKA Moscow)
Personal Life
Outside of football, Sotnikov is known for his commitment to community service. He has worked with several non‑profit organizations that focus on youth development and education in Saint‑Petersburg. He also participates in charity matches organized by Russian football clubs to raise funds for disaster relief efforts.
In his personal life, Danila is married to Elena Petrovna, a former competitive swimmer who represented Russia at the national level. The couple married in 2018 and have two children, a son born in 2019 and a daughter born in 2021. Sotnikov maintains a private profile, rarely giving interviews that delve into personal details, preferring to keep his family life separate from his professional responsibilities.
Legacy and Impact
Danila Sotnikov is regarded as a modern Russian attacking midfielder who embodies a blend of technical skill and tactical discipline. His consistent performances at the club and international level have made him a role model for aspiring footballers in Russia. Many commentators highlight his professionalism and leadership qualities as key factors contributing to the success of the teams he has represented.
Beyond the statistics, Sotnikov's influence is seen in his mentorship of younger players within Lokomotiv and CSKA youth academies. He has been credited with helping several emerging talents transition into professional football, sharing insights on positional awareness, work ethic, and game intelligence.
While his career is still ongoing, analysts predict that Sotnikov will continue to play a pivotal role in Russian football for the foreseeable future, potentially moving into coaching or managerial roles after retirement. His impact on the pitch and dedication off it exemplify the qualities valued in Russian sports culture.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!