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Igor CherevichenkoTajik footballer, defender.
Date of Birth: 21.08.1974
Country:  Tajikistan |
Content:
- Igor Cherevchenko: A Renowned Tajik Defender
- Move to Russia and Success with Lokomotiv Moscow
- Memorable Goal against Real Madrid
- Post-Playing Career
Igor Cherevchenko: A Renowned Tajik Defender
Early Life and CareerIgor Cherevchenko, a highly esteemed Tajik footballer, was born into a family of talented athletes. His father, Gennady Cherevchenko, was one of the most celebrated footballers in Tajikistan. Following in his father's footsteps, Igor received his early football training at the Dušanbe sports school, where former teammates of his father mentored him. He subsequently commenced his professional career with Pamir Dušanbe. At the tender age of 18, in 1992, Cherevchenko emerged as the national champion.
Move to Russia and Success with Lokomotiv Moscow
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Cherevchenko family relocated to the Moscow region. Igor began playing for Industria Obninsk in the Russian Second Division. In 1996, Yuri Syomin, who had previously coached his father at Pamir Dušanbe, invited the 22-year-old defender to join Lokomotiv Moscow.
During his tenure at Lokomotiv, Cherevchenko became a pivotal player, earning four Russian Championship medals, four Russian Cup titles, and participating in two UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals. He showcased his exceptional skills in 170 matches for the club, scoring nine goals.
Memorable Goal against Real Madrid
Among Cherevchenko's nine goals for Lokomotiv, the most unforgettable was the one he scored against Real Madrid in the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League group stage. His goal on October 30, 2001, secured a 2-0 victory for the Moscow club.
Post-Playing Career
Transition to CoachingFollowing his departure from Lokomotiv at the end of the 2001 season, Cherevchenko played for Torpedo Moscow and Alania Vladikavkaz. In 2003, Terek Grozny expressed interest in signing him, but ultimately decided not to pursue his services. With Torpedo holding the rights to his contract and facing knee joint issues, Cherevchenko retired from playing at the age of 29.
In February 2008, Cherevchenko joined the coaching staff of Rashidi Rakhimov at Lokomotiv Moscow, having previously worked at the Lokomotiv-Perovo youth academy.
