Malafeev has a long and distinguished career outside of football, and now it’s time to shine a light on this side of the popular player’s life. This very accomplished Russian goalkeeper is a successful businessman and a long-standing participant in the stock market. We had a few questions for Malafeev which he was happy to answer for us.
Vyacheslav Malafeev beyond the football field
AUTUMN 2012
Vyacheslav, not many people know that you tried your luck in business.
Your own advertising agency has been operating now for over a year.
Tell us a little bit about this project. Not long ago I preferred not to announce my business projects. The reason for this was that for me it’s more like a hobby. While playing football I understood that I need projects on the side that can be interesting without taking too much from my personal time. I have a great team of specialists and I play the part of the guy who has the ideas and makes the final decisions. Now, we mostly organize events for famous people and big clients. In the future, the project will develop and grow and, we hope to attract more media people to participate in our advertising campaigns.
market started to draw me in so deep that I found myself spending way too much time on it and had to stop, waiting until the moment when the revenue would equal the investment; now, I’ve been playing the part of the observer for one and a half years. I look out for the right moment and opportunity to make a move in the big leagues of investment.
What other business plans do you have for the near future?
I plan to open an online store soon, where we are going to sell football equipment, and a little bit down the road, equipment from my own brand. Also, I have a real estate business; a skill I learned from my own experiences as an estate buyer. I want to share my knowledge with clients, to help in choosing and give advice about possibilities in the future that could go wrong. Everything that I do in business is in some way related to my personal experience.
You also play the role of movie producer. Not long ago, the movie “All life in gloves” was released, which starred some famous goalkeepers. For the Moscow 2018 World Cup you are preparing some documentaries and feature films about football.
It all started from the idea of writing a book about goalkeepers, a kind of textbook for beginner players, and that turned into a documentary. As casting for the film, we invited football stars like Iker Casillas, Van Der Sar, Buffon, etc. It turned out to be a top quality production. Following which we are going to create more films about sports. Our final goal is to popularize football in Russia for the World Cup 2018.
You actively make investments and participate in the stock market, quite unusual activities for a football player.
Five years ago I started to look into and got interested in this area, learning the specialized literature and trying my luck. I got into the game during the most risky period – the beginning of the 2008 crisis – with a small amount of money and ended up losing quite a lot. However, I acquired a lot of experience. In the end, the stock
“My goal is
popularization of
football in Russia”
Vyacheslav, you are now at the height of your career – you are one of the best goalkeepers in Russia and in the world. For many people, it was a surprise when you retired from the Russia football team.
My decision has to do with personal issues. I would like to spend more time with my family.
Trainings and call-ups take a lot of time, which I would rather spend with my children.
You are one of the top record football players who have the most caps for a single team. Are you going to extend your contract with Zenit?
I’m very happy that I have played for such a long time for my hometown’s team, in my beloved Saint Petersburg. My choice would be directly related to the decision of Zenit’s director’s board.
If we both come to have matching interests, and reach an agreement, then I’ll be happy to continue playing for such a legendary club.
Does Vyacheslav Malafeev have unrealized football dreams?
Of course, just like any other player would.
I’d say that the only trophy that I haven’t won on a club level and which every player dreams about is the Champions League Cup.
Not long ago, you became the face for Hugo Boss men’s perfume. How do you feel in the role of a model?
It’s a very interesting experience, but it wastes a lot of time that I don’t have. Recently, Hugo Boss became the official partner of Zenit, so now we come to every official meeting wearing suits from this brand, a collaboration which I find to be very logical.
Let’s drop the professional talk. How do you like to spend your free time?
In December, my family and I prefer to spend quiet holidays in Dubai and Maldives. There is a wonderful environment for the kids, there – comfortable weather and an enjoyable atmosphere. Everything that makes you forget about the harsh weather conditions in the Northern capital and the crazy hustle and bustle of megalopolis