Vladimir Dolgopolov - the legend of the football club "Zenith"

It's not often that you can meet a football player who devoted his best years to one club. It is such a player is Vladimir Dolgopolov. "Zenith" for him has always been a native team, even after the end of his career. He actively participated in the life of his native club.

Carier start

Vladimir Dolgopolov in his childhood first studied gymnastics and swimming. But after he began to play football in SDYUSSHOR "Zenith". His first children's coaches were VA Kolesnikov and Yu. A. Morozov. Together with his children's team, Vladimir Dolgopolov won the USSR championship. This defender immediately noticed the coaches of the team, "Zenith" and took him to the main team. To play for this sports club, Vladimir began in the second half of the 1979 season. The following year, this player entered the field 20 times. Team "Zenith" at the end of the season took 3rd place in the championship. For Vladimir, this award was the first. In 1984, Vladimir Dolgopolov together with his team won the USSR championship. He made a big contribution to the victory of the St. Petersburg team.

As part of the St. Petersburg club, this defender made his debut in European competition. In total, Dolgopolov spent 299 games. He performed in a T-shirt under the 7th number. Vladimir played mostly in the position of defender, but he could also play in the support zone.

Service in the army and return to the club "Zenith"

In 1988, this defender had to suspend his football career. He was drafted into the army. Vladimir spent about four months serving in the border troops near Vyborg. But after his military service took place in the Moscow "Dynamo". In 1989, Vladimir Dolgopolov again returned to his native "Zenith". For spent two years in this talented defender played 50 matches. After Vladimir decided to move to the Finnish club "VISFK." This team played in the 3rd Finnish football championship. In the season of 1993-1994. Played 9 games for the Estonian club "Tevalte". In 1995, for a short time he played in the Armenian team "Kapan-81".

Dolgopolov Vladimir (football player) after his return to St. Petersburg tried himself in mini-football. Then he began to work as a manager at the firm "Adamant". But then he returned to his native sport again. From 2007 to 2009, Vladimir was the head of work with fans of the club "Zenith". And since 2009 he has become a manager for work with veterans of his native club.

Personal life

Dolgopolov Vladimir (football player) was twice married. With his first wife, Marina, he lived for 9 years. Children of this married couple were not. With his second wife Natalia, this football player was married for 23 years. They had a daughter, Daria. In 2014, Natalya's second wife was found dead in the apartment. She died of her injuries. After her death, long proceedings began. Vladimir was imprisoned.

Criminal case

In 2014, for Dolgopolov began a black streak in life. Vladimir was charged, and he was detained. The public was shocked by what happened and supported the former sportsman in every possible way. According to him, the following events occurred on the day that ended in tragedy. He called an ambulance early in the morning of September 18. But too much time has passed. Arriving at the place, the doctors stated death.

After the funeral of his wife, law enforcement agencies immediately detained the football star. They advanced the theory that Dolgopolov and his wife used alcohol together. Between them there was a quarrel, and Vladimir in anger beat his wife. After that, she died from the injuries. This version is confirmed by the fact that she had numerous bruises on her body and broken ribs. The former football player did not admit his guilt. He claimed that on that day he watched football on TV, and then fell asleep. The next morning Vladimir saw his wife, who did not give any signs of life. His father even acted in his defense. Daughter Daria said that she had never seen her father raise his hand on the deceased.

Sentence and subsequent death

In 2016, Vladimir Dolgopolov was imprisoned for 10 years. The verdict indicated that Dolgopolov, in a state of intoxication, beat his wife with a blunt object. It was his actions that led to tragic consequences. Despite the appeal, the city court upheld the verdict. But to get to the colony the former sportsman was not destined. His health began to deteriorate sharply. As a result, he was hospitalized in the SIZO hospital. In June, the famous domestic football player died of a stroke. His funeral took place on June 16 at Volkovsky Cemetery.

Vladimir Dolgopolov, whose biography was overshadowed in the last years of his life, will forever remain in the memory of domestic football fans. His brave game for his native club and for the international team should be an example for the younger generation. Until the end of his life he remained true to football. Despite the tragedy, the fans still remained with their idol.