Aleksei Ionov

Aleksei Sergeyevich Ionov (; born 18 February 1989) is a Russian former professional footballer who played as a winger. He could play on the left flank or the right.

Club career

He started playing football at the age of six. Later he graduated from SCYSSOR Zenit, and started playing for Zenit Reserves in 2007.

On 3 June 2013, Ionov moved to Anzhi Makhachkala for 5 million euros.

In June 2016, Ionov moved to CSKA Moscow on a season-long loan.

On 31 August 2017, he signed a 3-year contract with Rostov.

On 15 October 2020, he moved to Krasnodar and signed a 2.5-year contract with the club. Ionov left Krasnodar in June 2023.

On 20 June 2023, Ionov returned to Rostov on a two-year deal. The contract was terminated by mutual consent on 14 December 2023.

On 22 February 2024, Ionov signed with Ural Yekaterinburg.

International career

Ionov was a part of the Russia U-21 side that competed in the 2011 European Under-21 Championship qualification.

He made his senior national team debut on 29 March 2011 in a friendly against Qatar. He played his first competitive national team game in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg on 6 September 2013.

On 2 June 2014, he was included in the Russia's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

After a two-year break, he was called up for games against Turkey and Czech Republic in September 2018. He scored his first two goals for the national squad on 10 September 2018 in a friendly against the Czech Republic which was played at his club's home stadium, Rostov Arena.

On 11 May 2021, he was included in the preliminary extended 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020. On 2 June 2021, he was included in the final squad. He did not appear in any games as Russia was eliminated at group stage.

Career statistics Club

International

International goals As of match played 19 November 2019. Russia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Ionov goal.

Honours Zenit St. Petersburg UEFA Cup: 2007–08 Russian Super Cup: 2008, 2011 Russian Cup: 2009–10 Russian Premier League: 2010