The best players of Moscow's "Dynamo" for the last 25 years
The Russian website "BO Sport" continues its presentation of the symbolic teams of Super League clubs for a quarter of a century. Today it's the turn of Moscow's "Dynamo" – one of the most successful Russian clubs, which shares the lead in the number of medals with Kazan's "Zenit" – both with 19. The "white-blues" triumphed with the championship title for the first time in 2006 under the leadership of Vladimir Alekno, and then repeated the success under Daniele Bagnoli (2008). After a long break, two consecutive titles came with coach Konstantin Bryansky (2021, 2022).
When selecting the symbolic team, the players' skill level, their influence on the club's successes, and their individual achievements were taken into account. Two Bulgarian stars, Matey Kaziyski and Tsvetan Sokolov, who left a bright mark in Dynamo's history, were included in both squads.
First Squad
Matey Kaziyski (2005–2007)
One of the greatest Bulgarian volleyball players and a true legend of world volleyball. Kaziyski was a key figure for Dynamo in two seasons, contributing to winning the historic first title in 2006. In 2007, the Moscow team failed to defend the trophy, but Matey became the first foreigner to win the "Kuznetsov" award for the best player in the Russian championship. He was also elected MVP of the Russian Cup in 2006. Although his career continued in "Trentino," where he became a club legend, his star rose precisely in "Dynamo."
Second Squad
Tsvetan Sokolov (2020–2025)
The powerful opposite performed well at "Zenit" Kazan, but it was at "Dynamo" that he reached his peak. In the club's first championship season after a 13-year break (2020/21), he played a fantastic "Final Six," averaging 5.7 points per set (94 points in four matches). In the final against "Zenit" St. Petersburg, he scored 27 points and was deservedly chosen as the championship MVP. The following year, he was again the top scorer of the "Final Six," and in 2024, his brilliant performance brought the Russian Cup to the Moscow team.
Another Bulgarian player also passed through the team -Teodor Salparov, who joined "Dynamo" (Moscow) in the 2006/2007 season and won the Russian Cup in 2006.
Other key players in the first squad
Alexander Volkov (2002–2004, 2005–2010, 2016/17) – one of the best Russian middle blockers, who helped Dynamo win two titles.
Semyon Poltavsky (2003–2010, 2012/13) – an incredibly talented opposite, who was crucial in the championship season of 2006.
Alexey Kuleshov (2004–2007) – a top blocker, winner of the Russian Cup and an important part of the "golden" team of 2006.
Pavel Pankov (2019–2025)- the captain and setter who led Dynamo to four consecutive finals.
Yaroslav Podlesnykh (2020–2025)- a stable receiver and the second leader in the championship seasons.
Lauri Kerminen (2020–2025)- one of the best liberos in the world, who played a key role in Dynamo's triumphs.
Konstantin Bryansky (2018–2025)- Dynamo's most successful coach in Russian history, who built a dominant team with nine trophies in five seasons.
Other key players in the second squad
Sergey Grankin (2006–2017, 2018/19)- long-standing captain and main setter.
Yury Berezhko (2004–2010, 2014–2021)- a leader and important receiver for Dynamo.
Alexander Korneev (2003/04, 2005–2008, 2010/11)- a three-time champion with various clubs, including Dynamo.
Ilya Vlasov (2018–2025)- a key middle blocker, distinguished by his impressive block.
Dmitry Shcherbinin (2008–2019)- an important figure in the Dynamo squad for 11 seasons.
Evgeny Baranov (2018–2025)- a stable libero, who proved to be a reliable replacement for Kerminen.
Conclusion
The history of Moscow's "Dynamo" is filled with legendary names, but among them two Bulgarians particularly stand out - Matey Kaziyski and Tsvetan Sokolov. Kaziyski was the pioneer who left a bright mark and brought the first title to the Muscovites, while Sokolov was the leader of the modern dominant team. Both proved their class and left their names in the history of Russian volleyball.
photos:vcdynamo.ru; graphics: "BO Sport"
