Vladimir Bystrov

Russian footballer

Vladimir Sergeyevich Bystrov (Владимир Серге́евич Быстров, born 31 January 1984) is a Russian former footballer who played as a right winger.

Bystrov began his career in youth club Smena. In 2001, he transferred to Zenit. On 8 May 2002, he made his debut in the Zenit squad. In 2005, he felt dissatisfied because he lost his place in squad and played less than he wanted. After a scandal with Zenith's hierarchy, he transferred to FC Spartak Moscow.

In June 2005, he moved to Spartak for 4 million euro. Zenit fans were disappointed, because Spartak was their principal opponent. He made his debut for Spartak on 9 June. In 2009, he became a leader of Spartak with help of Alex and Welliton.

On 27 August 2009, after four seasons with Zenit's archrivals Spartak Moscow, the winger suddenly returned to his former club, signing until June 2014. Due to his spell at rivals Spartak Moscow, Zenit supporters still can't find it in their hearts to forgive and direct jeers towards him at their games. In March 2010, Zenit was to be rewarded for finishing third in the Russian championship by the city of Saint Petersburg, but the ceremony ended with the players storming off the stage after Bystrov had been heckled by parts of the audience.

After finishing his mid season loan spell with newly relegated FC Anzhi Makhachkala, Bystrov joined FC Krasnodar on a three year contract on 9 June 2014. Bystrov left Krasnodar at the end of his contract.

On 8 August 2017, he signed a one year contract with FC Tosno.

His first appearance for the Russia was in March 2004. Bystrov made a big impact in the seven Euro 2008 qualifiers he played in, with his two goals so important to the Russian cause. His displays have not gone unnoticed in the last couple of years and he has been linked with moves to both England's Premier League and Germany's Bundesliga. Bystrov was included in Guus Hiddink's Euro 2008 squad. He was a substitute in Russia's opening match, the 4–1 defeat to Spain, coming on for Dmitri Sychev in the 46th minute before being swapped for Roman Adamov in the 70th. He was left out of Fabio Capello's Russian squad for the World Cup in Brazil. He was one of the seven provisional players not included in the final 23.