# Aleksey Batrakov Becomes Galatasaray’s Rising Star in Champions League The 21-year-old Russian midfielder has captivated Turkish fans with his rapid European success. - **Source:** [Meduza English](https://meduza.io/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/123f36cf-c5f1-4228-829c-a5d42638ed86 ## Rapid European Breakthrough Aleksey Batrakov has emerged as a sensation for Galatasaray after moving from Lokomotiv Moscow this summer. Despite initial skepticism regarding his transition to European football, he secured a spot on the Champions League Team of the Matchday. His performance has quickly established him as a pivotal figure in the Turkish club's current squad. ## Historic Scoring Records Batrakov has netted four goals in his first four Champions League appearances, matching the career totals of legends like Wesley Sneijder and Gheorghe Hagi. He also became the youngest Galatasaray player to score twice in a single Champions League match. These statistics highlight his immediate impact on the club's continental campaign this season. ## Complex Transfer Negotiations The 25 million euro transfer nearly collapsed due to disputes between Lokomotiv Moscow and the player. CEO Boris Rotenberg initially demanded 30 million euros, but state monopoly head Oleg Belozerov eventually intervened to approve the deal. Batrakov ultimately agreed to increase his personal release clause to 55 million euros to finalize the move. ## Fan Adoration and Rituals Turkish supporters have embraced Batrakov, creating chants set to the tune of 'Kalinka' and generating viral AI-themed content. He is frequently recognized in Istanbul, and his jersey sales rank third at the club, trailing only Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leão. Fans even perform rituals, such as pinning protective amulets to his clothing. ## Integration into Elite Squad Batrakov plays alongside seasoned stars including Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, and İlkay Gündoğan. Despite this star-studded roster, he has earned the trust of head coach Okan Buruk to take free kicks and corners. His ability to adapt to the team's tactical requirements has been praised by both teammates and opposing managers alike. ## Cultural and Political Context Russian players rarely move to top European clubs due to international isolation and payment difficulties. Batrakov’s success serves as a rare exception, though his nationality has occasionally sparked controversy. Reports suggest UEFA representatives may have intervened in award decisions, though no official confirmation regarding his exclusion from specific honors has been provided. ## Impact on Russian Football Batrakov’s success is paving the way for other Russian talents to consider moves to Turkey. CSKA Moscow midfielder Matvey Kislyak is currently linked to a potential transfer, with Beşiktaş reportedly showing interest. This trend suggests that the Turkish Süper Lig is becoming a primary destination for Russian players seeking competitive European exposure. ## Rising Market Valuation Following his impressive start, Galatasaray is reportedly preparing a new contract to secure Batrakov’s future. The club aims to increase his release clause to 100 million euros to deter interest from elite clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and PSG. His rapid rise has significantly increased his market value in just three months. ## Life in Istanbul Adjusting to life in Turkey, Batrakov is actively learning English and plans to study Turkish. He moved to Istanbul with his wife, Irina Podshibyakina, a former national team player. Unlike his life in Moscow, he now faces constant public recognition, which he manages while maintaining his focus on professional development and performance. ## Tactical Versatility and Praise Experts and pundits, including Nihat Kahveci, have highlighted Batrakov’s superior passing range and shooting accuracy. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick identified him as an excellent signing, noting his tactical intelligence. His ability to create chances for strikers like Osimhen has been a cornerstone of Galatasaray’s offensive strategy throughout the current league season. ## Supporter Engagement Strategies Batrakov has cultivated a strong bond with fans through consistent gestures, such as applauding the away sections after every match. This behavior has earned him the nickname 'The Chosen One' among the ultrAslan supporters group. His commitment to the club’s culture has solidified his status as a fan favorite in Istanbul. ## Future Career Outlook As a 21-year-old talent, Batrakov’s trajectory indicates he could become one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. His performance in the Champions League has proven he can compete at the highest level. Observers will watch closely to see if he remains in Turkey or moves to a top-tier European league in upcoming windows. ## Sources covering this story - https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/11/11/21-year-old-russian-soccer-star-aleksey-batrakov-is-tearing-up-the-champions-league-for-galatasaray-turkish-fans-are-even-serenading-him-with-kalinka — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._