Russia’s First Openly Gay Athlete Calls Out Russian Men’s Soccer Star for ‘Supporting War’ and His Anti-LGBTQ Stance – “God Bring Me Back to 2018”

The world of sports has always been an influential space for expressing on socio-political matters. But it also often ends up in controversy and heated discussions. Recently, Russian soccer has become such a platform. This has to do with one of Russia’s prominent soccer stars calling out another top star in the country.

On one side there is Russia’s first openly lesbian athlete, Nadezhda Karpova, who plays as a forward for RCD Espanyol and the Russia women’s national team. On the other side, it’s Russia’s men’s national team captain and striker Artem Dzyuba. It looks like Karpova doesn’t stand with the ideals of Dzyuba, because of his problematic statements about some serious subjects.

The Russian soccer scene is getting controversial

Artem Dzyuba recently took to Instagram to share some throwback pictures of him from the FIFA World Cup 2018. Along with the pictures he also wrote, “5 years ago the 2018 World Cup began. It was cool”. Following that, Karpova responded to it, bringing up his previous statements regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine and his clear anti-LGBTQ stance.

Nadezhda Karpova, took to her Instagram story to call out the country’s men’s national team captain. She didn’t mince her words while sharing the throwback pictures and wrote, “Who would have thought then, in 2018, when we were all so happy that now, Dzyuba would be such an animal, supporting the war and anti-LGBT laws, j*rking off on camera”. Karpova further added, “God bring me back to 2018”.

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These comments are in light of the earlier statements Dzyuba made. Just last year, he opined inclining towards the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. And recently he showed his full dislike for people of LGBTQ+ community and supported the law against them. Here’s what he said about the war.

Artem Dzyuba’s takes which didn’t sit right with Nadezhda Karpova

Artem Dzyuba made his first statement in early 2022 amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking out on his Instagram, Dzyuba denounced the war and the anti-Russian sentiment that has been directed at Russian athletes since Russia invaded Ukraine. He also stated that he is not ashamed to be Russian and cannot understand why athletes have to suffer now.

The international sporting community’s decision to exclude Russian athletes from several events and competitions was heavily criticized by him. In a later statement, he expressed strong support for President Vladimir Putin, stating that history will judge who is right or wrong. He also expressed gratitude for having a father, mother, man, and woman in his country.

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These statements have not sit right with many including Nadezhda Karpova. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.