*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 28 September 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 November 2020
Konstantin Vitalyevich Kuchayev (Russian: Константин Витальевич Кучаев; born 18 March 1998) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for Rostov.
Club career
CSKA Moscow
Kuchayev began his career with a football school in his hometown of Ryazan at the age of 8. Six years later, he joined Master-Saturn Yegoryevsk and moved to Moscow Oblast in 2012.[1] While playing there, Kuchayev was spotted by CSKA Moscow scout Andrey Movsisyan and joined for the club in 2015.[2]
On 6 May 2017, Kuchayev tore his cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 6–0 home win over Arsenal Tula, keeping him out for six months.[4] He missed the first half of 2018–19 season and returned to the team on 23 November as a substitute in a 2–0 away win against Akhmat Grozny.[5] Kuchayev also missed the remainder of that season due to a meniscus injury he picked up in February 2019.[6]
On 8 August 2020, Kuchayev scored his first goal in the Russian Premier League on the first day of the season in a 2–0 win over Khimki.[7] He also scored in the following match, helping CSKA to a 2–1 win against Tambov at VEB Arena.[8] Four goals in six appearances in August 2020 won Kuchayev the Russian Premier League Player of the Month award.[9]
Rubin Kazan loan
On 26 January 2022, he joined Rubin Kazan on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season, with an option to purchase.[10] Before the loan was agreed upon, Kuchayev extended his contract with CSKA until the end of the 2023–24 season.[11] Rubin did not exercise the purchase option.[12]
Pari NN
On 22 February 2024, Kuchayev signed with Pari Nizhny Novgorod until the end of the 2023–24 season.[13]
Having represented Russia at various youth levels, Kuchayev scored two goals in nine matches during the 2021 UEFA European U-21 Championship qualifying, helping his team reach for the final tournament.[15] On 15 March 2021, he was called up to the 23-man squad for the group stage of the tournament;[16] however, five days later, he was ruled out due to a muscle injury.[17]
On 2 November 2020, Kuchayev was named in Stanislav Cherchesov'sRussia squad for the friendly match against Moldova and the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Serbia.[18] On 12 November 2020, Kuchayev made his senior national team debut as a half-time substitute in a 0–0 draw against Moldova.[19]
Personal life
Kuchayev is in a relationship with a former figure skater Elena Radionova.[20] They were engaged in late 2022.[21]