Alexei Ionov

Aleksei Sergeyevich Ionov (Russian: Алексей Сергеевич Ионов; born 18 February 1989) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Krasnodar and the Russia national team. He can play on the left flank or the right.

e started playing football at the age of six. Later he graduated from SCYSSOR Zenit, and started playing for Zenit Reserves in 2007.

On 3 June 2013, Ionov moved to Anzhi Makhachkala for 5 million euros.

In June 2016, Ionov moved to CSKA Moscow on a season-long loan.

On 31 August 2017, he signed a 3-year contract with FC Rostov.

On 15 October 2020, he moved to FC Krasnodar and signed a 2.5-year contract with the club.

Ionov was a part of the Russia U-21 side that competed in the 2011 European Under-21 Championship qualification.

He made his senior national team debut on 29 March 2011 in a friendly against Qatar. He played his first competitive national team game in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg on 6 September 2013.

On 2 June 2014, he was included in the Russia's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

After a two-year break, he was called up for games against Turkey and Czech Republic in September 2018. He scored his first two goals for the national squad on 10 September 2018 in a friendly against the Czech Republic which was played at his club's home stadium, Rostov Arena.

On 11 May 2021, he was included in the preliminary extended 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020. On 2 June 2021, he was included in the final squad. He did not appear in any games as Russia was eliminated at group stage.