Alexander Mostovoi (Александр Владимирович Мостовой, born August 22, 1968 in Leningrad, USSR) is a Russian football midfielder and striker, who currently plays for Deportivo Alavés in Spain.
Mostovoi began his club career in the Soviet Elite League with Spartak Moscow in 1987 and played with the club until 1991. He moved to Portugal's Benfica in 1992, and played a season there, then a season for France's Caen and two for Strasbourg. Alexander's big break came when he signed for Celta Vigo in 1996. Nicknamed 'The Czar', his creative play and many key goals won many fans as the club rose to near the top of La Liga standings year after year. However, Mostovoi couldn't help the freefall that hit Celta in the 2003-04 season, knocking it down to the Segunda División. He moved to Alavés in 2005.
Mostovoi played for both the Soviet national team (three goals in 15 caps) and the Russian national team (10 goals in 50 caps). He is widely known for his temper, and has had trouble with many of his coaches, which recently led to Mostovoi walking out on Georgi Yartsev during Russia's trip to Euro 2004. He played in Euro 96 and the 1994 World Cup and was a squad member for the 2002 tournament, but missed it due to injury.
Last updated: 10-24-2005 13:18:49
