FC Anzhi Makhachkala, a football club based in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, has a unique story in the world of football. It is a story that involves a billionaire’s ambitious investment, star-studded signings, and a rollercoaster ride that took the club from obscurity to brief stardom before financial challenges led to a dramatic fall from grace.
A Humble Beginning
Anzhi’s origins are modest. The club was founded in 1991 and initially played in the Russian lower leagues. Their fans were passionate, but the club was relatively unknown on the global football stage.
Enter Suleyman Kerimov
The transformation of Anzhi Makhachkala into a football powerhouse began in 2011 when billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals, acquired the club. Kerimov, with an estimated net worth in the billions, had a vision to turn Anzhi into a formidable team. Anzhi were a small club from the war-torn region of Dagestan when Kerimov took over in 2011.
Unprecedented Investment
Kerimov’s investment was staggering. He poured vast sums of money into the club, making Anzhi one of the highest-spending clubs in the world during his ownership. His aim was clear – to bring top-class talent to the Russian Premier League and elevate Anzhi to domestic and international glory.
Star-Studded Signings
Kerimov’s wealth allowed Anzhi to make marquee signings that turned heads across the footballing world.
Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o signed a three-year deal with the club that reportedly made him the highest-paid footballer in the world at the time. The transfer fee was approximately €27 million ($36 million). His annual salary was rumored to be in the range of €20 million ($27 million). This signing was a seismic moment in football as it demonstrated the financial power of Anzhi under Kerimov’s ownership.
Roberto Carlos
Carlos joined Anzhi on a two-year contract with an option for a third year as a free agent. Although he didn’t command an exorbitant transfer fee, his arrival brought tremendous experience and international acclaim to the club.
Yuri Zhirkov
Zhirkov signed a four-year contract with Anzhi for €15 million ($20 million). His signing was notable because he was a versatile player with experience in top European leagues, having previously played for Chelsea in the English Premier League.
Lacina Traoré
Traoré signed a four-year contract with Anzhi for €18 million ($24 million). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he was an imposing presence in the forward line.
These signings sent shockwaves through the footballing community and instantly propelled Anzhi to the forefront of global football conversations.
Success and Controversy
Under Kerimov’s ownership, Anzhi experienced a degree of success. Within two seasons, Anzhi finished third in Russia aided by respected coach Guus Hiddink. They were Champions League regulars and even opened a new $180 million stadium. Anzhi genuinely threatened powerhouses CSKA Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg for honors. This secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League. The following season, they reached the round of 16 in the same competition.
However, this meteoric rise was not without its controversies. Critics argued that Anzhi’s success was “bought” rather than earned through organic development. The club’s astronomical wage bill and reliance on expensive foreign stars drew both admiration and resentment.
Financial Turmoil and fall from grace
However, in August 2013 Kerimov suddenly pulled the plug on his Anzhi project. With unrest growing in Dagestan, he diverted his billions elsewhere. High-profile players were sold, and Anzhi’s ambitions of becoming a European powerhouse faded.
The fall from grace was swift and severe. Anzhi went from challenging for the title to battling relegation. The club was relegated from the Russian Premier League in 2014, marking a dramatic decline. Bereft of investment, Anzhi were subjected to Russia’s lower divisions until 2016. From title contenders to relegation candidates in just three years, Anzhi’s demise was stark. They remain far from the top level today as memories of their billionaire-backed splurge fade.
Legacy and Lessons
FC Anzhi Makhachkala’s story is a cautionary tale of the perils of excessive spending in football. While billionaire ownership can provide a short-term boost and elevate a club to previously unattainable heights, it does not guarantee sustained success. The football world learned that building a team requires more than just financial investment; it demands long-term planning, grassroots development, and stability.
Today, FC Anzhi Makhachkala competes in the Russian Football National League, the second tier of Russian football. They continue to harbor dreams of returning to the top flight, but the road ahead is challenging.
Suleyman Kerimov’s tenure at Anzhi undoubtedly left a mark on the footballing world. While the club may not have achieved the lofty heights initially envisioned, it serves as a reminder that the world of football is full of surprises, and success is never guaranteed, no matter how much money is spent. Anzhi Makhachkala’s rise and fall remain a fascinating chapter in the annals of football history, a story of ambition, excess, and the enduring unpredictability of the beautiful game.
