Immortal legacy of Nikita Simonyan

Almost a year ago, Russian football lost its patriarch, one of its best sons Nikita Pavlovich Simonyan. He made a colossal contribution to the development of the entire national sport, showing himself as an outstanding footballer, coach and leader. Nikita Simonyan’s legacy goes far beyond his trophies and records. For many decades, his name remained synonymous with honesty, decency and selfless service to the beloved game. He was deeply respected and loved by all players, coaches, journalists and fans, regardless of club sympathies.

For his outstanding achievements, Nikita Pavlovich was awarded the Orders of the International Olympic Committee and FIFA, as well as the Orders of Merit to the Fatherland of the third and fourth degrees. He was awarded the honorary title of Honored Worker of Physical Culture of the Russian Federation. On October 10, 2025, for special services to the state and a significant contribution to the development and popularization of domestic football, he was awarded the title of Hero of Labor of Russia.

Nikita Simonyan was not only a great athlete, but also a true patriot of his country, embodying professionalism, wisdom and nobility. Since September 1992, he has been the first vice president of the Russian Football Union. When necessary, in difficult situations without hesitation, he assumed the responsibility of acting as President of the RFU three times in 2009-2010, 2012 and 2015.

Nikita Pavlovich for all of us is an example of a very wise, intelligent, decent person who always treats his interlocutors with great respect, to the people who surround him. He never gave even a reason to doubt these virtues and his personal qualities, - on the day of his 99th anniversary, Mikhail Gershkovich, chairman of the board of the Association of Domestic Football Coaches, a member of the RFU Executive Committee, told MK.

President of the Football Veterans Union and Chairman of the RFU Veterans Committee Alexander Bagratovich Mirzoyan emphasized that the whole life of Nikita Pavlovich was devoted to football. Simonyan has always been at the epicenter of events, and this selfless dedication to the game should always serve as an example for all involved in the sport.

At the farewell ceremony with the Patriarch, which was held in Moscow on November 27, 2025, the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev noted that Nikita Pavlovich until the last days shared invaluable experience and gave wise advice, his fate was inextricably linked with the history of our country, with which he shared its joys and sorrows. “He was loyal to the team, fighting for it and for his country. For all of us, he will be an example of serving football and his homeland, Degtyarev said on that difficult day of mourning.

Nikita Pavlovich will forever remain in our memory as a true citizen and patriot.