Vladimir Borisovich Gabulov (; ; born 19 October 1983) is a former Russian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was part of Russia's Euro 2008, 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup squads as the third choice goalkeeper.
Career On 2 January 2018, he signed a 1.5-year contract with the Belgian side Club Brugge.
He officially retired as a player on 12 November 2018.
International career Gabulov made his debut for Russia on 22 August 2007 in a friendly against Poland before being substituted by Anton Shunin at half-time. He made his competitive debut in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia and was sent off in the 69th minute fouling against Goran Maznov. On 17 October 2007, he was chosen to play in a vital must win match against England because Igor Akinfeev was injured and Vyacheslav Malafeev was in poor form. He made several key saves as Russia made a comeback from a goal down to defeat England 2–1. For his performance against England, Gabulov started in Russia's remaining two qualifiers against Israel and Andorra before being chosen as the third choice goalkeeper behind Akinfeev and Malafeev for Russia's Euro 2008 squad.
On 11 May 2018, he was included in Russia's extended 2018 FIFA World Cup squad under the call of fellow Ossetian and coach Stanislav Cherchesov. On 3 June 2018, he was included in the finalized World Cup squad. He remained on the bench in all the games behind Igor Akinfeev.
Appearances in major competitions YearCompetitionCategoryAppearancesGoals concededTeam recordStartSub2004–2005U-21 Euro 2006 qualifyingU21905Qualified to play-offs2006–2007Euro 2008 qualifyingSenior403Qualified
Post-playing career In the first year after his retirement, from 2018 to 2019, he served as the Minister of Sport in the government of North Ossetia–Alania. In the second half of 2019, he served as the president of Alania Vladikavkaz.
On 18 February 2020, he was appointed chairman of Russian Professional Football League club FC Olimp Khimki. On 28 December 2021, he was hired as a general director of the Russian Premier League club FC Khimki. He left Khimki on 5 May 2022.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsFC Mozdok1999Second Division18000––180200015000––150Total330000000330FC Dynamo Moscow2001Russian Premier League11000––110FC Alania Vladikavkaz13010––140200224000––24020036000––60Total430100000440PFC CSKA Moscow2004Russian Premier League000000–002005000000–002006300000–30FC Kuban Krasnodar200729010––300FC Amkar Perm200810020––120FC Dynamo Moscow12010––13020092303040–300201021020––230PFC CSKA Moscow2011–12700060–130Total (2 spells)100006000160FC Anzhi Makhachkala2011–12Russian Premier League11000––1102012–1327030150–4502013–1450–––50Total4303015000610FC Dynamo Moscow2013–14Russian Premier League20010––2102014–1522000100–3202015–1623020––250Total (3 spells)132090140001550FC Arsenal Tula2016–17Russian Premier League130––201502017–1820000––200Total330000020350Career total3330160350203860
International Statistics accurate as of match played 25 March 2013
RussiaYearAppsGoals200750201010201220201320Total100
Honours Club CSKA Moscow UEFA Cup: 2004–05 Russian Premier League: 2005, 2006 Russian Super Cup: 2006
Club Brugge Belgian Pro League: 2017–18
Country UEFA European Football Championship bronze medalist: 2008
Individual Gentleman of the Year: 2009Владимир ГАБУЛОВ СТАЛ ДЖЕНТЛЬМЕНОМ ГОДА
Personal life His younger brother Georgi Gabulov also plays football professionally.
References