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Ex-FC Krasnodar stars Smolov and Safonov rank among Russia’s most trusted figures

From the pitch to public trust: Two football legends join Russia’s elite. How did their careers shape a nation’s confidence?

In this picture there are few chess coins and there are few persons in the background.
In this picture there are few chess coins and there are few persons in the background.

Ex-FC Krasnodar stars Smolov and Safonov rank among Russia’s most trusted figures

In an autumn 2025 survey, two former FC Krasnodar players, Fyodor Smolov and Stanislav Safonov, secured spots in the top 20 of Forbes' ranking of most trusted public figures in Russia. The list was topped by TV journalist Vladimir Solovyov, filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov, and journalist Andrei Malakhov.

The survey, conducted by Romir research holding, involved over 40,000 respondents aged 14 and above. Participants were asked to name seven public figures they trusted the most. The longitudinal system covered 15,000 households, providing a robust and representative sample.

FC Krasnodar's founder, Sergei Galitsky, also made the list, ranking 62nd in the top 100. His inclusion reflects the trust and respect he has earned among Russians, likely due to his philanthropic efforts and successful business ventures, including the Magnit supermarket chain.

The Forbes ranking highlights the public's trust in a mix of media personalities, cultural figures, and business leaders. Former FC Krasnodar players Smolov and Safonov, along with club owner Galitsky, have evidently made a positive impact on Russian society, earning them places among the country's most trusted public figures.

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