Full name Ilya Yuryevich Leonov Playing position Apps (Gls) | Years Team Height 1.76 m | |
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Date of birth (1979-12-21)21 December 1979 | ||
Ilya Yuryevich Leonov (Russian: Илья Юрьевич Леонов; born 21 December 1979 in Moscow) is a Russian beach soccer and former futsal player currently active as defender. Leonov currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, which he also coaches. He is Merited Master of Sports of Russia.
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Career
Leonov made his first steps into football in the school "Timiryazevets". He debuted in professional sports for Sportakademklub Moscow. After three seasons, Leonov decided to switch to futsal by debuting for Poligran Moscow. Following two seasons in the premier league, that club gained entry to the highest national futsal league. The 2002/03 season was the last one for Poligran, after which it was abolished. Leonov went to the Leman-Payp Moscow, then he played for Yakutian Almaz-Alrosa. In the second-highest division from 2009 to 2010 he and his team won the trophy.
In 2005, Leonov discovered beach soccer. Between futsal seasons he participated on beach soccer tournaments. He quickly debuted for the national beach soccer team and considerably helped his team to progress. In 2009 and 2011 the Russians won the superfinal of the Euro Beach Soccer League, and soon won their first championship title. Leonov as captain received the Golden Ball award.
On 21 December 2012, Leonov was named Merited Master of Sports by the order of the Sports Minister.
Achievements
Some of Leonov's notable achievements: