Forgotten Clubs: Anzhi Makhachkala

Anzhi Makhachkala’s story is one of rapid ascent, high-profile signings, and a swift fall from grace.

Founded in 1991, the club, which hails from Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan, experienced a meteoric rise in the early 2010s that captivated the football world. This period of unprecedented investment and ambition saw Anzhi sign some of the biggest names in the sport and compete at the highest levels of European football before financial difficulties led to a dramatic decline.

Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles

Anzhi Makhachkala was established in the twilight years of the Soviet Union. The club spent its early years in the lower tiers of Russian football, making its way through the ranks with a mix of local talent and modest resources. It wasn’t until 1999 that Anzhi earned promotion to the Russian Premier League, marking the beginning of their journey in top-flight football. However, the initial stint in the Premier League was short-lived, as the club was relegated in 2002 and spent the following years oscillating between divisions.

The Era of Suleyman Kerimov

The turning point for Anzhi came in January 2011, when billionaire Suleyman Kerimov acquired the club. Kerimov, a Dagestani native, brought vast financial resources and a vision to transform Anzhi into a Russian and European football powerhouse. His investment strategy was clear: attract top-tier talent and experienced coaches to elevate the club’s status.

Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos was Kerimov’s first major signing. The World Cup-winning left-back joined Anzhi in February 2011, serving as a club player and ambassador. His arrival signalled Anzhi’s serious intentions and brought unprecedented media attention to the club. Carlos’s experience and leadership were invaluable, and his presence on the pitch helped stabilize the team.

In the summer of 2011, Anzhi made another headline-grabbing signing by bringing in Samuel Eto’o from Inter Milan. The Cameroonian striker, known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, was reportedly offered a record-breaking salary, making him the highest-paid player in the world at the time. Eto’o’s arrival was a statement of intent, and he quickly became the face of Anzhi’s ambitious project.

Building a Star-Studded Squad

Under Kerimov’s ownership, Anzhi continued to attract high-profile players. The club signed Yury Zhirkov, a versatile Russian international, and Christopher Samba, a towering defender from Blackburn Rovers. The appointment of Guus Hiddink as head coach in February 2012 added credibility to the project. Hiddink, a respected and experienced manager, was tasked with moulding the star-studded squad into a cohesive and competitive unit.

The 2012-2013 season was the pinnacle of Anzhi’s success. The club finished third in the Russian Premier League, their highest-ever league position, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the following season. Key players like Eto’o, Zhirkov, and Mbark Boussoufa played crucial roles in this achievement, while the team’s defensive solidity, anchored by Samba, provided a strong foundation.

European Adventures

Anzhi’s foray into European competitions added an exciting chapter to their story. The 2012-2013 UEFA Europa League campaign saw the club reach the Round of 16, where Newcastle United narrowly defeated them. The following season, Anzhi went a step further, advancing to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by AZ Alkmaar. These European adventures showcased Anzhi’s growing stature and ambition, with memorable performances against established clubs.

One of the most notable matches during this period was the 2012 Europa League group-stage encounter against Liverpool. Anzhi secured a historic 1-0 victory over the English giants in Makhachkala, with Lacina Traoré scoring the decisive goal. This win highlighted Anzhi’s potential and demonstrated their ability to compete with top European teams.

The Decline and Financial Troubles

Despite the on-field success, Anzhi’s ambitious project was built on shaky financial foundations. In 2013, Kerimov announced significant budget cuts, citing financial sustainability concerns. The club was forced to offload many of its star players, and the high-spending era ended abruptly. Samuel Eto’o, Willian, and other key players were sold, and Guus Hiddink resigned from his managerial role.

The financial restructuring had immediate repercussions. Anzhi’s performance on the pitch suffered, and the club finished the 2013-2014 season at the bottom of the Russian Premier League, resulting in relegation. The dramatic fall from grace starkly contrasted the heady days of European competition and marquee signings.

Rebuilding and Legacy

Following their relegation, Anzhi faced the arduous task of rebuilding. The club returned to the Russian Premier League in 2015 but struggled to regain its former glory. A series of managerial changes and financial challenges continued to plague the club. Despite these difficulties, Anzhi managed to maintain a presence in the top flight for several seasons, though they were no longer the formidable force of the early 2010s.

Anzhi Makhachkala’s legacy is a tale of ambition, fleeting success, and the harsh realities of football economics. The club’s rapid rise and subsequent decline serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreliance on financial backers and the volatility of high-stakes investments in football. Yet, for a brief period, Anzhi captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, demonstrating that with ambition and investment, even the most unlikely clubs can compete on the biggest stages.

This is a part of our forgotten clubs series, focusing on clubs that have gone bankrupt, folded or reformed.