Pavel Pogrebnyak, once living a charmed life both on and off the field, finds his dream life unraveling as he turns 41.
Known for his record-breaking start in the Premier League with Fulham, Pogrebnyak’s career highlights include a remarkable debut. He scored five goals in his first three Premier League games, a record that even the prolific Erling Haaland hasn’t matched. Though he seemed destined for a stellar English career, Pogrebnyak’s time in the league didn’t last long, as he managed only six more goals before leaving Fulham for Reading.
Starting his career strong with Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg and then VfB Stuttgart in Germany, Pogrebnyak’s English journey might have faltered, but his personal life was, at the time, going splendidly. He married Maria, a stunning Russian millionaire, whom he had known since they were children. The couple’s love story started at age 17 and blossomed into marriage, giving Pogrebnyak a comfortable life and a sense of stability off the pitch.
The two made a name for themselves in 2013 with the reality documentary Meet the Russians, which focused on the lives of wealthy Russians in London. Though Pavel was featured, he admitted the show was mainly about Maria, saying he was just a “bit-part” in the story. Reflecting on the experience, he saw it as a fun opportunity, remarking that many retired players had ventured into TV, and he thought it could be interesting.
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However, not all was picture-perfect behind the scenes. Rumors of a split began circulating a few years after the show, though Maria was quick to squash them. She spoke out, clarifying that they were still together and expressing her frustration at the gossip about her personal life. “We don’t have a scandal,” she said, assuring the public they still lived together. Despite the public interest, she emphasized that their relationship was private.
Maria defended her personal choices in response to critics who claimed she hadn’t “lived life” fully. She shared how she had followed her grandmother’s advice about staying loyal and not “jumping from one man to another.” While many might have doubted her lifestyle, she felt she’d chosen the right path and had no regrets about her devotion to her husband.
But by September 2023, their relationship had officially come to an end. After eight years of marriage, Pavel and Maria finalized their divorce in Moscow. Maria took on the primary role in raising their children, who now live with her, and the court ruled that the couple would not be sharing property.
For Pogrebnyak, the end of his marriage brings a bittersweet close to an era where, despite his ups and downs in football, he had a strong family life. Now, he finds himself at a new crossroad, with his football legacy intact but his personal life forever altered. Although he still holds the remarkable record for the best goal-scoring debut, life has shown him that some things can’t be preserved quite so easily.
As he reflects on his career and life choices, Pogrebnyak’s story is a reminder that even in sports, where fame and records can define a player’s legacy, personal challenges can prove to be the toughest competition of all.