Alex Ovechkin competed for a Cup once again.
No, not the Stanley Cup (although he will be doing that next season after deciding against retirement). Over the weekend, he competed in the Street Cup, a Russian street soccer tournament.
Ovechkin took the field as a “Player of Planet Earth,” complete with an in-theme jersey (pre-autographed) and a soccer ball colored to resemble the Earth in the top left. He received a warm welcome from his teammates and opponents, high-fiving his way down a line of nearly 30 players and refs.
He confirmed with Okko Sport that he would be playing forward, likely hoping his goal-scoring ability would transfer from stick to kick. And, of course, he sported the number 8.
By all public reporting we sifted through, Ovechkin didn’t find the scoresheet, but he did unleash a blast with his left foot from what could be considered his usual “left circle” spot on the field. The powerful punt left the defender who blocked it limping, like a typical NHL penalty killer who gets in front of his one-timer.
As part of the event, Ovechkin also signed autographs for a seemingly never-ending line of fans.
The Street Cup is not the first time Ovi has played organized soccer in Russia. He signed a one-day contract with Dynamo Moscow in 2022 and played in one friendly game, in which he scored a goal and sent an opposing player flying with a body check.
Soccer skills are likely in his blood, as his late father, Mikhail, played professionally for Dynamo.
Like most of the world’s population, Ovechkin has had a very soccer-focused summer, weighing in on the World Cup a few times. He put his money on Brazil or Spain ahead of the tournament, also mentioning France as one of the best contenders, and voiced some support for the US’s odds before their disastrous showing in the round of 16. With the last four teams standing (Spain, France, Argentina, and England), Ovi still has hope for his prediction to pan out.
Ovechkin also often plays soccer over the summer, along with beach volleyball, to stay in shape. With his 22nd NHL season approaching, he is clearly remaining active to prepare and keeps searching for new nets to find the back of.
