The key facts

  • Sinan Engin believes Batrakov's early marriage is an advantage for his football career and suggested the player could divorce at 30
  • On November 3, Batrakov scored a brace in Galatasaray's Champions League win over Stuttgart (2-0) and was named man of the match
  • Batrakov moved to Galatasaray from Lokomotiv in August 2026, on a contract until June 30, 2031

Engin: marriage gives Batrakov stability

Former Beşiktaş midfielder Sinan Engin has said that Galatasaray striker Alexey Batrakov's early marriage has a positive effect on his career. Engin's words were reported by the Turkish outlet TV100. 'He will get divorced at 30 — no big deal. Everyone gets divorced. But the guy got married early, and what did he say?

Champions League brace on the eve of the comment

The comment came against the backdrop of Batrakov's standout Champions League performance: on November 3, Galatasaray beat Stuttgart 2-0, with the 21-year-old striker in the starting lineup scoring a brace three minutes apart — in the 12th and 15th minutes. He was substituted in the 77th minute and was later named man of the match. Batrakov himself had previously commented on his brace in that match.

Context: the transfer and the 2026 marriage

Batrakov moved from Moscow's Lokomotiv to Galatasaray in August 2026; the agreement with the Turkish club runs until June 30, 2031. In June 2026, it became known that he had married: the 21-year-old footballer's bride was 30-year-old Irina Podshibyakina, a former footballer. Their relationship became known in 2025, and Podshibyakina herself explained on social media that the nearly ten-year age difference does not bother him, although it does unsettle the public.