{"id":761909,"date":"2026-07-14T07:09:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:09:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/761909\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T07:09:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:09:12","slug":"alex-ovechkin-plays-soccer-again-at-russias-street-cup-drills-opponent-with-powerful-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/761909\/","title":{"rendered":"Alex Ovechkin plays soccer again at Russia\u2019s Street Cup, drills opponent with powerful shot"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alex Ovechkin<\/a> competed for a Cup once again.<\/p>\n

No, not the Stanley Cup (although he will be doing that next season after deciding against retirement<\/a>). Over the weekend, he competed in the Street Cup, a Russian street soccer tournament.<\/p>\n

Ovechkin took the field as a \u201cPlayer of Planet Earth,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

By all public reporting we sifted through, Ovechkin didn\u2019t find the scoresheet, but he did unleash a blast with his left foot from what could be considered his usual \u201cleft circle\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

As part of the event, Ovechkin also signed autographs for a seemingly never-ending line of fans.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> and played in one friendly game, in which he scored a goal<\/a> and sent an opposing player flying with a body check.<\/p>\n

Soccer skills are likely in his blood, as his late father, Mikhail, played professionally for Dynamo.<\/p>\n

Like most of the world\u2019s 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<\/a>, and voiced some support for the US\u2019s odds<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Ovechkin also often plays soccer over the summer, along with beach volleyball<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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