One of the rising stars of Russian football, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's talents should be perfectly showcased at UEFA EURO 2008. A skilful left-footed midfielder with natural balance and a potent shot, he is the captain of FC Lokomotiv Moskva at the age of 23.

A product of the Lokomotiv training academy, he became a Russian Premier-Liga regular at 19.

Won domestic championship in debut season (2004), scoring five goals including opener in decisive last-day 2-0 win at FC Shinnik Yaroslavl.

Handed Russia debut (versus Latvia in FIFA World Cup qualifier) in midst of two-legged 2005/06 UEFA Champions League qualifying tie with SK Rapid Wien, which Lokomotiv lost 2-1 on aggregate, later reaching the UEFA Cup Round of 32 instead.

Regular for Guus Hiddink's team in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying campaign, starting ten matches.

Scored first international goal in penultimate qualifier against Israel in Tel Aviv, drawing Russia level at 1-1 before hosts grabbed late winner.

Did you know?
Bilyaletdinov acquired the No63 shirt when he first joined Lokomotiv and has stuck with it to this day.