21-year-old Russian soccer star Aleksey Batrakov is tearing up the Champions League for Galatasaray. Turkish fans are even serenading him with ‘Kalinka.’

Russian soccer sensation Aleksey Batrakov, just 21 years old, has been making waves in Europe with his impressive performances for Galatasaray. The talented midfielder moved from Lokomotiv to the Turkish club at the end of the summer, and fans have been quick to rally behind him, chanting his name and even serenading him with "Kalinka."

Batrakov's prowess on the field is evident as he has scored four goals in four Champions League appearances, matching the feat of Galatasaray legend Andrey Arshavin, who achieved the same milestone over his entire career in European competitions. The Russian player has not only become the club's youngest scorer to achieve this feat but has also set records for scoring in the opening 15 minutes of a match and for being the first midfielder to score in three consecutive Champions League games for Galatasaray.

Batrakov's impact extends beyond the Champions League to the Turkish Süper Lig, where he has already made nine appearances, contributing two goals and three assists. His versatility is also on display, as he has taken on the duties of free kicks and corners, roles typically reserved for the top attacking players on the team. Despite the competitive squad Galatasaray boasts, including stars like Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Victor Osimhen, and Rafael Leão, Batrakov's rapid rise to prominence has captured the attention of fans and experts alike.

His transfer from Lokomotiv to Galatasaray, which was nearly derailed by the club's financial troubles and a dispute over the purchase price, required a final push from Batrakov himself to secure the deal. The Russian player had to agree to an increase in the release clause, reflecting the club's confidence in his potential.

Today, Batrakov is not only a celebrated figure in Galatasaray but also a phenomenon on social media, where AI-generated memes and fan fiction have become commonplace. His arrival in Turkey has generated a significant amount of buzz, with the club's president and head coach personally welcoming him, and his first game in the Turkish Süper Lig being marked by his contributions and a gesture of goodwill towards hospitalized children.

Batrakov's story exemplifies how a young talent from Russia can make an indelible mark on the European soccer scene, transcending borders and proving that his star is indeed on the rise.