Born in Stavropol (Russia) on February 25, 1999, Matvey Safonov, 25 years old, came through the youth ranks of FC Krasnodar, in southern Russia. The goalkeeper climbed the club’s development ladder, including a spell with the reserve team (Krasnodar 2), before making his Premier League debut against Amkar Perm in August 2017. During the 2018–2019 season, the 1.92m-tall keeper appeared 21 times for the Byki (The Bulls) first team, including 5 matches in the Europa League.
During the 2018–2019 season, the 1.92m-tall keeper appeared 21 times for the Byki (The Bulls) first team, including 5 matches in the Europa League.
Safonov continued to rise in 2019–2020, making 33 appearances across all competitions. The following season, he made his UEFA Champions League debut in a particularly tough group featuring Chelsea, Sevilla FC, and Stade Rennais. He delivered a standout performance against the French side, helping his team leave Roazhon Park with a 1–1 draw.
