Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship to the players of the team of Sergei Semak, TASS reports.
A little earlier, the general director of Zenit, Alexander Medvedev, made it clear that the Brazilians could soon become citizens of Russia.
However, in order for Malcolm and Claudinho to be able to play for the national team, a certain amount of time must pass.
Also, due to the impossibility of a quick change of football citizenship, both players will not cease to be considered legionnaires in the Russian Premier League.
25-year-old Malcom has been playing for Zenit since 2019, 26-year-old Claudinho since 2021.
The Brazilians extended their contracts with the Russian club in the summer until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Earlier it was reported that Zenit issued the necessary documents for Malcolm and Claudinho to obtain Russian citizenship.