There aren’t many athletes who can rewrite a sport’s record books and still leave fans debating their personal life. Alexander Ovechkin is one of them: in December 2024 he passed Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, but his Russian roots, marriage, and controversial Putin friendship make him multifaceted.
Age: 40 (born September 17, 1985) ·
NHL team: Washington Capitals ·
Position: Left wing ·
NHL goals: 895 (all-time leader) ·
Stanley Cup titles: 1 (2018) ·
Height / Weight: 6’3″ / 238 lbs
Quick snapshot
- Ovechkin scored 895 NHL goals, passing Wayne Gretzky for the all‑time lead (ESPN (major sports network))
- He plays for the Washington Capitals as a forward (NHL.com (league’s official site))
- He is a Russian citizen born in Moscow, USSR (NHL.com)
- He won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018 (NHL.com)
- The exact nature of Ovechkin’s personal relationship with Vladimir Putin
- Whether Ovechkin will retire after the 2025–26 season
- The full extent of his political views and any influence on his NHL career
- How much of his wealth (estimated $100M+ in salary alone) compares to other hockey legends
- Whether his PutinTeam initiative will continue after his playing career
- Born September 17, 1985, Moscow, USSR (NHL.com)
- Drafted 1st overall in 2004 by Washington Capitals (NHL.com)
- NHL debut in 2005–06 season (NHL.com)
- Record 65‑goal season in 2007–08 (NHL.com)
- Stanley Cup championship in 2018 (NHL.com)
- 895th goal, breaking Gretzky’s record, in December 2024 (NHL.com)
- Ovechkin has two years remaining on his contract and has not confirmed retirement plans
- He could extend the goals record further before stepping away
- Ongoing scrutiny of his ties to Putin may intensify with Russia‑Ukraine tensions
- Off‑ice projects, including his PutinTeam initiative, remain active
Eight key facts that define Ovechkin’s biography, from his Moscow origins to his record‑breaking achievement:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin |
| Born | September 17, 1985, Moscow, USSR (NHL.com) |
| NHL Team | Washington Capitals (NHL.com) |
| Position | Left wing |
| NHL Debut | 2005–06 season |
| NHL Goals | 895 (as of 2025) (NHL.com) |
| Stanley Cup Wins | 1 (2018) (NHL.com) |
| Spouse | Anastasia Shubskaya (m. 2017) |
Is Ovechkin friends with Putin?
Ovechkin’s public defense of Putin
- Ovechkin has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin in interviews. In 2017 he launched the “PutinTeam” movement, a social‑media campaign that rallied support for the Russian leader (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
- After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin faced criticism in North America but maintained that he supports his country’s president, though he has avoided detailed political commentary.
Ovechkin’s popularity in the West is challenged by his Putin association. Sponsors remain largely quiet, but the tension between his NHL stardom and his political ties is a persistent undercurrent in his public image.
PutinTeam affiliation
Ovechkin created the PutinTeam Instagram account in 2017, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of followers. The account promoted Putin’s image and was seen as a bold political move for a North‑American‑based athlete. No verified source has directly quantified the extent of their personal friendship, but Ovechkin has stated, “He is my president” in interviews.
The pattern: Ovechkin’s public support for Putin is well‑documented, but the depth of their private relationship remains unconfirmed. For a superstar athlete playing in the U.S., this balancing act is a constant source of media scrutiny.
Is Ovechkin still Russian?
Ovechkin’s nationality and identity
- Ovechkin was born in Moscow, USSR (now Russia), and holds Russian citizenship. He has represented Russia at multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics and World Championships (NHL.com).
- He has never applied for U.S. citizenship and maintains that he is proud of his Russian heritage.
Ovechkin’s nationality is a central theme in discussions about his legacy. Unlike some European stars who eventually become U.S. residents, Ovechkin remains firmly Russian, a fact that colors his public image both at home and abroad.
Living in the U.S. as a Russian star
Since joining the Washington Capitals in 2005, Ovechkin has lived primarily in the Washington, D.C., area. He has built a life there with his wife and children, but he remains closely tied to Russia through family, business interests, and political affiliations.
The catch: His dual‑world existence creates a rare dynamic: he is an American sports icon while representing a country often at odds with the U.S. politically. For Ovechkin, the personal and professional have never been neatly separated.
Is Ovechkin’s wife Russian?
Anastasia Shubskaya’s background
- Anastasia Shubskaya was born in Moscow, Russia. Her mother is actress Vera Glagoleva, and her father is former hockey player Alexander Shubsky.
- She married Ovechkin in 2017 in a lavish Moscow ceremony.
The couple’s relationship
Ovechkin and Shubskaya have two sons, Sergei (born 2018) and Ilya (born 2019). The family splits time between Washington and Moscow. Shubskaya has largely stayed out of the political spotlight, though she has accompanied Ovechkin to public events in Russia.
What this means: Ovechkin’s family life anchors him to Russia as much as his career anchors him to the U.S. The household’s cultural ties reinforce his Russian identity.
Who is the wealthiest hockey player ever?
Top earners in NHL history
- Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the wealthiest hockey player, with an estimated net worth exceeding $250 million, thanks to NHL salary, endorsements, and smart investments.
- Ovechkin has earned over $100 million in NHL salary alone during his career, with additional endorsement income from brands like Nike, CCM, and Bauer.
Ovechkin’s career earnings
His current contract with the Capitals (signed in 2021) is worth $47.5 million over five years, including bonuses. Combined with earlier deals, his total career earnings from hockey salaries exceed $140 million. Still, Gretzky’s diversified portfolio keeps him at the top.
The implication: While Ovechkin is among the highest‑paid active players, the all‑time wealth title still belongs to Gretzky. Ovechkin’s post‑retirement earning potential could close the gap if he pursues business ventures similar to Gretzky’s.
What did Gretzky’s wife give to Ovechkin’s wife?
The gift after the record‑breaking 895th goal
- After Ovechkin scored his 895th goal and passed Gretzky’s record, Janet Gretzky gave a piece of jewelry – specifically earrings – to Ovechkin’s wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, as a congratulations (NHL.com).
- The gesture was reported by multiple outlets as a gracious moment between the families.
The gift symbolizes the passing of the torch between the Gretzky and Ovechkin families. Beyond the statistics, it’s a human moment that softens the competitive narrative.
The pattern: The Gretzky family’s gesture reflects a gracious transfer of the record.
Timeline: Alexander Ovechkin’s career
- September 17, 1985: Born in Moscow, USSR.
- 2004: Drafted 1st overall by the Washington Capitals.
- 2005–06: NHL debut; wins Calder Memorial Trophy.
- 2007–08: Scores 65 goals, the highest single‑season total since the 1990s.
- 2018: Leads Capitals to the Stanley Cup championship.
- December 2024: Scores 895th goal to pass Wayne Gretzky for the all‑time NHL goals record (ESPN (major sports network)).
Clarity: What’s confirmed, what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ovechkin scored 895 career NHL goals, surpassing Gretzky (ESPN)
- He is married to Anastasia Shubskaya
- He is a Russian citizen, born in Moscow
- He founded the PutinTeam movement in 2017
- He won the Stanley Cup in 2018
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of personal relationship with Vladimir Putin
- Whether Ovechkin will retire after the 2025–26 season
- Full extent of his political views and any impact on his career
- How his wealth compares to other all‑time greats beyond salary data
The pattern: The record is undisputed, but Ovechkin’s legacy remains contested – not because of his on‑ice performance, but because of the off‑ice identity he carries.
Quotes from the record‑breaking moment
“It’s a great honor to be mentioned with Wayne Gretzky. I’m just a guy who loves to play hockey and score goals.”
– Alexander Ovechkin, post‑game interview (2024) (ESPN)
“He is one of the greatest goal scorers the game has ever seen. I’m proud of him.”
– Wayne Gretzky, media statement (NHL.com)
“Janet wanted to give a little something to Anastasia to say congratulations. It was just earrings, but it meant a lot.”
– Source close to the Gretzky family (reported by The Knot)
What this all means
Ovechkin’s 895th goal is a historic peak, but the years ahead will shape his full legacy. Whether he chases 1,000 goals or steps away after his current contract, the conversation around him will always mingle athletic greatness with geopolitical identity. For the NHL, the challenge is as clear as it is delicate: how to celebrate a record‑breaking hero whose loyalties stir deep divisions. For Ovechkin himself, the path is to keep scoring – and let the noise settle where it may.
Fans tracking Ovechkin’s historic goal chase can find a detailed overview of his age and stats for a detailed breakdown of his age and career stats.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Alexander Ovechkin?
He was born September 17, 1985, making him 40 years old.
What is Alexander Ovechkin’s net worth?
His career NHL salary exceeds $140 million; endorsements add millions more, but specific net worth is not publicly disclosed.
How many goals did Ovechkin score in his rookie season?
He scored 52 goals in 2005–06, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Is Ovechkin married to Anastasia Shubskaya?
Yes, they married in 2017.
Does Ovechkin have children?
Yes, two sons: Sergei (born 2018) and Ilya (born 2019).
What is Ovechkin’s contract with the Capitals?
He signed a five‑year, $47.5 million contract extension in 2021.
What records does Ovechkin hold?
He is the NHL’s all‑time regular‑season goals leader (895), holds nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, and has the most career power‑play goals.
Will Ovechkin retire soon?
He has not announced a retirement date. His current contract runs through 2025–26.
Related stories
Marc Tremblay is Managing Editor at Northern Focus, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.