Ilja Antonov


Ilja Antonov is an Estonian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Estonia national team and FC Ararat-Armenia.

Club career

Puuma

Antonov came through the Puuma youth system. He played for Ararat and Kiviõli Tamme Auto, before making his debut for Puuma's first team in 2010.

Levadia

On 8 March 2012, Antonov signed a two-year contract Meistriliiga with Levadia. He made his debut in the Meistriliiga on 10 March 2012, in a 0–0 draw against Nõmme Kalju. Antonov scored three goals in 33 games as Levadia finished the 2012 season as runners up. He won two consecutive Meistriliiga titles in 2013 and 2014.

SV Horn

On 29 January 2017, Antonov joined Austrian Erste Liga club SV Horn on a contract until 2019. He was released by the club in May 2017, following their relegation in the 2016–17 season.

Rudar Velenje

On 14 July 2017, Antonov signed a two-year contract with PrvaLiga club Rudar Velenje. He made his debut in the PrvaLiga on 22 July 2017, in a 3–1 home victory over Ankaran Hrvatini.

Hermannstadt

On 21 June 2018, Antonov signed for Liga I club Hermannstadt on a two-year deal.

Ararat-Armenia

On 24 June 2019, Antonov signed for Ararat-Armenia. On July 14 2020 Antonov won the league title with Ararat-Armenia, becoming the first Estonian to win the Armenian league.

International career

Antonov began his youth career in 2012 with the Estonia under-21 team, making 15 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
On 1 November 2012, Antonov was called up by Tarmo Rüütli for a friendly against Oman on 8 November 2012, and made his senior international debut for Estonia in the 2–1 away victory. He scored his first goal for Estonia on 17 November 2015, in a 3–0 friendly victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis.

International goals

No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
117 November 2015A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia211–03–0Friendly
210 October 2017A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia351–11–22018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Club

;Levadia
;Ararat-Armenia