Aleksei Ivanovich Bugayev (; 25 August 1981 âÂÂà28 December 2024) was a Russian professional footballer who played as a defender.
Bugayev played for Tom Tomsk, Torpedo Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow, Khimki, and Krasnodar.
Bugayev made his debut for the Russia national team in 2004, playing 90 minutes in a friendly match against Austria ending in a goalless draw. He was then included in the squad at the UEFA Euro 2004. He was an unused substitute in the 1âÂÂ0 loss against Spain, but played the full 90 minutes in the 0âÂÂ2 loss to Portugal and in the 2âÂÂ1 win against Greece. He earned three more caps in 2006 World Cup qualification, playing 90 minutes in 4âÂÂ0 wins against both Luxembourg and Estonia and a 1âÂÂ7 loss against Portugal. His last appearance for Russia was in a friendly against Italy in 2005. He retired from his career in 2010.
Bugayev had issues with alcohol addiction throughout his adult life and retired early from playing football at the age of 29. He worked for a recycling business after retirement but turned to crime to pay for his alcohol debts.
On 28 October 2023, Bugayev was arrested in Krasnodar in possession of 495 grams of mephedrone. On 24 September 2024, he pled guilty to drug distribution and was sentenced to 9.5 years of imprisonment. While imprisoned, Bugayev sought to enlist in the military to participate in the war against Ukraine.
On 29 December 2024, Bugayev was reported to have been killed in action the previous day. Due to his death in the war zone, his body could not be immediately recovered.