Valery Anatolyevich Kopytov (Russian: Валерий Анатольевич Копытов; born 29 August 1957) is a Russian former professional footballer who played as a defender. He had a long career spanning the Soviet and Russian football leagues, playing for a number of clubs in top and second-tier divisions.
Kopytov began his professional career in the late 1970s and continued playing until the mid-1990s. He was known for his experience and defensive capabilities.
Club Career:
- Dynamo Kirov: Kopytov started his professional career with Dynamo Kirov, playing for the club from 1977 to 1980.
- FC Kuban Krasnodar: In 1981, he moved to FC Kuban Krasnodar.
- FC Neftchi Baku: He played for FC Neftchi Baku, a club competing in the Soviet Top League, from 1982 to 1983.
- PFC CSKA Moscow: Kopytov joined one of Moscow's prominent clubs, PFC CSKA Moscow, playing for them in 1984 and 1985.
- FC Krasnaya Presnya Moscow: He then had a spell with FC Krasnaya Presnya Moscow from 1986 to 1987.
- FC Dynamo Moscow: In 1988, he played for another major Moscow club, FC Dynamo Moscow.
- FC Fakel Voronezh: He spent several seasons with FC Fakel Voronezh from 1989 to 1991.
- FC Tekstilshchik Kamyshin: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kopytov played in the newly formed Russian leagues. He notably played for FC Tekstilshchik Kamyshin from 1992 to 1993, including appearances in the inaugural Russian Premier League season.
- FC Torpedo Volzhsky: In 1994, he joined FC Torpedo Volzhsky.
- FC Metallurg Lipetsk: Kopytov concluded his professional playing career with FC Metallurg Lipetsk in 1995.