Yuri Valentinovich Zhirkov (born 20 August 1983 in Tambov) is a Russian football defender/midfielder who currently plays for Chelsea and the Russian national team. He can play anywhere on the left flank. He is renowned for his pace, technique and excellent crosses.

On 6 July 2009, Zhirkov joined Chelsea on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £18m, exceeding the £15 million that Arsenal paid for Andrei Arshavin in January 2009, thus making Zhirkov the most expensive Russian football player of all time. He scored on his debut, in a friendly against AC Milan, that ended as the winning goal. After a knee injury in pre-season, Zhirkov missed out on the chance to get a winners medal within a month of joining the Blues when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the 2009 Community Shield. After regaining fitness from a knee injury, he made his competitive debut at left back against Queens Park Rangers in a Carling Cup tie on September 23. He made his Champions League debut for Chelsea on November, 25 against F.C. Porto playing as left back and made his Premier League début against West Ham United on 20 December 2009.