Vladimir Borisovich Gabulov (Russian: Владимир Борисович Габулов, IPA: [vlɐˈdʲimɪr bɐˈrʲisəvʲɪdʑ ɡɐˈbuləf]; Ossetian: Гæбулты Борисы фырт Владимир, romanized: Gabulte Boriše fert Vlâdimir; born 19 October 1983) is a former Russian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was part of Russia's Euro 2008, 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup squads as the third choice goalkeeper.
On 2 January 2018, he signed a 1.5-year contract with the Belgian side Club Brugge.[2]
He officially retired as a player on 12 November 2018.[3]
Gabulov made his debut for Russia on 22 August 2007 in a friendly against Poland before being substituted by Anton Shunin at half-time. He made his competitive debut in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia and was sent off in the 69th minute fouling against Goran Maznov. On 17 October 2007, he was chosen to play in a vital must win match against England because Igor Akinfeev was injured and Vyacheslav Malafeev was in poor form. He made several key saves as Russia made a comeback from a goal down to defeat England 2–1. For his performance against England, Gabulov started in Russia's remaining two qualifiers against Israel and Andorra before being chosen as the third choice goalkeeper behind Akinfeev and Malafeev for Russia's Euro 2008 squad.
On 11 May 2018, he was included in Russia's extended 2018 FIFA World Cup squad under the call of fellow Ossetian and coach Stanislav Cherchesov.[4] On 3 June 2018, he was included in the finalized World Cup squad.[5] He remained on the bench in all the games behind Igor Akinfeev.
In the first year after his retirement, from 2018 to 2019, he served as the Minister of Sport in the government of North Ossetia–Alania. In the second half of 2019, he served as the president of Alania Vladikavkaz.
On 18 February 2020, he was appointed chairman of Russian Professional Football League club FC Olimp Khimki.[6] On 28 December 2021, he was hired as a general director of the Russian Premier League club FC Khimki.[7] He left Khimki on 5 May 2022.[8]
His younger brother Georgi Gabulov also plays football professionally.