The 17-year-old has signed a new deal with the Club that will keep him at Hibs at least until the summer of 2026!
Alongside the nine First Team signings of the summer transfer window so far, Molotnikov’s new deal highlights the Club’s long-term vision and ongoing commitment to providing a pathway and opportunities for our homegrown youth players.
Rudi spent time at Loanhead Miners and Lochend before joining Hibs in 2016 at the age of 10, and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The attack-minded midfielder progressed through the Academy age groups before signing his first professional contract with the Club in summer 2022.
At the age of 15, Rudi played a key role in helping Gareth Evans’ U18s secure the CAS Elite League Title and secure qualification for the UEFA Youth League.
The 2022/23 season was a big one in Molotnikov’s development as he established himself as a key player in the U19s UEFA Youth League squad, the Hibs Development Squad, and represented Scotland U17s at the European Championship Finals in Hungary.
Molotnikov scored the winning goal against FC Nantes in the UEFA Youth League second round in France and featured in all five European games for the Hibernian U19 squad.
On the international stage, Rudi helped Brian McLaughlin’s U17 Scotland Squad qualify for the UEFA EURO U17 Championships before representing the Scots at the Finals in Hungary in May.
Over the summer, Rudi has been heavily involved with Lee Johnson’s First Team squad, travelling to Marbella for our pre-season training camp, impressing in several pre-season friendlies and being named in the matchday squad for our UEFA Conference League Qualifying Second Round tie with Inter Club d’Escaldes.
After agreeing a new three-year deal, Rudi told hibernianfc.co.uk how happy he was to extend his contract.
“I am absolutely delighted to extend my stay at this amazing Club, which I have supported all my life," he said.
“Coming through the Academy and getting my first contract was a big achievement for me and now I have been given another chance to kick on even further.
“It has been amazing to play with the First Team recently and play in front of the fans. Now my focus is on working hard and trying to establish a place in the team going forward.”
Hibernian FC Academy Directory, Gareth Evans, commented:
“Rudi has followed our player pathway all the way through the age groups since U11s so it is fantastic to see him progress all the way up to the First Team and to be given an opportunity.
“He is a great example to the younger players within the Academy as he has shown that if you have the right attitude and if you work hard then you will be given a chance at this Football Club.
“He is a great boy and is a credit to both himself, his family and we are all looking forward to following his progress over the next few years at Hibs.”
Hibernian FC First Team Manager, Lee Johnson added:
“I have been delighted with Rudi’s application and attitude in recent months, as well as his natural ability which has earned him this new contract. He has adapted well to the First Team environment and is a good example of the player pathway we have in place for our young players at Hibs.
“The hard work for Rudi really starts now, but we all believe in him and are rooting for him to do well.”
