Rifat Zhemaletdinov was born into an athletic family. Rifat’s father is a professional swimmer. Zhemaletdinov Jr. could have followed the same path but opted out for footfall. Rifat joined Lokomotiv when he was five and has come all the way up starting from the draft by the Academy till the graduation day.

In 2013 Zhemaletdinov’s name was added to Lokomotiv FC junior roster, and he quickly grew to become one of the key players. Rifat made his debut appearance for the main team on February 25th, 2016, while playing against Fenerbahce in the Europa League’s round of 32. The first goal for the main squad – and eventually the first brace - was scored in the match against Mordovia later the same year, in May.

In 2013 Zhemaletdinov won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and scooped up silverware in the Euro U-17 in 2015. In 2016 together with his team he won the Russian Youth League.