Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (born September 17, 1985, Moscow) is a Russian ice hockey player, left winger and captain of the NHL club Washington Capitals. Stanley Cup champion in 2018. Three-time world champion (2008, 2012, 2014). As of April 16, 2024, he is second on the list of NHL players who have scored 500 or more goals, with 853 goals.

He began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16. In the 2004 draft he was selected by Washington with the first overall pick. He spent 19 seasons with the American club and became captain in 2010. In January 2008 he signed a 13-year, $124 million contract with Washington, becoming the first hockey player to sign a contract worth more than $100 million.

He debuted for the Russian national team at the age of 17, becoming at that time the youngest player in its history. He took part in thirteen World Championships, became a three-time world champion (2008, 2012, 2014), and also played at three Olympic Games (2006, 2010 and 2014).

He debuted in the NHL in the 2005/06 season, receiving the award for best rookie — the Calder Trophy. He won the award for best goalscorer — the Maurice Richard Trophy — nine times, received the most valuable player awards — the Ted Lindsay Award and the Hart Trophy — three times each, and once received the award for best scorer of the season — the Art Ross Trophy. He participated in the NHL All-Star Game eight times. At the end of 2009 he was included among the top 10 NHL players of the decade. In 2017 he was included in the list of the 100 greatest hockey players in NHL history and in the top 25 players in league history according to TSN.