Panov was a lightweight and quick striker, nicknamed "Kolpino rocket" for his speed. Among his moments of glory are two goals in the 1999 final of the
Russian Cup, when he helped Zenit to a victory, and a double against
France at the
Stade de France on 5 June 1999 in a 3–2 win. After a season with the farm club of
Zenit Saint Petersburg Panov debuted for the first team in 1994. Panov spent a year in
Vologda and another one with Shanghai
Baosteel team in Shanghai. In 1997 Panov returned to Zenit and become a first team regular, earning a national team call a year later. In mid-2000, Panov transferred to
AS Saint-Étienne but was seriously injured soon after that. He returned to Russia after failing to become a regular in Saint-Étienne or
FC Lausanne-Sport (loan) and played for
Dynamo Moscow,
Dynamo Saint Petersburg, and
Torpedo Moscow. In 2006, he returned to Zenit again and he retired after a last season at Torpedo Moscow in 2010. ==International goals==