Yaroslav Rakytskyy Stunning Fans with Incredible Debut Goal for Chornomorets in the Ukrainian First League
Ukrainian football has recently experienced a heartfelt moment as Odessa’s defender, Yaroslav Rakytskyy, made a remarkable contribution to his team during the second round of the Ukrainian First League.
In an away game against Podillya, the 36-year-old player took a long-range shot that beat the goalkeeper and found its way into the net, earning applause from fans and teammates alike.
This strike marked Rakytskyy’s debut goal for Chornomorets, igniting excitement and pride across the club’s supporters.
The match concluded with a decisive 2-0 victory for Odessa.
Rakytskyy, a native of the renowned Shakhtar club’s youth system, has had a long and distinguished career, beginning in 2006.
Throughout his journey, he has featured prominently for Shakhtar, as well as for Russian club Zenit, from which he had to part following political tensions and career changes.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he left Zenit and played in Turkish leagues before returning to Shakhtar.
Last summer, he officially departed from Shakhtar and in March signed a contract with Chornomorets.
Unfortunately, the team failed to retain its place in the Ukrainian Premier League this season and is set to compete in the First League.
Of particular note is Rakytskyy’s heroism off the field: the former Ukrainian national team player participated in combat against Russian forces, including a recent visit to Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, demonstrating his patriotism and resilience.
His goal and career story remind us that athletic greatness can be intertwined with courage and national service.