From Anti-Aircraft Bunkers to Venice to France: Who Is Sudakov, Ukraine’s Rising Star

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The jewel of Shakhtar has seen his life turned upside down by the war, but now it is in better shape than ever. Here is his story

David Amato

One of the photos that best illustrates the tragedy of the war in Ukraine dates from March last year and depicts a young couple who got married a few weeks ago, braving darkness, cold and fear in a Kiev shelter. Lisa, who is pregnant with a baby girl, is afraid of the sound of bombs in the distance, as she bathes in a winter jacket from Shakhtar Donetsk given to her by her husband, who sits next to her and hugs her.

Which is

His name is Georgy Sudakov, he is an attacking midfielder and is considered by all to be the rising star of Ukrainian football. The Russian invasion did not stop the rise of Shakhtar’s talent. Now the cold nights he spent at the shelter are a distant memory. And last Sunday, thanks to a brace against France U-21s, Sudakov gave an evening of joy to his people, who are still resolute from the year-and-a-half-long struggle. Thus, Ukraine secured a place in the semi-finals of the European category, but also a pass to the 2024 Olympics. And the players celebrated two historic goals at the triple whistle with tears from the players.

road

Born in 2002 and originally from the breakaway Luhansk region, which was unilaterally annexed by Russia, Sudakov began his rise at Metalist Kharkiv, then entered the burgeoning Shakhtar nursery at the age of 17. In no time he made his way into the first team. In 2020, he made his Champions League debut in the historic win over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. He is already in the squad of the Ukrainian national team. And this year, with 5 goals and 8 assists, he was one of the heroes of Shakhtar’s race to win the championship.

agitation

Speaking fondly of one of his former coaches, Fernando Valente, who wept when he saw Sudakov’s picture in the cellar: “He’s the greatest talent I’ve ever coached. He has huge potential. And I wouldn’t be surprised one day if he should play for Barcelona or Manchester City. A family is made, but there A senseless war. I cry and pray for this couple and all the young people who are still in Ukraine.” A year and a half after that photo taken underground, Sudakov He feels like a happy father. He scores, smiles and dreams of winning the European Championship with Ukraine.





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