Kyiv Dynamo Clinches Ukrainian Cup Victory
With a win in the Ukrainian Cup, Kyiv Dynamo has matched Donetsk Shakhtar's trophy haul in the post-independence era—both clubs now boast 40 titles. This milestone highlights the enduring rivalry between Ukraine's two most dominant football teams.
Dynamo's collection includes:
- 17 Ukrainian league championships,
- 14 Ukrainian Cup titles, and
- nine Ukrainian Super Cups.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, has secured:
- 16 top-flight league titles (Vyshcha Liha / UPL),
- 15 Ukrainian Cups, and
- nine Ukrainian Super Cups.
Kyiv holds the record for most league gold medals, while Donetsk leads in cup triumphs.
Dynamo's Legacy in the Ukrainian Cup
Dynamo's journey to Ukrainian Cup glory began in 1993, when they first lifted the trophy by beating Lviv's Karpaty 2–1. Since then, the club has made multiple final appearances, winning in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014, and 2015. Their first final loss came in 2002, falling 3–2 to Shakhtar in extra time.
In the 2025–26 season, Dynamo defeated Chernihiv in the Ukrainian Cup final, with midfielder Buyalsky scoring twice and winger Yarmolenko adding a third. Chernihiv became the first First League club to score in a Ukrainian Cup final. Prior to Chernihiv, the only other lower-division finalist was Inhulets from Petrove.
Dynamo also boasts a storied history in Soviet football, having won:
- 13 Soviet league titles,
- nine Soviet Cups, and
- three Soviet Super Cups.
On the European stage, the club has claimed two UEFA Cup Winners' Cups (1975 and 1986) and the UEFA Super Cup in 1975.
These achievements underscore Dynamo Kyiv's consistency and strength in Ukrainian football, reaffirming its status as one of the nation's most successful clubs.
Dynamo's Ukrainian Cup victory not only showcases their sporting excellence but also reflects the ongoing competition between Ukraine's two most decorated clubs, shaping the identity of Ukrainian football. The growing rivalry between Dynamo and Shakhtar fuels interest in the domestic league and drives the development of young talent across the country.
Following their recent triumph in the Ukrainian Cup, Dynamo Kyiv has further solidified its legacy in domestic football. For a detailed account of how they secured this victory against Chernihiv and what it means for their standing in Ukrainian football history, check out this article on Dynamo's remarkable cup journey.