Elina Svitolina Takes On Role as FC Kharkiv Ambassador
Elina Svitolina, Ukraine’s number-one-ranked tennis player and a globally recognized athlete, has been appointed as the official ambassador for FC Kharkiv—a club formerly known as Metalist 1925. Alongside this announcement, the team has unveiled a fresh identity featuring crimson-and-gold team colors and a redesigned logo. Mladen Bartulovic has also been named as the club’s new head coach. The club’s origins trace back to 2016, emerging from the remnants of Kharkiv’s original Metalist team, with the number 1925 in its former name referencing the founding year of that earlier club.
FC Kharkiv’s press office shared the following statement on Svitolina’s appointment: 'Kharkiv brings together the best! We are thrilled to announce that Ukraine’s top-ranked female tennis player and one of the world’s finest—Elina Svitolina—is joining the crimson-and-gold family of Kharkiv. As of today, Elina Svitolina is an ambassador for FC Kharkiv. She needs no introduction, as her achievements on the court are renowned worldwide. For her, Kharkiv is not just a city but a part of her soul, because it is where the foundation for her future victories was laid.'
Team Plans for the Upcoming Season
The squad is set to return from break on June 20, with medical checkups scheduled for June 21. A training camp in Austria will run from June 28 to July 10, during which seven friendly matches are planned. In the previous season, FC Kharkiv finished 5th in the Ukrainian championship and advanced to the semifinals of the Ukrainian Cup, where they were defeated by Chernihiv.
Additionally, the club’s new mascot is expected to be a mammoth. These developments signal the organization’s active push to grow and promote football in the region.
Svitolina’s appointment as club ambassador represents a significant step in raising FC Kharkiv’s profile. Her international fame has the potential to draw in new fans and sponsors. The updated colors and logo reflect the club’s effort to revive its legacy while forging a modern image—a move that could positively impact future league performance. Last season’s achievements also highlight the team’s potential for growth, which may be further bolstered by these new initiatives and structural changes.
As FC Kharkiv embraces its new identity, the club's transformation is not just limited to its name and branding. The recent changes symbolize a fresh start and ambition for the upcoming season, which includes a roster of exciting plans. To understand the significance of this rebranding and how it aligns with the club's history, you can explore more about the club's evolution here.