Ilya Zabarnyi Comments on PSG's Victory
Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi has shared his thoughts on Paris Saint-Germain's recent Ligue 1 win against Le Havre. The national team player emphasized the crucial nature of securing all three points from a tough fixture, stating:
'It was a difficult match. They played well, which we expected. It's never easy here, but we secured three extremely important points for ourselves. Criticism is part of football. I always maintain my focus and demonstrate my own capabilities. It was a good match, and we need to continue in the same vein.' Ilya Zabarnyi
Despite securing a starting role since mid-February, Zabarnyi missed three consecutive matches across all competitions in late January. In the Champions League, he remains on the bench as manager Luis Enrique prefers the central defensive pairing of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Zabarnyi has already made 6 appearances in the Champions League during the 2025/26 campaign. His situation highlights the intense competition for places at a top European club.
Other Ukrainian Footballers and Their Achievements
Other notable Ukrainian players include goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, whose market value has soared to nearly €40 million after Benfica paid €10 million for him. In other news, former PSG forward Lionel Messi has drawn level with Pelé in goals scored directly from free-kicks. The world record holder for free-kick goals remains Juninho Pernambucano. The rising profile of Ukrainian talent is gaining significant attention in the global transfer market.
PSG's victory represents a vital step in their pursuit of the Ligue 1 title, particularly in an unusually competitive season. Zabarnyi, a key defensive asset, continues to prove his value to the club despite challenges in securing playing time in Europe's premier club competition. The increasing market valuation of Ukrainian footballers underscores a growing international interest that could positively shape their future careers.