Illia Zabarnyi's Champions League triumph
Illia Zabarnyi has etched his name in history as the fourth Ukrainian footballer to win the UEFA Champions League. In the 2025/26 season final, his team Paris Saint-Germain defeated London's Arsenal in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regular time. PSG prevailed 4-3 from the spot. Zabarnyi entered the pitch during extra time, playing the final 15 minutes, marking his debut in the Champions League knockout stages.
This title is Zabarnyi's first in his debut season with PSG, where he also secured the French league championship. Over the current campaign, he appeared in seven Champions League matches, joining an elite group of Ukrainian players who have achieved success on Europe's biggest stage.
Previous Ukrainian champions
The following Ukrainian footballers had won the Champions League before Zabarnyi:
- Andriy Shevchenko, who lifted the trophy with AC Milan in 2003;
- Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, victorious with Bayern Munich in 2013;
- Andriy Lunin, who became champion with Real Madrid in 2022 and 2024.
It is worth noting that Anatoliy Tymoshchuk was stripped of all Ukrainian state awards, sports titles, and honors due to his collaboration with Russia.
In the same season, Aston Villa won the UEFA Europa League, defeating Freiburg in the final.
Zabarnyi's Champions League victory highlights the growing presence of Ukrainian footballers on the international stage. This success could inspire young players in Ukraine to aim for major achievements at European clubs. As the fourth Ukrainian to claim this prestigious trophy, his accomplishment reflects the development of Ukrainian football amid global competition.
In addition to his Champions League success, Zabarnyi has also made headlines by securing his first Ligue 1 title with PSG this season. This remarkable achievement not only underscores his rapid rise in European football but also showcases the increasing impact of Ukrainian players in top leagues. As he continues to excel, Zabarnyi's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Ukraine.