Serhiy Kryvtsov Announces Retirement
Former Ukraine national team defender Serhiy Kryvtsov has ended his professional playing career and launched the agency Vector Sports Management. Kryvtsov, a native of Zaporizhzhia and a product of the Metalurh academy, made significant contributions to Ukrainian football throughout his career. His final club was the American side Inter Miami, where he played alongside global superstar Lionel Messi. This move from the pitch to the front office is a common path for experienced players looking to shape the next generation of talent.
Career and Achievements
Kryvtsov made his senior debut for Metalurh's reserve team in the 2006/07 Second League season, breaking into the first team the following campaign. In the summer of 2010, he transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk, where he spent the next twelve and a half years. During his tenure at Shakhtar, Kryvtsov secured an impressive haul of domestic honors:
- 9 Premier League titles
- 7 Ukrainian Cups
- 6 Ukrainian Super Cups
Ahead of the 2023 season, he signed with Inter Miami, playing there for two years. With that club, Kryvtsov won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the MLS Supporters' Shield for the regular season in 2024.
Serhiy Kryvtsov also boasts extensive experience with Ukraine's youth national teams. He played 26 matches (scoring 2 goals) for the U-17s and 6 games for the U-18s. His greatest youth success came with the Ukraine U-19 team, triumphing at the home European Championship in 2009, where he played every minute of all 5 matches. He made his senior national team debut in September 2011, earning 34 caps and participating in UEFA Euro 2020, where he featured in two matches.
Serhiy Kryvtsov: 'Yes. You could say that from today, with the launch of our agency, Serhiy Kryvtsov is no longer a professional footballer.'
Thus, Kryvtsov moves to a new chapter in his life, leaving his playing days behind him.
Kryvtsov's retirement marks a notable moment for Ukrainian football, as he was part of a generation of players who gained international recognition. His decision to found an agency signals his intent to remain actively involved in the sport, now from the perspective of management and developing young talent. This step could prove significant in nurturing future stars for Ukrainian sport.