Matviy Ponomarenko and Dynamo Kyiv's Achievements
Matviy Ponomarenko, the forward for Dynamo Kyiv, has emerged as the Ukrainian Premier League's leading goal scorer for the 2025/26 season, netting 13 times in 15 appearances. This accomplishment was fueled by an exceptional second half of the campaign, where he showcased top-tier form. During the first half of the season, he played 4 matches and scored just 1 goal, which did not prevent him from eventually claiming the top scorer honor.
Other notable goal scorers this season include Pylyp Budkivskyi and Andriy Storchous, each with 12 goals. Gleiker Mendoza scored 11 goals, while Prosper Obah and Peter Itodo finished with 10 goals apiece. Mendoza also led the league in assists with 9. Dynamo forwards have now claimed the top scorer award for three consecutive seasons, marking the club's ninth such achievement in its history.
LNZ's Silver Medal Feat and the Ukrainian Cup
A significant milestone for Cherkasy-based LNZ was earning the Premier League silver medals. In the final round, LNZ defeated Kyiv's Obolon, securing their spot on the podium. Meanwhile, Dynamo celebrated success by overcoming Chernihiv in the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final. Midfielder Buyalskyi scored a brace for Dynamo, while winger Yarmolenko added the third goal.
The UPL top scorers list for the 2025/26 season is as follows:
- Matviy Ponomarenko (Dynamo) – 13 goals
- Pylyp Budkivskyi (Zorya) – 12
- Andriy Storchous (Kudrivka) – 12
- Gleiker Mendoza (Kryvbas) – 11
- Prosper Obah (LNZ/Shakhtar) – 10
- Peter Itodo (Metalist 1925) – 10
It is also worth noting the historical list of top scorers in the Vyshcha Liha/UPL since 1992. Notable names include Yuriy Hudymenko, who won the first scoring race, as well as Serhiy Husyev, Timerlan Huseynov, Oleh Matveyev, Serhiy Rebrov, Andriy Shevchenko, and many others who left their mark on Ukrainian football history.
This season proved successful for Dynamo, which continues its winning traditions, as well as for Cherkasy's LNZ, which confirmed its potential in domestic football.
By securing the Ukrainian Cup, Dynamo reinforced its dominance on the domestic stage, while Ponomarenko's achievement highlights his rise as one of Ukrainian football's leading players. LNZ, with its silver medals, has emerged as a serious challenger to the traditional giants, signaling the growing competitiveness and development of the Ukrainian Premier League as a whole.
In addition to Ponomarenko's remarkable achievement, Dynamo Kyiv concluded the season with a thrilling victory over Kudrivka, securing a fourth-place finish in the league. This match not only highlighted the team's resilience but also set the stage for an exciting future. For more details on how Dynamo performed in their last game of the season, check out this article on their final match results and overall standings.