Andriy Yarmolenko established his professional reputation after debuting for Dynamo Kyiv in May 2008, where he netted the winning goal against Vorskla Poltava. Born in Saint Petersburg in 1989 to Ukrainian parents, he relocated to Chernihiv during his childhood, eventually rising to become a central figure in international football as captain of the Ukraine national team.
Early Development in Chernihiv
Yarmolenko began playing football as a young child in Chernihiv, often using improvised balls due to financial constraints. He trained at the Yunist Youth Sports School under coach Mykola Lypoviy. His development included short stints at several local clubs, such as Desna Chernihiv and Lokomotyv Kyiv, before he earned a professional contract with Desna Chernihiv in 2006. During the 2006–07 season, he recorded four goals in nine league appearances.
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In 2007, he moved to Dynamo Kyiv on a five-year contract. Initially assigned to the secondary team, he quickly transitioned to the senior squad. His speed and physical profile led observers to compare him to Andriy Shevchenko. His tenure at the club included notable physical confrontations, including an altercation with Taras Stepanenko in 2016. After spending years at the club, he eventually secured a return to Dynamo in 2023, signing a multi-year deal that was later extended in 2025 and 2026.
International and European Tenures
Yarmolenko made his senior international debut for Ukraine in 2009, scoring against Andorra. He holds the record for the fastest goal by a Ukrainian player, scored 14 seconds into a 2011 friendly against Uruguay. During his time in England, he dealt with significant injuries, including an Achilles tear in 2018 and an adductor issue in 2019.
Late Career Transitions
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Yarmolenko took a leave of absence before returning to score critical goals for West Ham, including a winner against Sevilla that helped the club reach the European quarter-finals. After his contract expired in June 2022, he moved to Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates on a one-year agreement. He subsequently re-joined Dynamo Kyiv in 2023 to continue his professional playing career.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Saint Petersburg
- International debut: 5 September 2009
- International goals: 47
- International appearances: 126
- Fastest national goal: 14 seconds
- Professional position: Winger or forward
- Citizenship: Ukraine
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Andriy Yarmolenko represented?
He has played for Yunist Chernihiv, Desna Chernihiv, Lokomotyv Kyiv, Vidradnyi Kyiv, Dynamo Kyiv, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham United, and Al-Ain.
Does Yarmolenko still play football?
Yes, he is active and currently playing for Dynamo Kyiv, with his contract extended through recent agreements in 2025 and 2026.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
