A 25-yard volley against Leicester City on 8 May 2022 marked the first goal scored by Vitaliy Mykolenko for English club Everton. This strike, later recognized as the team's Goal of the Season, highlighted the defensive player's transition from the Ukrainian Premier League to competitive top-flight football in England, where he maintains a multi-year contract.
Early Career at Dynamo Kyiv
Born in Cherkasy on 29 May 1999, Vitaliy Serhiyovych Mykolenko progressed through the Dynamo Kyiv youth sportive school. He moved into the senior squad in August 2017, debuting on 20 August 2017 against Stal Kamianske. During his tenure, he played in the UEFA Europa League, starting in a 2–1 win against Rennes on 25 October 2018. His performance across the 2018–19 season earned him the title of the league's best young player. During his time in Kyiv, he helped the club secure the Ukrainian Premier League title in 2020–21, alongside two Ukrainian Cup wins and three Ukrainian Super Cup victories.
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On 1 January 2022, Mykolenko finalized a move to Everton on a deal running until June 2026. Wearing the number 19 shirt, he integrated into the Premier League squad. Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he captained the side during an FA Cup match against Boreham Wood on 3 March 2022. By 7 March 2025, he reached his 100th Premier League appearance for the club in a match against Brentford. He signed an extension to his contract on 8 June 2026, committing his future to the team until June 2029.
International Representation
Mykolenko debuted for the Ukraine national team on 20 November 2018 in a friendly against Turkey. He represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020, starting four of the five matches played as the team reached the quarter-finals. On 11 June 2022, he recorded his first senior international goal in a 3–0 win against Armenia. He was subsequently called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. While he had been named to the squad for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he was withdrawn shortly after due to an injury.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 May 1999, Cherkasy
- Current Club: Everton
- International Debut: 20 November 2018
- Contract Expiry: June 2029
- Primary Position: Left-back
Questions readers ask
When did Mykolenko debut for the senior Ukraine national team?
He made his first appearance for the senior side on 20 November 2018 in a match against Turkey.
What individual honors did he win in Ukraine?
He was named the best young player of the 2018–19 Ukrainian Premier League and won the Golden talent of Ukraine award in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
