Yevhen Seleznyov professional football career began in 2002 after his training in the Shakhtar Donetsk and Shakhtar Makiivka academies. Born in Makiivka in 1985, he developed into a consistent goal-scorer across multiple European leagues, earning over 50 international caps for Ukraine while securing several major titles, including the 2009 UEFA Cup during his tenure with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Early Career and Shakhtar Development
Seleznyov entered professional football in 2002. He initially struggled to establish a place in the Shakhtar Donetsk first team, spending time with the club's second and third squads. A significant breakthrough occurred during a 2007 loan spell at Arsenal Kyiv, where he netted 17 goals in 24 matches. Upon returning to Donetsk, he made a notable impact by scoring in a Champions League victory over FC Basel and providing the opening goal in a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur during the successful 2009 UEFA Cup campaign.
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In July 2009, he transferred to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk for 4.5 million Euros. He quickly became a reliable target man, finishing the 2010-11 season as the Ukrainian Premier League's top scorer with 17 goals. He returned to Shakhtar in 2011 for an estimated 5 million Euros, securing a domestic double that season and again claiming the top scorer title. His second stint at Dnipro saw him play a central role in the 2015 Europa League run, scoring crucial goals against Napoli to lead the team to their first European final.
International and Late Career Stints
Seleznyov debuted for the Ukraine national team in May 2008 against the Netherlands. He represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012, held on home soil. Throughout his international tenure, he scored 11 goals, including a two-goal performance against San Marino during 2014 World Cup qualification. His later career involved spells in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar, a return to Shakhtar, and moves to the Turkish Super League, where he secured a 2017-18 Turkish Cup title with Akhisar Belediyespor.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 July 1985, Makiivka
- Primary Position: Forward
- International Caps: Over 50
- International Goals: 11
- Major Trophy: UEFA Cup (2009)
- Domestic Honors: Ukrainian Premier League (2011-12)
- Awards: Order for Courage 3rd Class of Ukraine
- Languages: Ukrainian
Questions readers ask
How many times did Seleznyov play for Shakhtar Donetsk?
He had three separate spells at Shakhtar Donetsk during his professional career.
What major individual honors did he achieve in Ukraine?
He was the Ukrainian Premier League top scorer in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
