Footballer and Father Amidst Air Strikes and Explosions
Georgi Sudakov: A Talented Footballer Navigating Life Amidst War
Georgi Sudakov, a 21-year-old Ukrainian footballer, has had to mature quickly as a young father amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. For the past two years, Russian tanks and troops have crossed Ukrainian borders, leaving Sudakov and his family in constant fear. Even as one of Ukraine’s most promising footballers, Sudakov cannot escape the reality of the war. He recalls having to hide in a makeshift bomb shelter with his pregnant wife during air strikes on Kyiv. Their daughter, Milana, is now approaching her second birthday, but the attacks continue to disrupt their lives.
The Harsh Realities of War: A Footballer’s Perspective
Sudakov, who often travels with Shakhtar Donetsk, finds it challenging to escape the conflict even when he is on the road with his team. The situation is equally difficult for his teammates. In fact, Shakhtar Donetsk’s under-19s goalkeeper, Volodymyr Seheda, put his football career on hold to join the Ukrainian army. Sudakov speaks frequently with friends and family about the ongoing war and follows the news closely. However, he finds solace and distraction in his profession. When he steps onto the pitch, he can momentarily forget about his problems and focus solely on football.
Fatherhood: A Game-Changer for Georgi Sudakov
Amidst the backdrop of war and the pressures of a burgeoning football career, becoming a father has been the most significant change in Sudakov’s life. He describes the emotions and experiences of being a father as indescribable and unparalleled compared to anything else in football or beyond. Sudakov’s daughter has brought immeasurable joy and meaning to their lives, becoming their strongest motivation and source of support.
Sudakov’s Football Journey: Offers and Ambitions
Sudakov’s talent on the field has not gone unnoticed. During the January transfer window, he received offers from top clubs such as Juventus and Napoli. However, he ultimately decided to renew his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk, with a reported release clause of 150 million euros. Sudakov sought advice from friends and fellow footballers who play in other leagues, such as Mykhailo Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Anatoliy Trubin. They all emphasized the difference in level between Ukrainian football and the top five leagues. Sudakov remains content at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he believes the team is forming a strong unit aiming for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Sudakov’s Potential: A Coach’s Perspective
According to Sudakov’s former youth team coach, Fernando Valente, Sudakov has the potential to play for top clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, or Manchester City. Although Sudakov grew up with a Manchester United kit and idolized Luka Modric, he prefers to leave any comparisons to others. He describes himself as a comfortable player with the ball, preferring attacking football. However, Sudakov acknowledges the importance of developing other aspects of his game, such as defensive skills and positional play.
Challenges and Achievements on the Field
Sudakov played a crucial role in Shakhtar Donetsk’s victory in the Ukrainian title last season, which was completed behind closed doors due to the pandemic. He also featured prominently in Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign this season, scoring against Barcelona. Despite their success in Europe, the team faces numerous challenges, including extensive travel by bus due to Ukraine’s closed airports. Sudakov’s recent penalty goal was not enough to secure a victory against Marseille in the Europa League play-offs, ending their European ambitions for this season.
Exciting Prospects for the Ukrainian National Team
While Sudakov’s European journey may have come to an end, he and his teammates have an exciting summer ahead. Ukraine will compete in the Olympic Games for the first time, representing their country with pride and responsibility. Additionally, they are still in the running for a place at Euro 2024, with qualification play-offs scheduled for March. Sudakov considers playing for the national team as a way to bring joy and relief to the people amidst the difficult situation in their country.
Conclusion
Georgi Sudakov’s journey as a footballer has been shaped by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the challenges and dangers he faces, Sudakov remains focused on his football career while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood. His talent on the field has attracted attention from top clubs, but he remains content at Shakhtar Donetsk for now. As he continues to develop as a player, Sudakov looks forward to representing his country at the Olympics and potentially qualifying for Euro 2024. Through his performances and dedication to football, Sudakov aims to bring joy and pride to the Ukrainian people during these trying times.