PSG athlete and Ukrainian banner-holder, Ilia Zabarnyi, pondered a return to combat
Illia Zabarnyi, the defender for Bournemouth and former Paris Saint-Germain player, is set to reunite with some of his PSG teammates in a crucial qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. However, the upcoming game, scheduled for 20:45 on Friday, is more than just a football match for Zabarnyi.
Eight years ago, during the annexation of Crimea, Zabarnyi, who was a defender for Dynamo Kiev, was old enough to understand the implications of the war. Since then, he has been deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In February 2022, Zabarnyi lived through "hot weeks" in Kiev as the war between Russia and Ukraine escalated. His worry for his country and his active involvement in fighting against the war are well-known. Despite maintaining a certain discretion about the war since his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, Zabarnyi has spoken openly about his civic position regarding the ongoing conflict.
Zabarnyi's Instagram account, frequently highlighted by the Ukrainian Federation, is a testament to his strong patriotism towards Ukraine. Two tabs on his account focus on "War" and "My Love". The former contains photos and articles about the war with Russia, while the latter is a compilation of photos with his wife, Angelina Zabarnaya.
Upon his arrival at Bournemouth in January 2023, Zabarnyi faced a difficult transition, exacerbated by an ankle injury upon arrival. However, his commitment to his country remains unwavering. In March 2024, he expressed that he had come to understand the situation and considered going back to fight. Zabarnyi considers the Russians as aggressors trying to destroy the freedom and independence of Ukraine.
In Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Zabarnyi's commitment to his country will be total. Despite the war being a topic rarely discussed in the Paris Saint-Germain dressing room or training camp, Zabarnyi supports the total isolation of Russian football on a global scale due to the ongoing war.
As the match against France approaches, Zabarnyi's focus is on the pitch. His dedication to the team is as strong as his commitment to his country. The defender joined Paris Saint-Germain as a newcomer and has since made a significant impact. His performance in the upcoming qualifying match is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Thiago Pinto, Director of Football Operations at Bournemouth, has noted Zabarnyi's worry about his country and his active involvement in fighting against the war. It's clear that for Zabarnyi, football is more than just a game. It's a platform to express his patriotism and support for Ukraine.
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