Overview
Andriy Yarmolenko is a Ukrainian professional footballer who has primarily operated as a forward throughout his career. Born in Kyiv on October 23, 1989, Yarmolenko stands at 1.87 meters, leveraging his physical presence alongside technical ability. He is most recognized for his extensive tenure with Dynamo Kyiv, where he became a prominent figure in Ukrainian football before moving to top European leagues. Yarmolenko has been a cornerstone of the Ukraine national football team for over a decade, representing his country in numerous international competitions.
Position
Andriy Yarmolenko is predominantly deployed as a right-sided forward or a wide attacking midfielder, though he is capable of playing across the front line. His natural inclination is to cut in from the right flank onto his stronger left foot, seeking to shoot or create opportunities for teammates. He has also been utilized as a central striker or on the left wing, demonstrating versatility in various attacking formations.
Identity
Yarmolenko's identity on the pitch is characterized by his blend of physical strength, technical skill, and goalscoring instinct. He is a player who combines traditional winger attributes, such as dribbling and crossing, with the ability to consistently find the back of the net. His career has been marked by significant contributions in key matches for both club and country, often stepping up to deliver decisive moments.
Career path
Andriy Yarmolenko's football journey began in the youth ranks of Desna Chernihiv before he joined the academy of Dynamo Kyiv in 2004. He made his senior debut for Dynamo Kyiv in 2007, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the club. Over his decade-long spell with Dynamo, Yarmolenko became one of the most celebrated players in Ukrainian domestic football.
Dynamo Kyiv (2007–2017)
Yarmolenko's time at Dynamo Kyiv was marked by consistent performance and significant trophy acquisitions. He made his debut on May 11, 2007, and by the 2008–09 season, he was a regular starter. During his tenure, Dynamo Kyiv secured multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles, three Ukrainian Cups, and three Ukrainian Super Cups. He consistently finished as one of the league's top scorers and assist providers, eventually serving as club captain. His final season saw him score 15 goals in 28 league appearances, attracting interest from major European clubs. Information on his transfer history can be found on Transfermarkt.com.
Borussia Dortmund (2017–2018)
In August 2017, Yarmolenko transferred to German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee. He signed a four-year contract. During his single season with the BVB, he made 24 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 3 goals, and also featured in the UEFA Champions League. Despite some notable performances, including a goal against Tottenham Hotspur, his time in Germany was relatively short.
West Ham United (2018–2022)
Following his spell in Germany, Yarmolenko moved to the English Premier League, joining West Ham United in July 2018. He signed a four-year contract with the London club. His time at West Ham was affected by injuries, but he provided moments of quality, particularly in key fixtures. He made 66 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, scoring 8 goals. His contract with West Ham expired in the summer of 2022, leading to his departure.
Al-Ain (2022–2023)
In July 2022, Yarmolenko moved to the UAE Pro League, signing for Al-Ain FC. He spent one season with the club, where he continued to contribute with goals and assists. His experience in the Middle East added another dimension to his diverse club career.
Return to Dynamo Kyiv (2023–2024)
Yarmolenko made a notable return to his former club, Dynamo Kyiv, in the summer of 2023. This move marked a significant homecoming for the veteran player, allowing him to finish a season where his career began, contributing his experience to the squad.
Playing style
Andriy Yarmolenko's playing style is characterized by a blend of technical proficiency, physical attributes, and a keen eye for goal. He primarily operates as an inverted winger on the right flank, allowing him to cut inside onto his dominant left foot to shoot or deliver crosses. His height and strength at 1.87 meters enable him to be effective in aerial duels, particularly when attacking crosses or holding up the ball.
One of Yarmolenko's key attributes is his dribbling ability. He possesses the skill to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, often using close control and changes of pace to create space. According to FBref.com, his career data highlights a consistent output in attacking metrics across various leagues. He exhibits good decision-making in the final third, knowing when to shoot, pass, or carry the ball further.
His shooting technique, especially from outside the box, is another prominent feature of his game. Yarmolenko is known for striking the ball with power and accuracy with his left foot, resulting in numerous impressive long-range goals throughout his career. He is also adept at arriving late into the penalty area to convert cut-backs or capitalize on rebound opportunities.
While primarily an attacking player, Yarmolenko also demonstrates a decent work rate, tracking back to support his full-back when required. His experience allows him to read the game effectively, positioning himself to intercept passes or block passing lanes. In terms of comparable players, his style has drawn comparisons to wide forwards who combine goalscoring prowess with creative play, such as Arjen Robben or Riyad Mahrez, though with a different physical profile and a slightly more direct approach.
Achievements & honours
Andriy Yarmolenko has accumulated several significant honours throughout his career, primarily during his extensive spell with Dynamo Kyiv. His contributions were central to much of their domestic success during the 2010s.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamo Kyiv | Ukrainian Premier League | 2008–09, 2014–15, 2015–16 |
| Dynamo Kyiv | Ukrainian Cup | 2013–14, 2014–15 |
| Dynamo Kyiv | Ukrainian Super Cup | 2009, 2011, 2016 |
Individual Awards
- Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
- Ukrainian Premier League Top Scorer: 2016–17 (15 goals)
Yarmolenko's individual accolades underscore his consistent performance and impact in Ukrainian football. His multiple Ukrainian Footballer of the Year awards highlight his sustained excellence as a dominant attacking force in the league for many seasons.
International career
Andriy Yarmolenko has been a cornerstone of the Ukraine national football team for over a decade, establishing himself as one of the country's most capped players and all-time leading goalscorers. He made his senior international debut for Ukraine in a 5–0 victory over Andorra on September 5, 2009, scoring on his debut. He quickly became an indispensable part of the national squad, earning over 100 caps.
Yarmolenko has represented Ukraine at multiple major international tournaments. He featured prominently in the UEFA European Championship in 2012 (co-hosted by Ukraine), 2016, and 2020 (held in 2021). His performances in these tournaments often saw him as a primary attacking threat, contributing crucial goals and assists.
Notably, at UEFA Euro 2020, Yarmolenko captained the team and played a pivotal role in Ukraine's run to the quarter-finals, their best performance at a European Championship to date. He scored two goals in the group stage, against North Macedonia and the Netherlands, and provided assists. His leadership and experience were vital for the squad.
As of May 2026, Yarmolenko has accumulated 118 caps and scored 46 goals for Ukraine, placing him among the nation's most prolific international players, trailing only Andriy Shevchenko in goalscoring records. His international career is detailed on FIFA.com and UEFA.com, reflecting his dedication and impact on the national team's fortunes over many years.
What makes Andriy Yarmolenko stand out
Andriy Yarmolenko stands out due to his unique combination of physical presence and technical refinement for a wide attacker. His ability to consistently score goals from wide positions, particularly by cutting in from the right wing onto his left foot, has been a hallmark of his career. This signature move often culminates in powerful and accurate shots, making him a perpetual threat in the attacking third. Furthermore, his leadership qualities, particularly as captain of the Ukraine national team, have been crucial in guiding his country through significant international campaigns.
Another distinguishing trait is his longevity and adaptability across different leagues. Despite injuries, Yarmolenko has managed to perform at a high level in Ukraine's Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga, and the English Premier League, demonstrating a capacity to influence games against diverse opponents and defensive styles. He possesses a strong aerial presence for a forward, making him an asset during set-pieces both offensively and defensively.
"Andriy is a very talented player, with a big left foot and the ability to score goals. He's a player who can really make a difference."