Born on 1 September 2002, Illia Zabarnyi came through the academy at his hometown club, Dynamo Kyiv, where he made his professional debut in 2020. He played in the UEFA Champions League in his first season and impressed in Ukraine despite his young age. Identified by several European leagues, he joined Bournemouth in 2023. He played a major role in the Cherries’ historic 2024-2025 season, when they finished ninth in the Premier League.
The strong centre-back, excellent in build-up play, signed for Paris Saint-Germain in August 2025 and became the first Ukrainian player to wear the Rouge et Bleu shirt. He made 37 appearances during his first season and won four trophies, including the capital club’s second Champions League title. He came on during extra time in the final against Arsenal, which Paris won on penalties (1-1 a.e.t., 4-3 pens.).
He made his Ukraine debut in a friendly against France on 7 October 2020, aged just 18. He has since become a key member of the national team, taking part in the strong Euro 2020 campaign, which ended in the quarter-finals, and then Euro 2024. In 2025, he passed the 50-cap mark and became captain of his national team.
