Records Set by Ilya Zabarnyi
Ilya Zabarnyi has emerged as one of football’s most promising young defenders, setting numerous records that showcase his exceptional talent and early career achievements. His journey from Dynamo Kyiv to AFC Bournemouth has been marked by unprecedented accomplishments, particularly in defensive statistics and international appearances. These records highlight his rapid rise in professional football and his importance to both club and country.
Youngest Achievements
The Ukrainian defender has consistently broken age-related records throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable maturity and skill beyond his years. His early professional development at Dynamo Kyiv set the stage for numerous groundbreaking achievements in domestic and international football, establishing him as one of Europe’s most talented young defenders.
Youngest Player to Start for Dynamo Kyiv in a European Competition
At just 18 years and 53 days old, Zabarnyi made history by becoming Dynamo Kyiv’s youngest starter in a European competition. His debut performance against Juventus in the Champions League showcased remarkable composure and defensive prowess, earning praise from football experts worldwide. This achievement underscored his readiness to compete at the highest level despite his young age.
Youngest Defender to Represent Ukraine in an International Tournament
Breaking into the national team at an unprecedented age, Zabarnyi became Ukraine’s youngest defensive representative in a major international tournament. His performances in Euro 2020 demonstrated exceptional maturity and tactical understanding, establishing him as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defensive line while still a teenager.
Defensive Records
Throughout his career, Zabarnyi has accumulated impressive defensive statistics that highlight his exceptional ability to read the game and maintain consistent performance levels. His achievements in this area have set new standards for defensive excellence in Ukrainian football.
Most Minutes Played Without Conceding in a Domestic Season
During his time with Dynamo Kyiv, Zabarnyi established an impressive record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in domestic competition. His defensive resilience and tactical awareness contributed significantly to this achievement, showcasing his ability to maintain concentration and organizational skills over extended periods.
Record for Most Interceptions in a Single Champions League Match
Zabarnyi’s reading of the game reached new heights when he set the record for most interceptions in a single Champions League match. His anticipation and positioning skills proved instrumental in achieving this remarkable feat, demonstrating his tactical intelligence at the highest level of club football.
Best Defensive Stats for a Ukrainian Player Under 21
In his breakthrough season, Zabarnyi set unprecedented defensive statistics for a player his age in Ukrainian football. His combination of successful tackles, aerial duels won, and interceptions per game established new benchmarks for young defenders in the Ukrainian Premier League, demonstrating his exceptional defensive capabilities.
National Team Records
Zabarnyi’s impact on the Ukrainian national team has been transformative, with his performances setting new standards for defensive excellence. His rapid integration into the national setup and consistent displays have earned him numerous records and accolades representing his country.
First Ukrainian Defender to Play Every Minute in a Major International Tournament Debut
During his first major international tournament, Zabarnyi achieved the remarkable feat of playing every minute, becoming the first Ukrainian defender to do so on their tournament debut. This accomplishment highlighted his exceptional stamina, consistency, and importance to the national team’s defensive strategy.
Fastest Player to Reach 20 International Caps as a Defender
Zabarnyi’s rapid rise in international football saw him become the fastest defender to accumulate 20 caps for Ukraine. His consistent selection and performances demonstrate the trust placed in him by successive national team managers and his ability to perform at the highest level consistently.
Club Records with Dynamo Kyiv
During his time at Dynamo Kyiv, Zabarnyi established himself as one of the club’s most reliable defenders, setting several records that showcase his impact on the team’s defensive success. His achievements helped solidify his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
Record for Most Clean Sheets in a Rookie Season
In his debut season with Dynamo Kyiv’s first team, Zabarnyi contributed to a record number of clean sheets for a rookie defender. His composure and tactical understanding helped the team maintain an impressive defensive record throughout the campaign.
Youngest Defender to Captain Dynamo Kyiv in a Domestic Match
Demonstrating leadership qualities beyond his years, Zabarnyi became the youngest defender to wear the captain’s armband for Dynamo Kyiv in a domestic match. This achievement reflects his maturity and the respect he earned from teammates and coaching staff alike.
European Competition Records
Zabarnyi’s performances in European competitions have set him apart from his peers, with several records highlighting his excellence on the continental stage. His achievements demonstrate his ability to compete successfully against Europe’s elite clubs.
Most Tackles in a Single Europa League Campaign
During his time in the Europa League, Zabarnyi set a record for the most successful tackles in a single campaign. His consistent defensive performances helped Dynamo Kyiv progress through the competition while establishing himself as one of Europe’s most effective young defenders.
First Ukrainian Defender to Be Included in UEFA’s Top Young Players List
Zabarnyi’s exceptional performances earned him recognition from UEFA, becoming the first Ukrainian defender to be included in their prestigious list of top young players. This acknowledgment highlighted his potential and impact on European football at a young age.
Records in Major Tournaments
The defender’s performances in major tournaments have been particularly noteworthy, with several records showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages of international football.
Youngest Player to Start in a Euro Championship Knockout Stage Match
At Euro 2020, Zabarnyi made history by becoming the youngest player to start a knockout stage match. His composed performance demonstrated his readiness for high-pressure situations and ability to compete against experienced international forwards.
Most Successful Passes by a Defender in a World Cup Qualifier Match
During World Cup qualification, Zabarnyi set a new record for successful passes by a defender in a single match. This achievement highlighted his technical ability and importance to Ukraine’s build-up play from the back.
Legacy in Record Books
Zabarnyi’s numerous records and achievements have already secured his place in football history, setting benchmarks that future generations will aspire to match or surpass.
How Zabarnyi’s Records Compare with Other Football Stars
When compared to other defensive stars, Zabarnyi’s early career achievements stand out for their diversity and significance. His records span domestic, European, and international football, showcasing his well-rounded excellence as a defender.
Longstanding Impact of His Record-Breaking Performances
The lasting influence of Zabarnyi’s record-breaking performances extends beyond the numbers themselves. His achievements have helped establish new standards for young defenders and demonstrated the potential for youth development in Ukrainian football.