French soccer team Parish Saint-Germain welcomes Ukrainian player Ilya Zabarny as the first ever Ukrainian member in the club's history.
In a landmark transfer, 22-year-old Ilya Zabarnyi has joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Dynamo Kyiv, becoming one of the most expensive Ukrainian players ever, second only to Mykhailo Mudryk’s move to Chelsea.
Born and raised in the academy of Dynamo Kyiv, Zabarnyi emerged as a promising defender and made his debut in the starting lineup for the club on September 11, 2020. His impressive performances at Dynamo Kyiv caught the attention of Bournemouth, who signed him for approximately €22.7 million in 2023. At Bournemouth, Zabarnyi quickly established himself as the main defender and was named the club's Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
PSG officially announced the transfer on August 12, 2025. Zabarnyi, who has been assigned the number six shirt by the French club, is set to bring youthful energy and defensive solidity to PSG's backline. His arrival represents PSG's strategic investment in young, high-potential players to maintain their dominance in European football.
Although he has not yet frequently started for PSG, Zabarnyi has already made an impact. He was honoured by PSG captain Marquinhos and received a winner's medal as PSG won the 2025 UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham. Discussions have emerged comparing him with Marquinhos, highlighting Zabarnyi’s potential to be a starter in PSG’s defense in the near future.
Zabarnyi's transfer to PSG is significant for being a landmark Ukrainian transfer and reflects PSG’s long-term vision. His solid defensive track record at Bournemouth and Dynamo Kyiv, combined with early recognition at PSG, indicates a promising impact on the team’s defense and future success.
It's worth noting that Zabarnyi is the first Ukrainian footballer to join PSG. Meanwhile, Manchester United has signed Benjamin Šeško from Leipzig, while Jack Grealish is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City.
As for Gianluigi Donnarumma, his potential departure from PSG is unrelated to Zabarnyi's contract with the club. Donnarumma has been excluded from PSG's UEFA Super Cup squad and is set to leave the club.
In his time at Dynamo Kyiv, Zabarnyi played 12 matches in the Champions League and 9 matches in the Europa League, winning the Ukrainian championship, cup, and supercup with the club. His contract with PSG is for five seasons.
As the new season approaches, football fans eagerly await Zabarnyi's contributions to PSG's defense and the team's overall success.
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