Ukrainian national team players, Olympique Lyonnais forward Roman Yaremchuk and Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi, have been included in the symbolic Team of the Week for the 31st round of the French Ligue 1 by the prestigious sports publication L’Équipe. The inclusion of two Ukrainians simultaneously highlights their impressive form, immense contribution to their respective clubs’ victories this weekend, and their growing influence in one of Europe’s top five football leagues.
Roman Yaremchuk, currently playing for Lyon on loan from Greek side Olympiacos, delivered a standout performance in a thrilling home match against Auxerre. Starting the game as the main striker, the Ukrainian forward spent 77 minutes on the pitch, during which he scored a crucial brace. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical first-touch finish following a swift attack from the flank. Later in the second half, he expertly capitalized on a deep pass into the penalty area to score his second goal, extending Lyon’s lead to 3:1. The match ultimately ended in a hard-fought 3:2 victory for Paulo Fonseca’s team. L’Équipe awarded Yaremchuk a high rating of 7 out of 10, and multiple statistical portals named him the Man of the Match. With four goals and one assist in 11 appearances for Lyon, Yaremchuk is proving to be a key asset in their push for Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Illia Zabarnyi continues to solidify his reputation as a top-class centre-back for league leaders PSG. In the away fixture against Angers, Zabarnyi played the full 90 minutes, ensuring a flawless defensive display that helped the Parisian side secure a commanding 3:0 win. His calmness under pressure, excellent positional awareness, and precise tackling earned him a solid rating of 6 from the French journalists. Zabarnyi’s ability to read the game and initiate attacks from the backline perfectly aligns with Luis Enrique’s possession-based tactical approach. He has been a consistent performer in the 2025/2026 season, making 33 appearances across all competitions.
The success of Ukrainian athletes abroad brings a sense of pride and joy to their compatriots back home, especially during these challenging times. While players like Zabarnyi and Yaremchuk are conquering European football arenas and making headlines internationally, Ukraine continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability on multiple fronts, overcoming daily hurdles and working towards a secure future.
Ultimately, having two national team representatives in the prestigious L’Équipe Team of the Week is a remarkable achievement for Ukrainian football. It underscores the exceptional quality of players the country produces, capable of excelling and standing out in a highly competitive environment. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching their next performances as the Ligue 1 season approaches its exciting climax, hoping this excellent form translates to success on the international stage as well.