Vadym Yevtushenko, born on January 1, 1958, in Pyatykhatky, Ukraine, is a distinguished former footballer known for his intelligence, professionalism, and versatility on the field. His path to success was not straightforward—he even failed an entrance exam in football when applying to a sports institute, which is ironic considering his future achievements. He began his career in lower leagues with Zirka Kirovohrad, where his performances quickly attracted attention. Despite receiving multiple offers, he chose to join Dynamo Kyiv, a decision that defined his career.
At Dynamo Kyiv Yevtushenko became one of the team’s most important players, winning five Soviet league titles, three USSR Cups, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1986. He played 245 matches and scored 59 goals for the club. Known for his technique, speed, and goal-scoring instinct, he also gained a reputation as one of Europe’s best “super-subs,” often coming off the bench to change games. One of his most memorable moments was scoring in the 1986 Cup Winners’ Cup final against Atlético Madrid. Over his top-level career, he scored around 120 goals, including many spectacular finishes, earning him the nickname “the Brazilian” in the Soviet Union.
Later in his career Yevtushenko moved abroad and joined Swedish club AIK, where he became a fan favorite and helped the team win its first league title in 55 years. His impact was so significant that Swedish authorities even introduced a special legal exception—informally called the “Yevtushenko law”—to allow him to stay longer in the country. After retiring as a player, he worked as a coach in Sweden and Ukraine, including roles with the Ukrainian national team and Dynamo Kyiv. Yevtushenko remains respected not only for his football achievements but also for his character, discipline, and contribution to the game.
