Ukrainian · Zhytomyr, Ukraine · Born 4 May 1993Ruslan Malinovskyi is a Ukrainian attacking midfielder renowned for his powerful long-range shooting, who became a standout performer for Atalanta before drawing global attention for publicly supporting Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
Days after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Ruslan Malinovskyi celebrated an Atalanta goal by revealing a t-shirt reading 'No War in Ukraine,' a moment shared around the world, from a player who had already established himself as one of Serie A's most technically complete attacking midfielders. Loan spells with Sevastopol and Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine gave him valuable senior experience before a permanent move to Belgian club Genk in 2015. Malinovskyi developed into one of the Belgian Pro League's most productive attacking midfielders at Genk, known for a powerful and accurate shot with either foot, before signing for Italy's Atalanta in 2019 for a reported €13.7 million. He became a key figure in one of Serie A's most entertaining teams, contributing crucial goals to the club's push for Champions League qualification and being named Serie A Player of the Month in May 2021. Malinovskyi drew wider international attention in early 2022, when, days after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, he celebrated an Atalanta goal by revealing a t-shirt reading 'No War in Ukraine,' a moment widely shared around the world as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. He left Atalanta for Marseille in 2023, before loan and permanent moves to Genoa, and signed with Turkish club Trabzonspor in 2026. He has earned over 70 caps for Ukraine since his 2015 debut, remaining a mainstay of the national team's attack.
Powerful long-range shooting for Atalanta and a widely shared public gesture of support for Ukraine in 2022
How They Played
Set-piece and long-range shooting specialist with a powerful, accurate strike with either foot
Lasting Impact
One of Ukraine's most recognisable modern footballers, both for his play at Atalanta and for a moment of public solidarity that resonated far beyond football
Career Honours
- Serie A Player of the Month (May 2021, Atalanta)
- 2x Belgian Pro League runner-up (Genk)
- Known for powerful shooting with either foot
- Publicly displayed 'No War in Ukraine' message after scoring for Atalanta
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 2011–2017 | — |
| Sevastopol | 2012–2013 | — |
| Zorya Luhansk | 2014–2015 | — |
| Genk | 2015–2019 | — |
| Atalanta | 2019–2023 | — |
| Marseille | 2023–2024 | — |
| Genoa | 2023–2026 | — |
| Trabzonspor | 2026–present | — |
Ukrainian Athletes