A goalkeeper who stood at the final line… On March 30, 2025, Ukrainian footballer Yuriy Yatskiv fell in battle near Toretsk, in the Bakhmut district. He was only 26.
Born in the village of Hiyche, within the Rava-Ruska community, Yuriy chose the path of struggle from an early age—first on the football field, and later on the battlefield. A graduate of the FC Lviv Youth Football Academy, he was a natural defender, playing as a goalkeeper. His career included stints with Yunist (Hiyche), FSC Yavoriv, Berezhany Niva, Novoyavorivsk Hirnyk, Artasiv Standard, and Davydiv Kormil.
But when the time came to defend his homeland, Yuriy left football behind and took up arms for Ukraine. This time, his devotion was no game—it was the conscious choice of a citizen and a warrior.
FC Lviv, his family, friends, and comrades bow their heads in mourning. “Eternal glory to the Hero,” wrote the club where his journey began.
Yuriy Yatskiv will forever be remembered—not only as a goalkeeper who performed miracles on the field but as a warrior who gave his life for his homeland.
Eternal glory to the Hero!