On May 26, 2024, in the Sumy region, Ihor Stakhiv — a renowned Ukrainian footballer from Kolomyia who had voluntarily joined the war to defend his homeland—was killed. Igor served in the 15th Mobile Border Unit, “Steel Border,” and died from severe injuries sustained in combat.
Born in Kolomyia in 1968, Igor began his football journey at the age of eighteen, playing for the amateur team “Silmash.” From 1987 to 1989, he played for the amateur army club “Zirka” from Berdychiv. After completing his military service, he returned to Kolomyia to play for the club “Pokuttia.”
In 1991, Ihor debuted with the professional team “Prykarpattia” (Ivano-Frankivsk), and the following year, he was part of the squad competing in the Ukrainian Higher League. During the 1993–1994 season, he helped “Prykarpattia” win the First League and return to the top division. In 1998, Stakhiv joined the Ukrainian Higher League team “Torpedo” from Zaporizhzhia, but he played only one match for the club. In the second half of the season, he moved to the First League team “Kremin” from Kremenchuk, where he played until the end of 1999.
Throughout his career, he also played for various amateur and professional clubs, including “Khutrovyk” (Tysmenytsia), “Kremin” (Kremenchuk), “Techno-Center” (Rohatyn), “Zirka” (Kirovohrad), and “Lukor” (Kalush). Ihor remained active in football until 2014, playing for amateur clubs in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, always distinguished by his reliability and dedication to the team.
After the full-scale Russian invasion began, he voluntarily joined the Ukrainian army. On May 26, 2024, his life was tragically cut short by an enemy sniper’s bullet during combat in the Sumy region.
During the farewell ceremony in Kolomyia, days of mourning were declared. On May 30, 2024, he was laid to rest in the Alley of Glory.
His devotion to football and his love for his homeland will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew Igor.
Eternal memory to the Hero!