It was an unforgettable night at the London Stadium when Andriy Yarmolenko scored against Sevilla in extra-time to send West Ham United into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Yarmolenko arrived at the Hammers in 2018 from Borussia Dortmund, and expectations were high on the Ukrainian. However, partly due to injuries, notably an Achilles tendon and an abductor problem, he never lived up to expectations.
The winger still managed 13 goals, with six assists for the Hammers in 83 games. However, every fan will remember his contribution against Sevilla in the 2021/22 season, where the Hammers went on to make it to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Despite his heroics against Sevilla, Yarmolenko continued to be only a bit-part player for the Hammers. However, he was competing with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals for a starting spot.
Andriy Yarmolenko continues to be a hero for Ukraine
The reason Yarmolenko's goal against Sevilla was so significant was that it came during a period of continued turmoil in his country, Ukraine. Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when Yarmolenko was allowed time off.
Yarmolenko is one of Ukraine's best soccer players, and he currently has 125 caps, where he has scored 46 goals. Only Andriy Shevchenko has found the back of the net more times for Ukraine.
After leaving West Ham, Yarmolenko played for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates before returning to his former club Dynamo Kyiv. Soccer returned to Ukraine despite the war in a bid to boost morale. Games are played under safety measures as the war is still ongoing. This includes matches being played in safer areas and scheduled for earlier kick-off times.
Yarmolenko has still managed four goals in 20 games for Dynamo Kyiv this season. Although he has not featured for his country since last March, Ukraine still has a chance at qualifying for the World Cup next summer. They face Sweden in the semi-finals of the playoffs at the end of next month.