Matvii Bodnar: It's a great pleasure to be a graduate of the Academy and play in the first team of Kryvbas

To your attention, a part of the exclusive material from the official match program for the game of the 21st round of the UPL 2025\2026 Kryvbas - Epicentr, when the talented striker, a pupil of FA Kryvbas Matvii Bodnar answered our questions.

- Matvii, what does it mean for you to be a pupil of the Kryvbas Academy and get a chance in the first team?

- First of all, it is very nice to be a pupil of the Academy and play in the first team. It is a pride for all parents, fans, that the youth is growing: both from the Academy, from U-14, we have a chance to get into the main team of Kryvbas. Young guys are always welcome here and they give a chance and believe in us.

- How is your adaptation to adult football and the requirements of the UPL going?

- I admit, it is quite difficult to keep up a high pace at such a young age, but I am sure that the adaptation will be behind us later. The main thing is to work hard and believe in yourself. Then everything will definitely work out.

- How did your path in football begin? Who brought you to the game and to the Kryvbas Academy?

- I have been doing karate since childhood. But later I told my parents that I wanted to go to football. And the very next day they took me to my first training. My story began quite early: at the age of five. I played for local teams. During one of them, against the FA Kryvbas team, coach Stanislav Upilkov invited me to try my hand at our Academy.

- What advice do you have for young players of FA Kryvbas who are just starting their journey?

- I think everyone has different advice, but for me the important thing was to give it your all, believe in yourself and never give up.

- If you look back a few years, what kind of player were you and how have you changed now?

- The changes are drastic. Because when you train with the first team, your level as a professional footballer gradually increases. You start to progress more and more.

- Tell us, which footballer is an example or an idol for you?

- In world football, I have always followed Messi. As for Kryvbas, it is Maksym Zaderaka, Gleiker Mendoza. Maksym is, first of all, responsibility. His professionalism and commitment on the field are at a very high level. Mendoza is technique, speed, great goals. They are experienced footballers who helped me adapt a lot. Also, the other guys in the team will always come to the rescue. I am very grateful to them for that. Kryvbas is a real big red-and-white family.

- What goals do you set for yourself for this part of the season?

- To play as many matches as possible and help the team accomplish its goals.

- What is Matvii Bodnar's biggest football dream?

- Probably to play in the Champions League. This is the biggest dream at the moment.

Read the full version of the interview in the official match program for the game "Kryvbas" - "Epicentr". You can order this and other programs at the official website of the Fan-shop, or by writing in Direct link to the official page of the Kryvbas FC Fan Shop on Instagram.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih