# Yaroslav Rakitskiy > Ukrainian footballer **Wikidata**: [Q328882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328882) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaroslav_Rakitskyi) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yaroslav-rakitskiy ## Summary Yaroslav Rakitskiy is a Ukrainian professional association football player known for his career in both domestic and international football. He has played for clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk and has represented Ukraine at the national level. ## Biography - Born: August 3, 1989 - Nationality: Ukraine - Education: Not specified - Known for: Playing as a defender for Shakhtar Donetsk and the Ukraine national team - Employer(s): Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine national football team - Field(s): Association Football ## Contributions Yaroslav Rakitskiy has contributed to football primarily through his role as a professional defender. His contributions include: - Playing a key role in Shakhtar Donetsk's domestic and European campaigns, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. - Representing Ukraine in international competitions, contributing to the national team's performance in various qualifying rounds and tournaments. - Maintaining a consistent presence in top-tier Ukrainian football, helping to uphold the competitive standard of the sport in the country. ## FAQs **What teams has Yaroslav Rakitskiy played for?** Yaroslav Rakitskiy has played for Shakhtar Donetsk, one of Ukraine's most successful clubs, and has also been a regular member of the Ukraine national football team, representing his country in international competitions. **What position does Yaroslav Rakitskiy play?** He plays as a defender, specializing in providing stability and structure to his team’s backline. **How tall and heavy is Yaroslav Rakitskiy?** He is 180 cm tall and weighs approximately 70 kg, which is within the typical range for a professional footballer in his position. **What is Yaroslav Rakitskiy’s career timeline?** His professional career began in 2009, and he has since become a staple in Ukrainian football, particularly through his long-standing association with Shakhtar Donetsk. ## Why They Matter Yaroslav Rakitskiy is significant in the context of Ukrainian football due to his sustained performance and leadership on the field. His contributions have helped elevate the profile of Ukrainian club football and national team representation, particularly during a period when the sport in Ukraine has faced challenges due to geopolitical instability. His role in both domestic and international arenas underscores his influence on the next generation of Ukrainian players and the broader football community. ## Notable For - Representing Ukraine in international football competitions - Long-standing role at Shakhtar Donetsk, a dominant force in Ukrainian football - Consistent performance in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League - Being a recognizable figure in Ukrainian sports media and fan culture ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Yaroslav Rakitskiy was born on August 3, 1989, in Ukraine. His early life and introduction to football are not extensively documented, but his professional career began in earnest in 2009. From the outset, he was associated with top-tier Ukrainian football, aligning himself with clubs that competed at the highest levels both domestically and internationally. ### Club Career Rakitskiy is most notably associated with FC Shakhtar Donetsk, where he has spent the majority of his professional career. His tenure at Shakhtar has seen him play a pivotal role in the club's successes, including: - Multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles - Regular participation in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, where he has faced off against some of Europe’s elite clubs - Becoming a key figure in Shakhtar's defensive setup, contributing to both domestic dominance and international recognition ### International Career In addition to his club commitments, Rakitskiy has been a consistent presence in the Ukraine national team. His international contributions include: - Representing Ukraine in various World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns - Playing in competitive international fixtures that have helped raise the profile of Ukrainian football globally - Demonstrating leadership and resilience, especially during times of national challenge, including the ongoing conflict affecting the region ### Physical and Professional Attributes Standing at 180 cm and weighing 70 kg, Rakitskiy possesses the physical attributes typical of a strong and agile defender. His career statistics, including appearances and goals, reflect a player committed to consistency and performance. His professional journey includes: - Over 300 career appearances - Scoring goals across domestic leagues and international competitions - Earning recognition through consistent selection in both club and national team setups ### Digital Presence and Recognition Rakitskiy maintains a digital presence through official social media accounts, including: - Instagram handle: rakitskyy_official - Professional profiles on platforms like Wikidata and various football databases, which catalog his career milestones and achievements - Regular appearances in sports media, both in Ukraine and internationally, highlighting his role as a key figure in modern Ukrainian football ### Legacy and Influence Yaroslav Rakitskiy’s influence extends beyond the pitch. As a professional footballer representing Ukraine during a time of significant national and regional challenges, he has become a symbol of perseverance and dedication. His career reflects the broader narrative of Ukrainian sports figures who continue to compete and excel despite external adversities. His contributions have helped maintain the visibility and competitiveness of Ukrainian football on the global stage. ## References 1. Transfermarkt 2. FBref 3. As 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. premierliga.ru 6. [Source](https://www.fontanka.ru/2019/11/27/044/)