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Denis KulakovUkrainian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 01.05.1986
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Denis Kulakov: A Ukrainian Football Journey
- Stints with Illichivets and Vorskla
- Dnepr and Metalist
- Arrival at Ural
- International Career
- Honours
Denis Kulakov: A Ukrainian Football Journey
Early Career and Shakhtar DonetskDenis Kulakov, born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, began his football journey at UFK Kharkiv under the guidance of coach V.V. Nedavniy. He later moved to Shakhtar Donetsk, where he made his debut in the Ukrainian First League in 2003. A year later, he marked his Vysshaya Liha debut with a goal against FC Metalurh Zaporizhzhya.
Stints with Illichivets and Vorskla
From 2006 to 2007, Kulakov represented Illichivets Mariupol before joining Vorskla Poltava in June 2008. His first game for Vorskla was against FC Zorya Luhansk. The highlight of his Vorskla tenure came in 2009 when the team won the Ukrainian Cup, defeating Shakhtar Donetsk in the final.
Dnepr and Metalist
After a successful spell with Vorskla, Kulakov joined Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in 2011. He played 10 games for the team during the 2013/14 season, which saw Dnipro finish as runners-up in the Ukrainian Premier League. In June 2014, he signed a three-year contract with Metalist Kharkiv.
Arrival at Ural
Seeking a new challenge, Kulakov moved to Russian club FC Ural in July 2015. He made his debut against FC Krasnodar and became a regular starter for the team. In the 2016/17 season, he was voted Ural's Player of the Season by their supporters. On November 24, 2018, he scored his first goal for Ural in a memorable victory over FC Lokomotiv Moscow.
International Career
Kulakov earned call-ups to Ukraine's youth teams at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels. He finally made his senior international debut in September 2010, playing the entire second half against Poland. His last appearance for the national team came against Canada.
Honours
Ukrainian Premier League Runner-up: 2013/14Ukrainian Cup Winner: 2008/09
Russian Cup Finalist: 2016/17
