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Roman ZozulyaUkrainian footballer, forward for Dynamo Kyiv
Date of Birth: 10.11.1989
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Biography of Roman Zozulya
- Early Career and Dynamo Kyiv
- Dnipro
- Controversy at Dnipro
- Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano
- Albacete and Controversy
- International Career
- Current Club
Biography of Roman Zozulya
Roman Zozulya is a Ukrainian footballer who plays as a forward for the Spanish club "Rayo Majadahonda". He has also represented the Ukrainian national team.
Early Career and Dynamo Kyiv
Zozulya began his football career as a youth player at Dynamo Kyiv. He made his debut for the senior team on May 11, 2008, in a match against Vorskla Poltava. During his time with Dynamo Kyiv, he played 32 matches in the Ukrainian Premier League and scored 3 goals.
Dnipro
On July 11, 2011, Zozulya signed a contract with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. He scored his first brace in the league on May 2, 2012, against Metalurh Donetsk. Zozulya also scored his first hat-trick on May 26, 2013, in a home game against Illichivets. In a Europa League match against Ajax on March 12, 2015, he scored the winning goal and dedicated the victory to Ukrainian servicemen.
Controversy at Dnipro
On May 11, 2016, Zozulya was involved in a controversial incident during a semi-final match between Zorya Luhansk and Dnipro in the Ukrainian Cup. Despite being disqualified for the match, Zozulya confronted the referee, leading to clashes between players on the field. As a result, he was suspended for six months by the Control and Disciplinary Committee of the Football Federation of Ukraine.
Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano
On July 27, 2016, Zozulya signed a three-year contract with Real Betis. However, he rarely featured for the team and his contract was terminated on September 1, 2017. He then joined Rayo Vallecano on loan on February 1, 2017, but the move was canceled due to protests from the club's fans, who accused Zozulya of having Nazi views.
Albacete and Controversy
Zozulya joined Albacete on September 8, 2017, signing a one-year contract. He made his debut for the team on September 10, replacing Pelayo in a Segunda Division match against Lugo. In December 2019, a match between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete was canceled due to insults and accusations of Nazism towards Zozulya from Rayo Vallecano fans. The match was stopped by the referee to ensure the safety of the players.
International Career
Zozulya made his debut for the Ukrainian national team on June 2, 2010, in a friendly match against Norway, scoring the only goal. He also represented Ukraine in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2011. However, he temporarily suspended his international career on May 16, 2017.
Current Club
Zozulya became a free agent in the summer of 2021. After failed negotiations with several clubs, he eventually signed a one-year contract with the Spanish Segunda Division club "Fuenlabrada" on July 31, 2021.
Despite facing controversies and challenges throughout his career, Roman Zozulya continues to pursue his passion for football and represent his country at the highest level.
