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Valeriy ZhukovskiyBelarusian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 21.05.1948
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Valeriy Zhukovskiy: Early Career and Success
- Rise with Shakhtyor
- Naftan Era
- Transfer to Gomel and Injuries
- Return to Naftan and Captaincy at Dinamo Minsk
- Achievements
Valeriy Zhukovskiy: Early Career and Success
Valeriy Zhukovskiy, a Belarusian football midfielder, was born in Lida, where he began his football journey. Starting his professional career at the late age of 21, he signed with his hometown club, FC Lida, in 2005. In his debut season, Zhukovskiy swiftly established himself as a key member of the team, contributing 5 goals and helping Lida finish 10th in the First League.
Following his impressive performance, Zhukovskiy received offers from Vitebsk and Belshina. While Vitebsk only offered a trial, Belshina, which had recently gained promotion to the Premier League, offered a full contract. Zhukovskiy opted for the latter and joined Belshina in 2007. There, he quickly became a regular starter, playing 38 matches and scoring 10 goals in a span of one and a half years.
Rise with Shakhtyor
In the summer of 2007, Zhukovskiy moved to Shakhtyor Soligorsk, where he spent two seasons and amassed around 50 appearances with 7 goals. During his time with Shakhtyor, he twice reached the Belarusian Cup finals (2008 and 2009), but the team ultimately fell short of claiming the trophy.
Naftan Era
In 2009, Zhukovskiy joined Naftan Novopolotsk specifically for the Europa League matches, but was unable to play due to a delay in registering him. Nonetheless, he remained a consistent performer for Naftan, playing 32 matches and scoring 5 goals in 2010. In 2012, he helped Naftan win the Belarusian Cup for the first time, despite missing his penalty in the shootout.
Transfer to Gomel and Injuries
After his contract with Naftan expired in December 2012, Zhukovskiy received several offers, including a contract extension from Novopolotsk. However, he opted to join FC Gomel on December 8, 2012, signing a one-year contract. While at Gomel, he sustained a severe left knee injury in May 2013, sidelining him for approximately two months. Despite the injury, Zhukovskiy extended his contract with the club until the end of 2014 in June 2013.
Return to Naftan and Captaincy at Dinamo Minsk
Zhukovskiy returned to Naftan for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, playing 57 matches and scoring 11 goals in the Belarusian Premier League. In December 2015, he signed with FC Dinamo Minsk, where he was appointed second vice-captain during the pre-season. Following the departure of Aleksandr Gutor in June 2016, Zhukovskiy became the team captain.
Achievements
Shakhtyor Soligorsk- Belarusian Premier League Bronze Medalist: 2007
- Belarusian Cup Finalist: 2007/08, 2008/09
Naftan Novopolotsk
- Belarusian Cup Winner: 2011/12
