Vasiliy Kobin Ukrainian footballer, defender Date of Birth: 24.05.1985 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Career
2. Success with Karpaty Lviv
3. Six-Time Ukrainian Champion with Shakhtar Donetsk
4. Loan Spells and Move to Belarus
5. Later Career and Retirement
6. International Career
7. Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Vasyl Kobin was born in Mukachevo, Ukraine, on April 24, 1985. His first coach was Imre Lendel, and he played for Sdyushor and Dyushsh-1 in Uzhhorod. As a youth, he was invited to join FC Shakhtar Donetsk, but he chose to begin his professional career at FC Zakarpattia-2. He made his debut on July 22, 2001, and was promoted to Zakarpattia's first team the following season.

Success with Karpaty Lviv

In the 2003/04 season, Kobin played a key role in Zakarpattia's promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League. He made his debut on July 20, 2004, and played a total of 74 matches for the club, scoring one goal. In 2006, he joined FC Karpaty Lviv, where he quickly became a key player. He made his debut on July 23, 2006, and scored his first goal on August 6, 2006. In 2008, he was recognized as Karpaty's best player, earning the 'Star of Karpaty' award.

Six-Time Ukrainian Champion with Shakhtar Donetsk

In June 2009, Kobin signed for FC Shakhtar Donetsk. The deal included a two-year loan for Artem Fedetskiy and Denis Kozhanov, and Karpaty retained 50% of his economic rights. Despite playing only 48 league matches for Shakhtar over six seasons, he became a six-time Ukrainian champion. He also won two Ukrainian Cups (2010/11 and 2011/12).

Loan Spells and Move to Belarus

In 2014, Kobin joined FC Metalist Kharkiv on loan, and in 2015, he moved to FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk in Belarus on another loan. He returned to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015/16, but played only six matches. In 2016/17, he played two games and won his sixth Ukrainian championship.

Later Career and Retirement

In July 2017, Kobin attracted interest from FC Dinamo Minsk, but he eventually signed with FC Veres Rivne. He played for Veres Rivne until January 2018, when he left the club. He then briefly played for FC Tobol in Kazakhstan and FC Minaj in Ukraine's second division before retiring.

International Career

Kobin made one appearance for Ukraine's under-21 team in September 2006 and debuted for the senior team on September 5, 2009, against Andorra.

Personal Life

Vasyl Kobin is married to Viktoria and has a son, Oleh, and a daughter, Suzanna. His father, also named Vasyl, played football in the regional championship.