The president of FC Dynamo Kyiv, Ihor Surkis, recently extended warm holiday greetings to fans and followers of the club. With the Christmas and New Year holidays on the horizon, Surkis reflected on the challenging year faced by Ukrainians amid the war.
"Dear fans, dear compatriots! On behalf of myself and FC Dynamo (Kyiv), I sincerely congratulate you on the upcoming holidays — Christmas and the New Year! Together with you, we have experienced another difficult year. A year of hard struggle for the right to be Ukrainians," he began, acknowledging the trials meted out by conflict and the continuous support for the country's defenders.
Surkis emphasized the resilience and optimism retained by the club and fans, stating, "Despite all the difficulties and challenges we had to overcome, we did not lose our optimism and maintained faith in our Defenders who courageously defended and continue to defend our homeland from ruthless invaders. Only thanks to them do we all have the opportunity to engage in our favorite activities, see our relatives and look confidently to the future." He also mentioned the club's commitment to assisting the frontlines, hopeful for peace to come sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, the first part of the U-19 youth teams championship has concluded, with Dynamo Kyiv’s U-19 team achieving remarkable success this season under the leadership of coach Igor Kostyuk. The team secured second place on the tournament table with 14 wins, two draws, and just one loss, trailing the leader, Donetsk's Shakhtar, by five points.
Dynamo's young players led the championship with impressive offensive stats, scoring 62 goals and showcasing their dominance with the best expected goals (xG) metric of 46.0. Their statistics highlight their offensive capabilities, leading to strong metrics around ball control and passing efficiency.
With 62 goals to their name, Dynamo's scoring breakdown shows varied styles: 14 long-range shots and 7 from set pieces—evidence of their calculated offense. Defensively, they have proven to be equally adept, conceding only 7 goals throughout the competition.
On another front, former Dynamo midfielder Carlos de Pena has been making headlines as he contemplates his next career move. After parting ways with Brazilian club Bahia, the 32-year-old Uruguayan expressed interest in signing with Chilean powerhouse Colo-Colo. "I admit, this option drew my attention. I have family in Chile, and I know this country very well, and I like it very much. Besides, Colo-Colo is a major club..." de Pena stated, emphasizing both personal and professional reasons for this potential transfer.
The dynamics continue off the pitch, as FC Dynamo faces challenges with one of their own players, Erik Ramirez. Recently, Ramirez was handed a six-month suspension from official matches for breaches related to his loan agreement with Slovan. This suspension was decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport following disputes about his compliance with the contract terms. The Venezuelan forward, who had been experiencing difficulties during his loan period, now faces uncertainty as he looks to resolve these legal challenges.
Interestingly, the duration of Ramirez's contract with Dynamo extends until the summer of 2026, with options available to potentially lift the suspension should he reconcile with Slovan. Meanwhile, FC Dynamo continues to attract attention, not just from the players but also fans who are intrigued by the developments surrounding the club this season.
Overall, FC Dynamo Kyiv navigates through tumultuous times, showing resilience both on and off the field. The continued support from the fans, the promising performance of the U-19 squad, and the narratives surrounding player transitions reflect the club’s firm standing amid the war and changing dynamics of football. With hope and determination, there’s optimism for the future as the players and management strive for success, both for their legacy and for their country.
