Born on 28 July 1987 in Melitopol, Ukraine, to a Greek father of Pontian descent and a Ukrainian mother, Yevhen Khacheridi joined the youth ranks of local side Olkom early on and quickly made it to the senior side.

He stayed at Olkom Melitopol from 2005 to 2008, conjuring up one goal in 25 appearances. He played on loan for Volyn Lutsk for one-and-a-half season and scored two goals in 24 games.

Impressed by his commanding performances, Dynamo Kyiv spent 700.000 euros to sign him in the summer of 2008. He initially joined their second-string side, but also featured for the senior team in two Ukrainian Cup encounters.

It took him two seasons to find a permanent spot in Dynamo’s starting line-up. But once there, he never lost it, despite the frequent coaching changes, becoming the leader of their backline.

In the decade spent at Dynamo Kyiv, he played 237 matches, scored 8 goals and provided two assists. He won the Ukrainian league twice, as well as the local Cup and Super Cup.

In October 2009, he made his international debut for Ukraine in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against England. A month later, he was in the starting line-up of the play-offs against Greece and got to experience the elimination heartbreak.

He featured in all matches of Ukraine for the UEFA Euro 2012 and 2016 and still remains among Andriy Shevchenko’s top choices.

Khacheridi decided not to extend his contract with Dynamo Kyiv and accepted the challenge of PAOK instead.

Welcome, Yevhen!