War Russia-Ukraine: Six South American players that are amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Given the current political circumstances in which Europe currently is in, the conflict has also felt inside the sports world, as F1 decided to cancel the Russian Grand Prix to be held on September, and UEFA announced the change of location for the Champions League final, from St. Petersburg to Paris, in a decision that also contemplates the termination of the contract with Russian sponsor Gazprom.

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But that’s not the only repercussions that the Russia – Ukraine conflict has left in the sports world, as also the Ukrainian Premier League was suspended for 30 days, although this span of time could be prolonged if the conflict doesn’t come to an end in the next few days.

Although Donetsk and Lugansk are on the center of the conflict, three teams from these Ukrainian regions are part of the UPL –FK Shajtar Donetsk, FK Olimpik Donetsk and FC Zoryá Lugansk–, but since 2014 had to relocate in Kyiv, due to the ongoing conflicts on the Russian border.

Now, at least 14 Brazilian players have requested aid from their country to help them and their families leave the country, 13 of them are part of FK Shajtar Donetsk roster and Vitinho, who plays for FK Dynamo Kyiv, although they’re not the only Latin American players that currently play in either one of the two leagues.

Cristian Leonel Ramírez

The 27-year-old left-back arrived in FK Krasnodar in 2017 out of Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC on a permanent move worth $1-7 million. The Ecuador international started his career in Club Brasilia academy teams, although he debuted with Independiente del Valle in 2011. He currently is on his fifth season in the Russian Premier League and is under contract until 2025.

David Neres

David Neres was called to be one of the best strikers in the world after the 2018-19 season he had with Eredivisie side AFC Ajax, where he arrived in 2016 out of Sao Paulo FC. The 24-year-old Brazilian right-winger was part of Ajax until the past winter transfer window, after he lost his starting role in Ajax and decided to join FK Shajtar Donetsk, where he was trying to become a protagonist once again.

Marlyson

Marlyson is one of the 30 Brazilian players that currently are part of the Ukrainian Premier League. The 24-year-old forward arrived in Metalist 1925 Kharkiv this season on a 1-year loan with option to buy from Brazilian side Figueirense FC.

Diego Laxalt

The 29-year-old Uruguayan right-back has made most of his career in Serie A, where he arrived in 2013 to play with Inter Milan and since then has played for several Italian teams, until 2020, where he left AC Milan on a 1-year loan to Scottish side Rangers FC. After not finding the regularity he wanted, the Uruguay international joined FC Dynamo Moscow for the current season.

Jorge Carrascal

Jorge Carrascal is one of the most promising young players that Colombia has, although he’s yet to debut with Colombia National Team. The 23-year-old offensive midfielder currently plays for CSKA Moscow, club that he joined during the past winter transfer window from River Plate on a 6-month loan with the obligation to buy. Carrascal has also played in UPL in the past, as he was part of Karpaty Lviv for two seasons.

Christian Noboa

The 36-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder has played most of his career in the Russian Premier League, where he arrived in 2007 to FK Rubin Kazan out of Emelec. In 2015, he joined Greek side PAOK, but six months later he was back in Russia, as FK Rostov bought his economic rights for $1.7 million. The Ecuador international currently plays for FK Sochi, where he arrived in 2019 out of Zenit for a $600,000 and is under contract until 2023.

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