On June 2, 2025, Vyacheslav Sharpar would have celebrated his 39th birthday. Instead, that day he drowned in Greece — according to unofficial reports, a tragic accident in the water. His mother, Valentina, announced her son's death on Facebook after it had already occurred, explaining the delay by saying the family immediately focused on returning the body to the homeland.
191 matches — and the one that will be remembered
Sharpar was born in Zelenodolsk in Dnipropetrovsk region, grew up as a footballer in Kyiv and played 191 matches in the top division, scoring 25 goals. But he was most talked about in the autumn of 2018: as part of Poltava's Vorskla, he played in the group stage of the Europa League against London's Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Besides Vorskla, Sharpar defended the colors of Volyn, Metallist, Desna, Kyiv's Arsenal, Hoverla, Illichivets — and went abroad: Moldovan Sheriff, Kazakhstani Atyrau, Latvian Riga. With Sheriff, he became a champion and cup finalist of Moldova, with Riga — a champion of Latvia. Twice — as part of Metallist (2010/11) and Vorskla (2017/18) — he won the bronze medal of the Ukrainian championship.
He finished his career in 2022. He was involved in the Ukraine U-21 youth national team, playing 2 matches.
What is happening now
Sharpar's body is still in Greece. As noted by the mother of the deceased in her appeal, the family faced complex legal and financial procedures for repatriation. She asked those who care to help financially — the card number is pinned in her Facebook post.
"He left behind the most precious legacy — four wonderful children, our grandchildren. And even today, when the pain seems unbearable, we thank God"
— Valentina Sharpar, mother of the footballer
Four children — that is what remains from a person who traveled from Zelenodolsk to Emirates Stadium and back to an ordinary summer vacation that ended in tragedy.
The funeral will take place in Ukraine after the body is returned. If the bureaucratic procedure in Greece drags on — the family will wait longer than they would like.
