Portuguese defender Rafael Bandeira, who recently joined Kryvbas, has shared his impressive experiences regarding the level of Ukrainian football.

Arrival and First Impressions

Bandeira, who has played in various European leagues, did not expect the level of infrastructure he encountered in Ukraine.

"Honestly, when I arrived here, I did not expect such high-quality fields, bases, and stadiums. I was pleasantly surprised by the very high level of club infrastructure," Bandeira admitted.

Such facilities have a profound impact on foreign players, especially those far from home. The dedication to providing top-notch environments is both encouraging and essential for their performance and adaptation.

Comparing the Levels

Rafael Bandeira's observation doesn’t stop at infrastructure. The quality of football itself left a notable impression on him.

"In Ukrainian football, there are many strong, top-tier players with incredibly high levels. I can compare Ukrainian football to the French or Italian leagues," he remarked.

Broader Implications

Bandeira's comments highlight an often underappreciated aspect of the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL). Comparisons to Ligue 1 or Serie A speak volumes about the standards being met. Moreover, such viewpoints might gradually reshape the perception of UPL in the wider football world, opening doors for more international talents to consider Ukraine as a viable destination for their careers.

What This Means Going Forward

His comparison ignites a conversation about the potential of Ukrainian clubs to be more competitive on the European stage. Continual improvements in infrastructure and the presence of high-caliber players could see Ukrainian teams making deeper runs in competitions like the UEFA Europa League or even the Champions League. If these trends continue, the UPL might soon be regarded as one of the premier leagues in Europe, only further validated by professionals like Bandeira who bring their expertise from competitive leagues.

Bandeira’s insights make it clear: Ukrainian football is on the rise, and the future looks incredibly promising.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova