Grief in the world of football.
Former Ukrainian footballer Andriy Polunin (including St. Pauli and Nuremberg) died suddenly on Saturday during a legends match in Lutskc. He is only 54 years old. This tragic news was confirmed by the National Veterans Team of Ukraine (AVFU).
The former Bundesliga professional died during a charity match for veterans
According to media reports, Polunin collapsed during the match and died. The cause of death was given as a heart attack. Although assistance was provided, he could no longer be saved.
The Ukrainian has played nine international matches in his career and scored one goal (in a 3-1 European Championship qualifying win against Italy in 1995). Polunin played for ten different clubs and also took him to Germany several times. From 1998 to 1999 he played for Nurembergthen he was attracted to her St. Pauli (1999 to 2000). From 2000 to 2002 he wore the Rot-Weiss Essen jersey. In total, he played 16 Bundesliga games in his career, including 29 games in the 2nd division.
Andriy Polunin played 29 matches for St. Petersburg. Pauli (four goals)
After Polunin ended his career in 2004, he worked as an official. Since January 1, 2025, he has worked as chief scout for Ukrainian first division club Metalist 1925. In recent years, the former footballer has regularly taken part in veterans’ games in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and has been a player for the Ukrainian veterans’ national team.
There was confusion on social media, and many of Polunin’s former clubs said goodbye. FC Karpaty Lviv wrote: “In eternal memory of Andriy Polunin, sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Metalist 1925: “Metalist 1925 extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Andriy Viktorovych. The Association shares the sadness of this loss.”
