The ‘heroic’ Ukrainian footballer who died while fighting Russian troops

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has claimed the life of a Ukrainian footballer, 21 years old Vitalii Sapylo who played with, Karpaty Lviv a famous football club in Ukraine.

It was reported that the young footballer volunteered to join the Ukrainian troops to help defend his country, he joined the troop as a tank commander and was also among the soldiers at the war front.

Vitalli pictured with his sister, Martha

Sadly, he died on Friday last week while trying to defend Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city from the invading Russian troops.

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His death was recently announced by Football’s global players association (FIFPRO) on the 1st of March. He’s also been labeled as a hero by his football club for his sacrifice according to reports by the Daily Mail.

He alongside Dmytro Martynenko, 25 years old Ukrainian footballer who also died during the war is the first football casualties to be recorded since the start of the conflict.

Dmytro Martynenko reportedly died in Kyiv along with his mum after a bomb blast hit their building.