A New Chapter in Football for Ukraine’s Amputees

Four months ago, Konstantyn Moskal found himself at a new frontline role in Ukraine. With six years of Army service under his belt, Moskal hailed from the mostly occupied Luhansk region, understanding the war’s toll more than many. However, a significant sacrifice awaited him. Shortly after his deployment, life took an irreversible turn. While the evacuation process was efficient, his lower left leg couldn’t be saved. After two surgeries, dark thoughts crept in—there seemed to be no hope on the horizon for a prosthetic leg.

Fast forward to mid-May, and dressed in a red and yellow-trimmed FK Khrestonostsi shirt, Moskal takes a moment to breathe in the dugout. His crutches rest beside him as the final half of the match begins. He shares a smile with his wife, Alina, seated in the front row. This time, he wears his talisman—a metal cross around his neck—and claims it’s the reason behind his two goals. Soon, he’s on the brink of winning his first football tournament. “You’ll either be too tired to celebrate or lifting that trophy!” a teammate jokes.

So, how does life compensate for such profound losses? Almost everyone here is grappling with that question. The “League of the Mighty,” a competition established by the Ukrainian FA for amputee players, strives to provide an answer. Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, there were only 10 registered amputees in Ukraine. Now, the number has soared to 170, representing about 15% of Europe’s total. Some estimates suggest that up to 50,000 have lost limbs due to the conflict.

Moskal’s second surgery took place in Lutsk, northwest of the country. During one exhausting day at the rehabilitation center, he stumbled upon an ad on social media. By the end of January, the Khrestonosti team formed and began recruiting. Although he had previously shown interest in boxing, returning to physical activity felt urgent. Those around him were surprised but understood that it wasn’t too soon. Within days, former Paralympic footballer Ihol Litvinenko, now the head coach, arrived at the center to invite him to training.

“I don’t think he’ll find the same sense of comfort anywhere else,” said Lytvynenko, known for his gentle demeanor. “It’s about community—people with similar challenges come together to support one another.”

At this tournament, held near the National Stadium, eight teams compete. This inaugural two-day event began in January, featuring five Super League members and three newcomers, including Khrestonostsi. Prospective future competitors have also been invited to demonstrate their skills, aiming to launch a full-scale National League later this year.

“It’s about emotional benefits and helps them rediscover their will,” explained event manager Bodan Melnick. “They’re doing things now that they couldn’t do before their injuries. The critical part is that no one is left out—if you want to play, come join us.”

Melnick shared these thoughts just before Pokrova, the team he founded, faced Dnipro in a Super League match. Founded in September 2023, Pokrova is setting the standard within Ukrainian football’s framework. Soon, they will join the Polish amputee Extra Krasa League, where they can bring in two teams and attract a small group of fans cheering along.

Players have traveled from Odesa and Mikolayiv—11 hours by car—to represent Pokrova, with all costs covered. Each has a story of sacrifice, loss, and newfound hope. Take David, for instance—a Colombian soldier who came to Ukraine to fight. He lost a leg to a mine explosion near Kharkiv but now plays for the second team while cheerfully assisting the main squad. The camaraderie abounds, with jokes and laughter filling the air. For him, football offers a semblance of normalcy, a way to connect with both Ukrainians and a few who hardly speak English.

Then there’s Andri Mandrik, a bearded man who views Melnick as a shining testament to football’s transformative power. After enduring 25 surgeries post-injury and ultimately losing a leg, he reflects on his journey. “He was in really rough shape, and we welcomed him to train,” Melnick shared.

Mandrik recounts the day he was struck by an Iskander rocket while serving as a goalkeeper for a futsal team. “It was difficult initially, but physically, I’m getting there,” said the 25-year-old. “This type of activity is a crucial form of rehabilitation for veterans. Without it, it’s easy to fall into addiction.”

Representing Shakhtar Donetsk, one player named Andri Herasimchuk was injured near Kherson in October 2022. Rarely a footballer before, he now finds purpose in training to be a referee. “Life is about movement,” he states. “You need to stay active to stay alive.”

The playing surface is smaller, at about two-thirds the normal size, but that doesn’t hinder the action. The sport emphasizes upper body strength, with players using adapted supports to maneuver the ball. The creativity and technical skills of these athletes shine through, even when faced with obstacles. A remarkable flick shot gave Pokrova a victory against Shakhtar, while sirens occasionally disrupt play, a stark reminder of the ongoing turmoil.

Pain relief techniques may become necessary—residual limb pain can be intense, especially during tight matches. Moskal has dealt with similar issues during training, receiving help from teammates when needed. Amidst the action, his partner Vova gets into a bit of trouble on the pitch, earning a shout from his supportive wife, Marina. “Watch your language, it’s going online!” someone yells from the stands.

The weekend feels like a well-orchestrated event, complete with VAR technology used to review penalties. No one wanted to see Ukraine develop such advanced infrastructure for amputee football, but it’s growing, becoming serious and comprehensive. Women are also becoming part of the scene, albeit in smaller numbers.

As Moskal makes his way back onto the field towards the end of the final, there won’t be a hat trick, but Khrestonosti clinches a decisive 3-0 victory over Kharkiv-Dnipro Side Nezlamni. “I’m so proud of my team,” exclaims the emotional Litvinenko. “We didn’t expect to win, and we’ve never played in such conditions before.”

After the game, Khrestonostsi watches Pokrova secure their own Super League win. As the crowd rises to honor the national anthem, the final whistle signals a moment of joy, mixed with reflections on the struggles, sacrifices, and the vibrant possibilities ahead.

Finally standing on the winner’s podium, a beaming Moskal raises the Khrestonostsi flag, shares a kiss with Alina, and accepts his medal. Their victory promises a special reception with the city’s mayor. In the following days, Moskal’s life will embark on a new chapter. “I need to recover and think about what’s next,” he reflects. “It’s a good feeling to celebrate moments like these, but we can’t forget those still fighting for us.” He’s aware of both sides of the story—the complex realities of resilience and hope that persist.