Heorhiy Sudakov: Age, Benfica Career, Wife and Ukraine Journey

Introduction

Heorhiy Sudakov is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Benfica and the Ukraine national team.

He is known for his creative passing, quick movement, close control and ability to score from midfield. Sudakov developed through Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy before becoming one of the club’s most important young players.

His football journey has included a Champions League debut against Real Madrid, domestic success with Shakhtar, international tournaments with Ukraine and a major move to Portuguese football.

Born on 1 September 2002, Sudakov is 23 years old as of July 2026. He wears number 10 for Benfica and continues to represent Ukraine at senior international level. UEFA lists him as a Benfica midfielder, while the Ukrainian Association of Football confirms his birthplace, height, international debut and current national-team status.

Heorhiy Sudakov Quick Facts

Detail	Verified information
Full name	Heorhiy Viktorovych Sudakov
Native name	Георгій Вікторович Судаков
Other spellings	Heorhii Sudakov, Georgiy Sudakov and Giorgi Sudakov
Date of birth	1 September 2002
Age	23 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace	Brianka, Luhansk region, Ukraine
Nationality	Ukrainian
Profession	Professional footballer
Main position	Attacking midfielder
Other position	Left midfielder
Height	1.77 metres
Weight	68 kilograms
Current club	Benfica
Club number	10
National team	Ukraine
Senior international debut	23 May 2021
Former senior club	Shakhtar Donetsk
Wife	Yelyzaveta Sudakova
Children	Two daughters
Famous for	Creative midfield play, Shakhtar success and representing Ukraine

Who Is Heorhiy Sudakov?

Heorhiy Sudakov is one of the leading Ukrainian footballers of his generation.

He became widely known while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk. His performances in the Ukrainian Premier League, Champions League and international football helped him attract attention from major European clubs.

Sudakov is not a traditional defensive midfielder. He normally plays closer to the forwards, where he can receive the ball, create chances and take shots.

He is comfortable playing as a central attacking midfielder or moving towards the left side. His intelligence allows him to find space between an opponent’s midfield and defence.

He joined Benfica in August 2025 and received the club’s number 10 shirt. As of July 2026, both UEFA and the Ukrainian football federation identify Benfica as his current club.

Why Is His Name Spelled Differently?

Football supporters may see his name written as Heorhiy, Heorhii, Georgiy or Giorgi Sudakov.

These spellings refer to the same person.

The difference is caused by the way Ukrainian names are converted into the English alphabet. Shakhtar often used Heorhii, while UEFA and some other football organisations use Georgiy.

Sudakov also uses Giorgi on his public Instagram profile.

For this article, Heorhiy Sudakov is used as the main spelling because it is a common English transliteration of his Ukrainian name.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s Age and Birthday

Sudakov was born on 1 September 2002.

He is 23 years old as of 19 July 2026 and will turn 24 on 1 September 2026.

His zodiac sign is Virgo.

The Ukrainian Association of Football confirms both his date of birth and birthplace.

Where Was Heorhiy Sudakov Born?

Sudakov was born in Brianka, a city in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.

He began playing football in his local area before joining the youth system of Metalist Kharkiv.

His early development required him to leave his hometown and enter more competitive football environments. This was the beginning of a journey that eventually took him from eastern Ukraine to Shakhtar Donetsk and Benfica.

Childhood and Early Football Development

Sudakov started his football education with Sokil Brianka.

He later joined Metalist Kharkiv’s youth academy, where he improved his technical ability and understanding of the game.

In 2017, he entered Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy. He was approximately 14 years old at the time.

Shakhtar gave him access to experienced coaches, strong youth competitions and a clear path towards professional football. He progressed through the age groups before earning an opportunity with the senior team.

Sudakov was also talented at tennis when he was young. However, football became his main focus.

His rise from local youth football to one of Europe’s major competitions shows how early training can create a professional opportunity. A different example of a player moving from modest beginnings into professional football can be seen in James Hanson’s journey from non-league football to Wembley.

Shakhtar Donetsk First-Team Debut

Sudakov made his Shakhtar first-team debut on 21 October 2020.

It was not an ordinary first appearance. He entered a Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Shakhtar won the match 3–2.

Sudakov was only 18 years old. Making his senior European debut against one of the world’s most successful clubs showed the trust Shakhtar placed in his ability.

He made his Ukrainian Premier League debut shortly afterwards and gradually became a regular first-team player.

Breakthrough at Shakhtar Donetsk

Sudakov developed from a promising academy player into an important creative midfielder.

He became more confident when receiving the ball under pressure. His passing, movement and shooting allowed him to influence matches from several attacking positions.

One of his most important European moments came in October 2023 when he scored his first Champions League goal against Barcelona.

His strongest Shakhtar seasons established him as one of the Ukrainian Premier League’s leading players.

In the 2023–24 campaign, he scored ten goals across all competitions and helped Shakhtar win the Ukrainian league and Ukrainian Cup.

Shakhtar supporters selected him as the club’s Player of the Season, while he also received recognition as the Ukrainian Premier League’s best player for that campaign.

Four-Goal Ukrainian League Performance

Sudakov produced one of the most memorable performances of his Shakhtar career in October 2024.

He scored four goals and provided an assist during a 5–1 league victory against LNZ Cherkasy.

The performance placed him in the Ukrainian league record books. UEFA reported that he was the first player to score four goals in a Ukrainian Premier League match since 2017.

Scoring four times was especially impressive because Sudakov is a midfielder rather than a traditional centre-forward.

The match demonstrated his ability to move into scoring positions and finish chances calmly.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s Shakhtar Statistics

Sudakov completed his Shakhtar career with:

• 148 senior appearances
• 35 goals
• 26 assists
• Two Ukrainian Premier League titles
• Two Ukrainian Cup titles
• One Ukrainian Super Cup

Shakhtar also recognised him as its Player of the Year for 2023.

The club praised his professionalism, important goals and contribution to the team when confirming his departure for Benfica in August 2025. These totals can be checked in Shakhtar Donetsk’s official farewell announcement.

Transfer to Benfica

Sudakov moved from Shakhtar Donetsk to Benfica in August 2025.

The original agreement was structured as a loan with a compulsory purchase arrangement.

Reported terms included:

• A €6.75 million loan payment
• A €20.25 million permanent transfer payment
• Up to €5 million in possible performance bonuses
• A percentage of profit for Shakhtar from a future sale

He received Benfica’s number 10 shirt, a number commonly given to creative and technically gifted attacking players.

The move introduced Sudakov to the Portuguese Primeira Liga and gave him another opportunity to compete in the Champions League.

He made his Portuguese league debut against Santa Clara in September 2025. His first league goal for Benfica followed against AVS.

During the 2025–26 Primeira Liga season, he recorded 22 league appearances and four goals. UEFA also recorded nine Champions League appearances and one assist during the European campaign.

What Position Does Heorhiy Sudakov Play?

Sudakov mainly plays as an attacking midfielder.

This role places him between the central midfielders and forwards. His responsibility is to connect different areas of the team and create dangerous attacks.

He can also play:

• On the left side of midfield
• As a central playmaker
• Behind the main striker
• In a deeper creative midfield position

His role is similar to other creative midfielders who rely on passing, movement and intelligent positioning. Readers interested in another experienced attacking midfielder can explore Sergio Canales’ football career and playing style.

Playing Style and Main Strengths

Sudakov is a technical and mobile midfielder.

He does not simply wait for the ball. He constantly moves into open spaces where teammates can find him.

His main strengths include:

• Creative forward passing
• Close control in crowded areas
• Quick changes of direction
• Long-range shooting
• Movement between midfield and attack
• Carrying the ball towards defenders
• Creating chances for teammates
• Finding space near the penalty area
• Playing with either foot
• Taking responsibility in important moments

He can turn quickly after receiving the ball and attack an open area before defenders have time to organise.

Sudakov also has the confidence to shoot from outside the penalty box. This makes him dangerous even when opponents defend close to their own goal.

Areas of His Game That Can Still Improve

Sudakov is already an established international player, but he remains young enough to improve further.

His next stage of development may depend on becoming more consistent in every match.

He can also continue improving:

• Defensive positioning
• Physical strength
• Decision-making under heavy pressure
• Goal production throughout a complete season
• Final passes near the penalty area
• Performances against stronger European opponents

The move to Benfica gives him regular experience in a different football culture. Portuguese football can help him improve his tactical discipline while continuing to develop his creative qualities.

Ukraine Youth Career

Sudakov represented Ukraine at several youth levels.

His biggest youth tournament came at the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

He scored three goals as Ukraine reached the semi-finals.

Two of those goals came against France in the quarter-final. His performance helped Ukraine defeat one of the tournament favourites.

Sudakov finished as a joint top scorer alongside Spain’s Abel Ruiz and Sergio Gómez. UEFA officially confirmed that all three players finished with three goals.

The tournament introduced him to a wider European audience and showed that he could perform under international pressure.

Senior Ukraine Career

Sudakov made his senior Ukraine debut on 23 May 2021.

He entered a friendly match against Bahrain that ended in a 1–1 draw.

He was only 18 years old at the time.

Sudakov was included in Ukraine’s squad for Euro 2020 but did not appear in a match. He later played in all three of Ukraine’s group matches at Euro 2024.

His first senior international goal came against North Macedonia in October 2023.

The Ukrainian Association of Football currently displays 34 senior appearances and four goals, although some statistical databases include more recent matches and show a slightly higher appearance total. This difference appears to result from database-update timing.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s Wife

Sudakov is married to Yelyzaveta Sudakova, who is also publicly known as Liza.

He has spoken openly about the support she has given him during difficult periods.

Their relationship faced an especially frightening period during the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Sudakov and his pregnant wife sheltered in Kyiv before travelling towards western Ukraine. Their main concern was finding a safer place before the birth of their first child.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s Children

Sudakov and his wife have two daughters.

Their first daughter, Milana, was born in 2022.

Their second daughter, Zlata, was born in September 2025.

Sudakov has explained that becoming a father changed his outlook on life. It helped him become calmer, more responsible and more mature.

Family support can be important for professional athletes who live with travel, competition and public pressure. Another sporting story involving long-term family support can be found in Mirka Federer’s life and tennis journey.

Life and Football During the War in Ukraine

Sudakov’s professional career has developed during an extremely difficult period for Ukraine.

Shakhtar had already been displaced from its traditional home before he reached the senior team. As a result, he never played a competitive Shakhtar match at the Donbas Arena.

Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 created further danger and uncertainty for Ukrainian players and their families.

Sudakov continued training and representing his club and country. He has explained that football gives Ukrainian players an opportunity to show strength and keep international attention focused on their country.

In September 2025, the Kyiv apartment building where his family lived was damaged during a Russian drone attack.

Sudakov was away with the national team. His family members survived, but images shared after the attack showed serious damage to the building. Reuters confirmed damage to residential buildings in the area while noting that it could not independently verify the exact apartment shown in Sudakov’s social-media post.

Work Ethic and Public Image

Sudakov is generally presented as a focused and ambitious player.

Shakhtar praised both his performances and his professional behaviour when he left the club.

His public interviews often focus on discipline, hard work, family and representing Ukraine.

He has continued playing through uncertainty that goes far beyond normal football pressure. This has made his journey meaningful to many Ukrainian supporters.

His determination can also be compared with athletes who had to build careers through rejection and uncertain opportunities, such as Justin Champagnie’s rise from an undrafted player to the NBA.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s Football Intelligence

Sudakov’s greatest strength may be the speed of his thinking.

He often checks the positions of teammates and defenders before receiving the ball. This helps him decide whether to pass, turn, dribble or shoot.

Strong attacking midfielders must solve problems quickly. They are often surrounded by opponents and have only a few seconds to make the correct decision.

This mental side of competition is important in many sports. Readers interested in another young competitor known for preparation and unusual ideas can read about Daniil Dubov’s creative chess career.

Major Honours and Achievements

Shakhtar Donetsk

• Ukrainian Premier League: 2022–23
• Ukrainian Premier League: 2023–24
• Ukrainian Cup: 2023–24
• Ukrainian Cup: 2024–25
• Ukrainian Super Cup: 2021

Individual Recognition

• Shakhtar Player of the Year: 2023
• Shakhtar Player of the Season: 2023–24
• Ukrainian Premier League Player of the Season: 2023–24
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship joint top scorer: 2023
• Liga Portugal Goal of the Month: November 2025

Interesting Facts About Heorhiy Sudakov

• He was also talented at tennis during childhood.
• He joined Shakhtar’s academy when he was approximately 14.
• His first senior Champions League appearance came against Real Madrid.
• Shakhtar won that match 3–2.
• He scored his first Champions League goal against Barcelona.
• He scored four goals in one Ukrainian league match in 2024.
• He wears number 10 for Benfica.
• He was a joint top scorer at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.
• He made his senior Ukraine debut when he was 18.
• He has represented Ukraine at two senior European Championships.
• His name appears in several English spellings.
• He has described fatherhood as an important influence on his maturity.

Where Is Heorhiy Sudakov Now?

As of July 2026, Heorhiy Sudakov is a Benfica player.

He is part of the Portuguese club’s first-team plans and continues to represent the Ukraine national team.

His move to Lisbon is an important stage in his development. It gives him the chance to compete for domestic trophies, play European football and prove himself outside the Ukrainian league.

At 23, Sudakov still has many years ahead of him. His future progress will depend on regular playing time, fitness and his ability to produce goals and assists consistently.

His technical quality and international experience make him one of Ukraine’s most important young footballers.

Conclusion

Heorhiy Sudakov has developed from a young player in Brianka into an established international midfielder.

He joined Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy as a teenager and made his first-team European debut against Real Madrid. He later became a key player, won five trophies and completed his Shakhtar career with 148 appearances, 35 goals and 26 assists.

His performances for Ukraine, especially at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship, increased his reputation across Europe.

The move to Benfica opened a new chapter in 2025. He now has the opportunity to develop in Portuguese football while continuing to compete in major European and international matches.

Sudakov’s story is not only about football ability. It also includes family responsibility, life during war and the pressure of representing Ukraine on the international stage.

He remains a creative midfielder with the talent, experience and time needed to achieve even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Heorhiy Sudakov?

Heorhiy Sudakov is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Benfica and the Ukraine national team.

How old is Heorhiy Sudakov?

He is 23 years old as of July 2026.

When was Heorhiy Sudakov born?

He was born on 1 September 2002.

Where was Heorhiy Sudakov born?

He was born in Brianka in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.

How tall is Heorhiy Sudakov?

He is 1.77 metres, or approximately 5 feet 10 inches, tall.

Which club does Heorhiy Sudakov play for?

He plays for Benfica in Portugal.

What number does Heorhiy Sudakov wear?

He wears number 10 for Benfica.

What position does Heorhiy Sudakov play?

He mainly plays as an attacking midfielder. He can also play as a left midfielder or central creative player.

Did Heorhiy Sudakov play for Shakhtar Donetsk?

Yes. He developed through Shakhtar’s academy and made 148 senior appearances for the club.

How many goals did he score for Shakhtar?

He scored 35 goals for Shakhtar in all competitions.

Is Heorhiy Sudakov married?

Yes. He is married to Yelyzaveta Sudakova.

Does Heorhiy Sudakov have children?

Yes. He and his wife have two daughters.

Has Heorhiy Sudakov played for Ukraine?

Yes. He made his senior international debut in May 2021 and has represented Ukraine at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

What are Heorhiy Sudakov’s biggest achievements?

His achievements include five trophies with Shakhtar, the 2023–24 Ukrainian league Player of the Season award and the joint top-scorer honour at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.

Why is his name sometimes written as Georgiy Sudakov?

Heorhiy, Heorhii, Georgiy and Giorgi are different English transliterations of the same Ukrainian name.