The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeSportsFootballOleksandr Zinchenko
Sports • Football

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Zinchenko is a Ukrainian professional footballer who has played as a left-back and midfielder.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Zinchenko is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a left-back and midfielder. He has played for Ufa, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Ajax, and has been a long-time member of the Ukraine national team.

Early life and youth career

Zinchenko was born on 15 December 1996 in Radomyshl, Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine. He began his youth career with Karpatiya Radomyshl, later moving to Monolit Illichivsk and then Shakhtar Donetsk's youth setup.

Club career

Zinchenko began his senior career with Russian club Ufa in 2015. He moved to Manchester City in 2016, where he was converted from an attacking midfielder into a left-back under Pep Guardiola. During his time at Manchester City, he won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and one FA Cup. In July 2022, he joined Arsenal in a transfer reported at about £30 million. Some sources currently list Ajax as his club, while others still list Arsenal or provide outdated data.

Playing style

Zinchenko is valued for his versatility, with sources describing him as a left-back, midfielder, or left-sided utility player. He has been listed by major football databases as capable of playing left-back, left midfield, and central midfield.

International career

Zinchenko made his debut for the Ukraine national team in 2015. He has since become a regular and has played in multiple UEFA European Championship tournaments, including Euro 2016, Euro 2020, and Euro 2024.

Honours and recognition

With Manchester City, Zinchenko won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and one FA Cup. He has also received individual recognition, including being named Ukraine Footballer of the Year in 2019.

Key facts

  • Zinchenko began his senior career with Russian club Ufa before moving to Manchester City in 2016.
  • At Manchester City, he was converted from an attacking midfielder into a left-back under Pep Guardiola.
  • He won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and one FA Cup with Manchester City.
  • He joined Arsenal in July 2022 in a transfer reported at about £30 million.
  • He has been a Ukraine international since 2015 and has played multiple UEFA European Championship tournaments.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Oleksandr Zinchenko?
He is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays mainly as a left-back or midfielder.
When was Oleksandr Zinchenko born?
He was born on 15 December 1996.
Where was Oleksandr Zinchenko born?
He was born in Radomyshl, Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine.
Which clubs has he played for?
The search results show Ufa, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Ajax at different points in his career.
What trophies did he win with Manchester City?
He won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and one FA Cup with Manchester City.
What positions does he play?
He is most often listed as a left-back, but sources also describe him as a midfielder or left midfielder.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksandr_Zinchenko_(footballer)
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, positions, career summary, Manchester City honours, transfer to Arsenal
  2. Transfermarkthttps://www.transfermarkt.us/oleksandr-zinchenko/profil/spieler/203853
    Supports: Birth place, height, position, youth clubs, current club, transfer history
  3. Goalhttps://www.goal.com/en/lists/13-fun-facts-about-oleksandr-zinchenko/blt78cfd417c151fe11
    Supports: Ukraine debut, first international goal, captaincy notes, international profile
  4. Premier Leaguehttps://www.premierleague.com/en/players/206325/oleksandr-zinchenko/overview
    Supports: Nationality, date of birth, Premier League appearances, goals, assists
  5. National Football Teamshttps://www.national-football-teams.com/player/60841/Oleksandr_Zinchenko.html
    Supports: Birth place, position history, Ukraine caps and goals
  6. ESPNhttps://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/217482/oleksandr-zinchenko
    Supports: Current club listing in search results, height, weight, nationality