Forbes 30 under 30: Ukrainian athletes who made it and their path to success
Ukrainian athletes in Forbes "30 under 30" (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian athletes Illia Zabarnyi and Taisia Onofriichuk have been included in the prestigious Forbes Ukraine "30 under 30" list, which annually recognizes young Ukrainians under 30 for outstanding achievements in various fields.
Zabarnyi in Forbes
23-year-old Illia Zabarnyi, a central defender in the Ukrainian national team, moved this summer from English club Bournemouth to the reigning Champions League winner, PSG, for €63 million. This made him the second most expensive Ukrainian footballer in history.
He has already made his debut for the new club, played another match, and shown good performance.
In September, Zabarnyi set a record, becoming the youngest footballer in the history of the national team to play 50 matches.
Onofriichuk won historic gold for Ukraine
17-year-old leader of the national rhythmic gymnastics team, Taisiia Onofriichuk, became the European champion in the all-around in 2025, winning the first gold medal for Ukraine in this discipline in 28 years.
At the World Championship, she also won her first medals: bronze in the team competition and in the ribbon event.
Before this achievement, Onofriichuk had already collected 36 medals at international tournaments, including 20 golds.
History and significance of Forbes' 30 under 30
Zabarnyi and Onofriichuk became the 16th and 17th athletes on the sixth Forbes Ukraine "30 under 30" list.
The project recognizes young Ukrainians who demonstrate leadership, courage, and integrity in sports, business, culture, science, and social life.
Past editions of the list included such well-known athletes as Marta Kostyuk, Artem Dovbyk, Mykhailo Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
According to Forbes Ukraine, the "30 under 30" project dispels the myth that talented youth seek to leave Ukraine in search of a better life.
Instead, young Ukrainians are creating their future here and now. Some defend the country on the frontline, while others develop sports, culture, science, and business.
Among this year's participants are also seven military personnel from six branches of the armed forces, including special forces and founders of the resistance movement in occupied territories.
