Yevhen Cheberko Bio
Yevhen Ihorovych Cheberko, born on 23 January 1998, is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. He is widely recognized for his composure on the ball, vision from the back, and accurate passing, traits that have made him a dependable defender at both club and international level. After coming through the youth systems of UFK Dnipro and FC Dnipro, he built his career across Ukraine, Austria, and Croatia before establishing himself in Major League Soccer. In recent seasons, he has added major silverware to his résumé, including a domestic cup title in the United States.
Standing 1.84 m tall, Cheberko combines physical presence with technical calm, allowing him to play out from the back under pressure. He has represented Ukraine across multiple age groups and now also features for the senior national team. His journey from a young prospect in Melitopol to a championship-winning defender reflects steady development and a willingness to embrace new challenges in different leagues.
Early Life and Background
Yevhen Ihorovych Cheberko was born in Melitopol, a city in southern Ukraine, on 23 January 1998. Growing up in a country with a strong footballing tradition, he was introduced to the sport at an early age through local play and structured youth training. His early promise on the ball quickly caught the attention of regional scouts, which led him toward formal academy football.
He joined the youth setup at UFK Dnipro during his early teenage years, where he began to refine the technical foundations that would later define his style. After developing at UFK Dnipro, he moved into the FC Dnipro academy, a step that placed him inside one of the more established development pipelines in Ukrainian football. It was in this environment that he transitioned from a midfield-oriented role into a defensive one, laying the groundwork for his future as a centre-back.
Path to Professional Football
Cheberko’s route into senior football began inside the FC Dnipro system, where he continued to progress after his youth years. His performances at youth level earned him a place in the first-team setup, and on 24 July 2016 he made his professional debut for FC Dnipro, entering as a second-half substitute in a Ukrainian league match against Volyn Lutsk. The appearance marked a significant milestone in a young career still in development.
Less than a year later, on 30 April 2017, he scored his first professional goal, a penalty against the same opponent, Volyn Lutsk, sealing a 1–0 win for his club. The goal was an early sign of the composure he would later show from the back. His growing influence did not go unnoticed, and following FC Dnipro’s relegation from the Ukrainian Premier League, he secured a move that kept him in the top flight and accelerated his development as a top-level defender.
Yevhen Cheberko Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Cheberko began his senior career with FC Dnipro, where he had come through the academy ranks. The club provided him with his first taste of regular professional football, and he used the opportunity to adapt to the demands of the Ukrainian Premier League. Although FC Dnipro faced serious institutional and competitive challenges during this period, Cheberko continued to develop, gaining valuable minutes and experience.
His debut in 2016 and his first senior goal in 2017 demonstrated that he could perform under pressure. The relegation of FC Dnipro, however, prompted a change. With the club dropping out of the top flight, Cheberko sought a move that would allow him to continue competing at the highest level of Ukrainian football and to keep building on the progress he had made.
Zorya Luhansk Breakthrough (2017–2020)
On 24 June 2017, Cheberko transferred to Zorya Luhansk, signing a two-year contract that signalled the club’s faith in his potential. The move came at a critical moment, as it allowed him to remain in the Ukrainian Premier League despite FC Dnipro’s demotion. At Zorya Luhansk, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new environment while continuing his growth as a young defender.
Over the next three seasons, Cheberko became a regular presence in the squad, contributing to the team’s campaigns in both the domestic league and European competitions. He developed into a more complete centre-back, refining his positioning, distribution, and reading of the game. By the time he departed in 2020, he had established himself as a reliable defender capable of performing consistently at a high level.
Austrian and Croatian Chapters (2020–2023)
In July 2020, Cheberko completed a transfer to Austrian Bundesliga side LASK for a reported fee of €300,000, a move that represented his first step outside Ukrainian football. The Austrian top flight offered a different tactical environment, and the move was seen as an opportunity for him to test himself in a new league. His time at LASK, however, was brief, as the club agreed to send him out on loan to gain more regular playing time.
Six months after joining LASK, he was loaned to Croatian first division side NK Osijek on an 18-month deal that included a purchase option. The spell in Croatia proved transformative, as he became a key figure in the Osijek defence. On 2 January 2022, the purchase option was triggered, making the move permanent and confirming his status as a long-term member of the squad. His performances in the Croatian league further sharpened his defensive game.
Columbus Crew Era (2023–2026)
On 9 June 2023, Cheberko transferred from NK Osijek to the Columbus Crew, marking his entry into Major League Soccer. The move gave him a new platform to showcase his abilities in a growing league. His impact was immediate and significant, as he played a central role in the club’s run to the 2023 MLS Cup final, where Columbus defeated Los Angeles FC on 9 December to claim the championship.
The title win also qualified the club for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, in which Cheberko was a starter throughout the tournament. He featured in all seven matches as Columbus reached the final, ultimately losing to Pachuca. At the conclusion of the competition, he was named to the Champions Cup Best XI, recognition of his consistency at the heart of the defence. On 19 October 2024, he scored his first goal for the Columbus Crew, striking in the final regular-season match against the New York Red Bulls.
Los Angeles FC Era (2026–Present)
On 9 June 2026, Cheberko was traded to Los Angeles FC in exchange for an international roster slot, bringing his time at Columbus Crew to a close. The trade brought him full circle in a sense, as LAFC had been the opponent in the 2023 MLS Cup final. His arrival added international experience and a championship-winning pedigree to the LAFC defensive group.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cheberko is a left-footed centre-back whose game is built on calm distribution and intelligent positioning. Originally developed as a midfielder, he later featured at left-back before settling into a central defensive role, a path that has given him a broad tactical understanding. Coaches and observers have highlighted his vision, composure under pressure, and quality passing as defining features of his play, allowing him to launch attacks from deep and control the tempo of matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the standout moments of his career, Cheberko’s 2023 MLS Cup victory with Columbus Crew stands out as his first major senior trophy. His selection to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup Best XI further underlined his standing among the top defenders in the region. Scoring his first Crew goal in the final regular-season match of 2024 against the New York Red Bulls added another milestone to his growing list of achievements.
Yevhen Cheberko Career Honours
Cheberko has collected significant team silverware during his time in Major League Soccer, most notably the 2023 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew. The championship capped a successful first season in the United States and marked his first major title at senior level. Individual recognition has also followed, including a place in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup Best XI.
Yevhen Cheberko Family
Family Background and Footballing Lineage
Public information about Cheberko’s family background is limited. He was born and raised in Melitopol, Ukraine, and his early footballing development was shaped by the academies of UFK Dnipro and FC Dnipro rather than by a well-documented family footballing tradition.
Personal Life
Cheberko has kept much of his personal life away from the public eye, and verified details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed. His professional journey has taken him across Ukraine, Austria, Croatia, and the United States, reflecting a career built on adaptation and a willingness to embrace new environments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a continuation of Cheberko’s role as a key part of the Columbus Crew defence. Building on his contributions to the 2023 MLS Cup title and the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign, he remained a regular presence at centre-back. His experience alongside international teammates helped stabilize the back line throughout the season.
His first goal for the club, scored in late 2024, gave him a platform to push for more attacking contributions from deep in 2025. The Crew continued to compete at the top end of the Eastern Conference, with Cheberko’s distribution and composure playing a central role in the team’s build-up play. His standing as a Champions Cup Best XI selection in 2024 reinforced his reputation as one of the more technically gifted defenders in the league.