On April 17, Daria Bilodid officially made her debut as a football player, taking part in a match of the Ukrainian women’s championship. The former judoka, a world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, came on as a substitute in a match where her new Kyiv-based team faced a squad from Vinnytsia, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Suspilne.
The match was part of the top-tier women’s league, and Bilodid joined the game in the second half. Her team secured a 2-0 victory. The match was not only a regular part of the tournament but also a symbolic event for the athlete, as it marked her first official game in a new sport.
Bilodid’s transition to football came as a surprise to many fans, although she had previously expressed interest in trying a different athletic discipline. Moreover, she holds an official contract with the Kyiv women’s club that competes in the Ukrainian championship. Her new role was formally confirmed ahead of her debut appearance.
The match in which Bilodid debuted took place as part of the 15th round of the Ukrainian Women’s Championship. Her team currently ranks 8th in the standings with 16 points. Their opponents from Vinnytsia remain at the bottom of the table, without a single win this season.
Daria Bilodid is one of the most accomplished Ukrainian judokas. She has won world and European championship titles and earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Now, the athlete embarks on a new chapter in her sports career.
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