From ISL debut with Kerala Blasters to Ukraine's national team, Ivan Kaliuzhny's rise is remarkable. A journey from Indian football to the UEFA Nations League!
Ivan Kaliuzhny stepped onto the field for the first time in a match against East Bengal for Kerala Blasters FC, on October 7, 2022, in the Indian Super League (ISL). Fast forward to October 11, 2024, the gifted midfielder made yet, another great debut, this time for the senior Ukraine national team against Georgia in the UEFA Nation's League.
This development is a reflection of his hard work, will power, and even evolution as a player as it evidences how fast he has risen from the ISL level to that of European football.
The ISL Breakthrough – Kerala Blasters
Ivan Kaliuzhny joined Kerala Blasters FC for the 2022-23 ISL season. He was just marking his presence and winning many hearts with it. His huge midfield influence was coupled with tactically astute and an eye for goal, making him stand out in one of Asia's rapidly growing leagues. In Kerala Blasters, he was crucial to anchoring the midfield in defensive solidity going forward.
The game on October 7th, 2022 was against East Bengal once again, and was the start of a very successful journey in the Indian footballing space. It was his first season, wherein important goals along with versatility elevated him to be one among the standout foreign talents in the league. The attention soon wasn't only from India, but also the global football fraternity, and started paving the way for his return to the European football terrain.
The Step Up – Ukraine Senior National Team
Kaliuzhny did not end there. In 2024, he had returned to the circuit again, where his skills and physical condition were all sharpened. His performances at the club level did not go unchecked either, and soon Ivan's hard work was vindicated when the Ukraine seniors' team began calling him up. Ivan Kaliuzhny first featured for Ukraine on October 11th, 2024, when he featured for his country in the UEFA Nations League match against Georgia.
The one mentioned here is just the highlight of his career, from the top league of India to the European turf for his national side. Kaliuzhny's career indeed inspires not only those young minds that follow but also his friends. To make a UEFA Nations League debut is no joke, and Ivan had marked it as a perfect transition from club to international football.
