Fueled by feline fanaticism, Ukrainian midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk emerged as a key player in his team’s thrilling comeback victory over Slovakia on Friday at Euro 2024.
It seems his furry friend might have even lent a paw in the team’s dramatic turnaround.
The 23-year-old Chelsea star, a social media devotee known for his frequent posts featuring his beloved pet cat, took his affection for his feline companion to unprecedented heights at the tournament in Germany.
Mudryk sported custom-made shin pads emblazoned with an image of his cherished short-eared tabby cat, a detail that undoubtedly served as a source of comfort and inspiration on the pitch.
The outlook for Ukraine was bleak after their demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening match.
But in Duesseldorf, Mudryk displayed cat-like agility and grace as Ukraine clawed their way back from a goal down to secure a crucial 2-1 victory, keeping their qualification hopes for the knockout stages alive.
Mudryk is known for his unique and very small shin pads.
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He has another pair inscribed with a personal message that draws strength from his faith.
The inscription reads “Can’t, Can’t, Can’t, Can” with a cartoon figure of Jesus transforming the first “Can’t” into “Can” and placing it on top of a hill resembling a cross.
This time, however, it was his cat that served as a source of motivation as he gears up for Ukraine’s final Group E match against Belgium on Wednesday.
With his furry friend acting as a lucky charm, Mudryk will be hoping to lead Ukraine to another victory and a berth in the next round.
The midfielder’s confidence on the pitch seems to soar when his feline friend is watching, either in person or perhaps through Mudryk’s social media posts.
The cat, whose name and even species are not publicly known, has become an unexpected symbol of hope for Ukrainian fans, a reminder that even the smallest creatures can bring about big victories.
