In the ever-changing world of football, few figures embody both the passion of a player and the purpose of a leader quite like Evgeniy Levchenko. A former professional midfielder with experience across multiple leagues, Levchenko proudly represented Ukraine on the international stage before transitioning into a new role as an advocate for players’ rights.
Today, as chairman of the Dutch players’ union VVCS, he continues to channel his competitive spirit into supporting and protecting footballers at every stage of their careers. In this interview, Evgeniy reflects on his most memorable moments on the pitch, the challenges of life after football, and his mission to ensure that players always remain at the heart of the game.
What is your favourite football memory to date?
For me, it was playing for the national team. I think that was the most memorable because it was an honour for me to play with such big stars like Andrei Shevchenko.
I remember my first invitation to the national team — it was not an email, it was a fax from the Ukrainian national team with a stamp. It was beautiful to see, and I was running around like a child, showing it to the coach and players. It was very memorable.
How did you personally find the transition to a career off the pitch?
Personally, it was quite difficult, especially because I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
I studied and tried different things — I wrote a book, I bought a fast car, a fast bike, I went bungee and parachute jumping, I sang… I was trying to find something that gave me as much energy, the same feeling, and adrenaline as football.
It’s very difficult to find something similar, and I think many football players will admit that.
You currently work as the chairman of the Dutch player union VVCS and have done so for six years. Why did you decide to complete your MIP course after securing your job there?
I always want to develop myself, and I think it’s very important to do so.
The MIP gave me a different perspective from what I had already learned in my role.
I like the job I do now, but you can always find different perspectives from other players to see what you can do better and how you can improve. That is why I did the MIP course.
What skills did you learn on your MIP course that you took back with you in your current role?
I think planning is a very important thing that you learn. Performing under pressure is also very important, and I learned how to do that as well.
You also learn how to improve your communication skills and be very precise. MIP teaches you not only to see the perspective of the big clubs and federations, but also of smaller clubs and unions. I think this is very important and very interesting — to see the whole picture of football.
Can you tell me a little bit about the VVCS Academy and what kind of work it does for Dutch players?
A lot! We have a huge range of different services.
Every season, we go to the clubs and talk to the players. We explain their rights and inform them about the steps they can take if something bad happens at a club or with an agent. We have our own academy and team at VVCS so that players without clubs can train with us and get some game time.
I think the most important part is that we always try to put the player first. For us, this is non-negotiable. When we have discussions with clubs and agents, we defend the player 100% every time, and this is our strongest selling point.
What do you most enjoy about the work you do at the union?
I think the most important aspect for me is that I can go to the locker room and talk about a lot of things with the players.
I like to chat with the players, and I see how they try to be open with me — that to me is very valuable. Having a connection with the players is one of the most important things.
Do you think it’s important that players stay in the football industry after retiring?
Oh, yeah, definitely. Of course, those young players don’t know me anymore, but at least they understand that I used to play football, and that I had the same problems they have.
I try to explain to the players when we come to the locker room that I’ve been in the same shoes as them and we will support and help them a lot.
I tell them: don’t hesitate to call us or just make contact with us, and I feel that they understand us.
You have mentioned in interviews that you believe heading the ball should be removed from the sport. Why do you believe this?
I’ve said many times that, in my opinion, in football you have to play with your feet, not with your head. I see this not only from my perspective but also from that of medical professionals — I speak with them a lot.
I speak with neuroscientists, and they explain to me how your brain can be damaged, especially if you’re repeatedly heading the ball. I would say that hopefully within a couple of years we can make this a big change within football.
You are now a self-proclaimed foot golfer! Tell me a little bit more about that and how you got into playing foot golf.
It started as a joke, and at one point I was so excited about it that I tried to find more information. Then I saw that there are competitions in the Netherlands and worldwide! I enjoy traveling a lot and trying to find competitions to play — I think it’s very important to have a hobby.
This is different from football because you don’t have to run or be in top condition, but you do have to be very mentally strong!
