Serhiy Perkhun

Serhiy Volodymyrovych Perkhun (Сергій Володимирович Перхун; 4 September 1977 – 28 August 2001) was a Ukrainian footballer. He is the only player to date in the history of the Russian Premier League to die from injuries sustained during an official game.

Career
In 1993–1998, he played for FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. In 1999–2000, he was a first choice goalkeeper for Sheriff Tiraspol. In 2001, he was a first choice goalkeeper for CSKA Moscow.

Serhiy was also capped by the Ukraine national football team in a friendly game against Latvia on 15 August 2001, just 3 days before the accident that led to his death on the 28th. He played in the second half of the match.

He is the youngest player, as of August 2020, in the history of the top league of the Ukrainian football, making his debut at the age of 16 years and 34 days in the game for FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk against FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih on 8 October 1993 in the Ukrainian Premier League (then Vyshcha Liha).

Death
On 19 August 2001, during the game against Anzhi Makhachkala, Perkhun collided with Budun Budunov. Perkhun died nine days later from a brain hemorrhage, whilst Budunov sustained several head injuries. CSKA Moscow has retired number 16 to honor Perkhun's legacy.

Honours

 * 1998–99 Moldovan Cup (Sheriff Tiraspol)
 * 1994 UEFA European Under-16 Championship (third runner)