The former player of Kyiv’s Dynamo and the Ukraine national team Mykola Morozuk talked about the media league and answered various questions.
Mykola Morozuk“Media football is already not about clowning or entertainment”
— You are one of the most recognizable figures in modern Ukrainian football. I want to understand what your path in the media league has been. What convinced you to join this format, to continue playing and developing in a new dimension?
— It’s hard to describe in a couple of words because for me it’s partly, you can say, a continuation of my football career. But only partly — because it is already a different dimension, a different format.
After the end of my professional football career, there were many thoughts — which direction to move, how to develop further. There were certain ideas and plans, but, unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, even when I tried something specific, I realized: this is not for me.
I have always been drawn to the media space. And when I returned to Ukraine, the media football began to actively develop. I had my own ideas, but at the same time, I met people who were interested in the development of this format. Now this is an inseparable part of my life. And I am very glad that in the end I made the right choice.
— How important is public visibility for you today? Is it already part of your personal brand, or rather a story about “Profan” — more as a fan than a specific influence?
— I think, to be honest, it’s two in one. Of course, I plan and want to develop my personal brand, but the brand “Profan” is very important to me. This is a project that is actively developing, and we are working a lot on it. In the last two months, I believe we have done great work and made huge progress — this cannot but please. Therefore — yes, two in one. I can’t say that everything revolves around “Profan”. I take care of myself, and “Profan” is a part of me. Something like that.
— You were a captain, played a lot in the UPL and abroad, including in the Champions League, had serious responsibilities. Today — an entertainment format, a different energy, a new audience. What captivates you the most in this process, and what do you really find appealing compared to classic football?
— There is a huge difference in the level of responsibility in the media league and, for example, in the Champions League and generally in professional football. But I want to say that in the last year media football has significantly grown. There is also unpredictability, sport principles, competition, and emotions starting to emerge here. A year ago, I played for the Rukh Media team, and we were the undisputed leaders — I was partly uninterested because there were no competitors who could impose a fight.
But now everything has changed: teams are strengthening, becoming more mature, productive, and effective. New faces are appearing — both among the media people and among ex-professionals who have serious football backgrounds. So media football is already not about clowning or entertainment. It differs from professional in many rules and nuances, but now it indeed already has a decent football level. And I feel that I am returning to something well-known from my professional career.
“We are probably one of the few — or maybe the only — team that dictates media football fashion in many things”
— You said that media football has many nuances. Is there something key that became the most unexpected for you after immersing yourself in this format?
— When I arrived in media football, honestly, for me it was generally like a football circus. But over time, all the rules began to change. We gradually refined them to make the game more dynamic, more effective. For example, the fact that the match starts “one on one,” the “presidential bullets,” goals for two, secret cards — all this creates intrigue. You never know in advance what awaits you. Sometimes it’s not enough just to play well — luck, a card, or an action that doesn’t depend on you at all may become decisive.
This is interesting. It adds spice. And honestly, it’s already hard for me to step back from this — over two years I have become fully immersed in the format, accustomed to the rules, to the rhythm. Media football has become a part of my life. It feels like I have been playing it all my life. Therefore, I am no longer surprised by anything — I am in the process.
— Turkish fans are crazy. But in the media league, emotions often run high too. Where do you think there is more fire — in the stands of the Turkish Super League or in the comments under YouTube broadcasts?
— Unfortunately, today we still can’t gather the number of viewers in the stands that we would like to see. But we are living, developing, and moving forward. It’s hard to say for now, but what I see during matches — especially the official ones, like the UA Steel Cup, organized by the media league — is that none of the teams wants to lose. There are emotions, there are disputes, sometimes there are scandalous moments. This proves that media football is no longer just “came and ran.” Everyone wants to win.
In the comments — there are also plenty of emotions. But honestly, I would love to see more people in the stands. The location influences — it’s not convenient for everyone to get there. But I am confident that over time this will change radically.
— You have always had your own vision of style — both in play and off the field. What currently is a way for you to express yourself, considering your current activities?
— Honestly, I am incredibly happy that I have the opportunity to participate in the development of a project like “Profan.” I am very pleased and happy that in our team — starting with the president and ending with each player, leader, creative person — there are football and creative people who adhere to a certain style. We focus on many features, trends, we try — something succeeds better, something not so much. We analyze.
I am currently fully in my element because I have always liked to look good and align with some modern trends. We are probably one of the few — or maybe the only — team that dictates media football fashion in many areas. From everyday moments, videos, photoshoots to style of clothing and kits — I find this incredibly attractive.
And as head coach, I try to instill in the guys the same spirit — ball control, combination and intelligent football. It’s challenging. But in a short time, we already have our own progressions, understanding on the field, and style. My football friends notice this, call me, and acknowledge — and it pleases me. My team is progressing both in football and in everything else. Therefore “Profan” is a team of style. And for me, this is indeed important.
“Yes, officially we are divorced, but we have been living together for a long time”
— You overall express yourself without filters, and that’s what the audience appreciates. But still: are there things you fundamentally don’t show? Where is the line of personal — and does it even exist at this point?
— To be honest, I have no boundaries. I am a very open person and I try to express myself as I truly am. Maybe I would even like to show more. I think over time I will have the opportunity to do this more vividly, qualitatively, and understandably for the audience — and convey what is truly important to me.
As for taboos… I don’t have any forbidden topics per se. I mean, in a reasonable understanding, of course. There are things that are too personal or intimate that are not for broadcasting. But everything else that concerns everyday life is absolutely normal, without limitations.
— You participate in various advertising campaigns and collaborations. What criteria do you generally agree to collaborate on? Are there formats you would fundamentally avoid, even for big money?
— Honestly, there is a certain filtration. There’s always communication with the brand: what exactly, how this will look, why should I do this. I never agree immediately. There must be a dialogue and agreement on the details. I always do a specific analysis — what I give to the brand, what I get, and how this will look in the result.
Regarding refusals — there are moments. For example, online casinos or something like that. Or topics in which I don’t understand and that are not close to my spirit — I wouldn’t even consider such options.
— Your personal life is not behind closed doors. It’s in the spotlight: in social networks, in news headlines, sometimes even in comments. Is this a conscious choice, or just a lifestyle where boundaries have long blurred?
— We go through this path together. Like all people — we change, make mistakes, analyze. There are various emotional moments. My wife and I have been together for many years, we have wonderful children — a son and a daughter. Yes, officially we are divorced, but we have been living together for a long time. We are happy, everything is cool for us.
Life will show what we will come to. The most important thing for me is that the parents are happy, and therefore the children too. That they do not just see smiles but also feel love. This is the priority. I do not predict ahead, I live for today. And every day for me is motivation to make my family happier: both my wife and children.
We all change, and this is normal. The main thing is not to harm loved ones and to analyze in time.
— Your lifestyle is filled with attention and media presence. It seems this should be exhausting. Though from your answers, you wouldn’t say so. But still: have there been moments when you wanted to hit pause — disappear from social media and just rest?
— Of course, there have been. I think that’s normal. Especially from the moment when at 17-18 your name starts to become recognizable. And then social networks appear — and you are already fully “on the radar”.
From time to time, there’s a desire to just go to the woods, close yourself in a little house and spend two weeks there — without a phone, without connections, without conversations. Just to breathe fresh air, look at the lake, at the woods. And such thoughts have arisen more than once.
It’s normal when a person gets tired. Sometimes there’s emotional burnout. Sometimes you enter a restaurant and see how people react to you: someone asks for a photo, someone for an autograph, and someone talks about you for two hours straight. And you catch those glances. Honestly, that’s probably what I like the least — you want to just sit quietly, so that no one examines you.
But over time, you get used to it. You learn to react calmly and adequately. Partially, I even like this; partially — not so much. Sometimes it’s exhausting. But it’s my path. It’s the path of people who have a certain recognizability, popularity. Some more, some less, and some on a completely cosmic level. But one thing I can say for sure: this life — is not easy.
“It is not quite a competitor to professional football, but certainly a full-fledged additional platform”
— Still… What helps you maintain balance in such a complex and emotionally saturated life? Are there any habits or rituals that stabilize?
— There are no special habits or rituals. You just need to remain yourself. To be a human — in every sense. For me, this is about respect: to respect others, regardless of how they treat you.
People are different. Some approach with maximum pleasantness, some with aggression, some are just overly persistent. But I try to be in normal contact with everyone. I am a calm person, not conflict-prone. It’s hard to get me riled up. But if you do, of course, it’s difficult to stop. (Smiles).
Overall — we need to accept people and life as they are. We are all different: in words, in approaches, in desires. And this is also the norm.
— If we imagine: no football, no media league. What would then fill your life? Can you imagine it at all without football?
— It’s hard to say, but honestly, I can imagine life without football. Especially now. I am not as interested in professional football as I used to be. And probably if it weren’t for media football, which appeared at the right moment — in my transitional period when I stood at a crossroads — I could have gone in another direction and no longer tied myself to football.
I would like to do something useful for the country, for the people. I don’t know exactly what area that would be. Maybe something related to development, improvement. Politics? It’s complicated. It’s a specific path, challenging and filled with nuances. There are many people with very different intentions: some come with good intentions, others strictly with their interests. But I would really like to have some positive impact on something important. Just to do good things. As for what exactly — I don’t know yet.
— In media league, it seems you can develop, grow, and even finish your career beautifully — not according to the classic football script. But still, do you think there’s a ceiling in this format?
— It’s currently hard to say about a ceiling. I am confident that media football will continue to develop and reach a very interesting level. For me, it is not quite a competitor to professional football, but definitely a full-fledged additional platform. Here you can fulfill dreams, achieve goals, become recognizable, realized, and financially stable. In professional football, some earn more, some less — it depends on the level, club, country. In media football, I believe, there is even more space for development.
This is a platform that provides additional opportunities: both through recognition, and through working with brands, and through the ability to engage with the audience. You can even achieve more here than in classic football. Therefore, I believe that media football will become a powerful project — with its future, influence, and potential.
“When a no-name turns into a star — for me, this is again a success”
— What do you consider true success in this direction?
— I won’t even talk about myself. For me, success is when a person who has always dreamed of becoming a football player, but due to circumstances — an injury, lack of support, family or financial difficulties — couldn’t realize themselves in classic football, nonetheless finds their way in media football. For example, they work in a not-so-promising job, but get into the media space, develop, and achieve real "wow" success.
When a person whom no one knew becomes recognizable, a role model for the youth, an example to follow, partially even a brand in media football — that’s true success. That inspires me. When a no-name turns into a star — for me, this is again a success.
— You mentioned your children’s reaction when you first joined media football. What surprised you the most in the perception among the younger generation? And how has this perception changed over time?
— When I first came to media football, we were based in Lviv, in Vynnyky, in a hotel where many children of different ages lived. I was pleasantly surprised by how much attention they showed — but not to me. Most of them didn’t even know who I was. They knew more about the bloggers who had been on the team for a few months, and hardly anyone approached me. Over time, after 2-3 matches, they started to ask: “Is it true that you played for Dynamo? For the national team? Were you a captain?” I said that it was true, but they didn’t believe it right away — they said, we were told, but we are not sure.
It was a bit strange, but when I analyzed the situation, I realized that the children were 8-10 years old. And I left Dynamo in 2019. So, they simply could not remember me from those years.
Actually, it’s thanks to media football that I’ve found contact with this younger audience. Even if you look at my Instagram, the main audience is 18+, up to 35 years, and then there’s 45+. But now we also have this young initiative wave, and I know for sure that this is thanks to media league. This is a world of youth.
— What about your children? Your son, who often appears in the frame, looks very natural. Does he want to be part of this football media world, or is he more just supporting his dad?
— Right now, my son is fully into football. He lives and breathes it. Of course, he looks up to me and his mother. He is very interested in running his social media — he is fully into this, has a ton of his own ideas and projects. Sometimes he comes with 15-20 proposals for what he wants to implement. We are pleased because he is in the modern world and well oriented in it.
That I am a player in media football also pleases him very much. That I remain in the football community, continue my career, and am recognizable — he notices that and gets concerned. For example, the last video we shot before the game with our rival made him super happy. He was thrilled that he participated in the shooting, and now he’s asking when will be the next time.
“Harmash is a complete comedy”
— It’s interesting to talk to you extensively — about the journey and values. But to wrap up, we offer to do a little blitz. Briefly, sincerely, and with a smile.
— Was there any content you were ashamed of or regretted it appearing?
— I think there was. But honestly, I can’t specifically recall.
— If your life motto were written on a T-shirt — what would it be?
— One word — love.
— When was the last time you googled yourself — what specifically did you search for and what did you find?
— This actually happened recently. My son asked how many goals I scored in my career. I often get asked this, and I never knew exactly. So, I opened Wikipedia and started to see what is written there.
— What’s the strangest or funniest thing someone has written to you in direct?
— The first thing that comes to mind is a proposal for a "male escort" type. Some agency offered to fly to Dubai, meet someone, spend the evening, go to a party, etc. To accompany someone. It was very funny.
— Are there brands or formats in which you would definitely like to appear? With whom would you want to collaborate?
— I would like something large-scale, on an international level. Most likely, it would be related to style and clothing. I love stylish things. I can’t say specifically — but something very big.
— Who among your colleagues would you definitely not trust to curate the playlist before a game?
— In the overwhelming majority — no one. Tastes hardly coincide with anyone. I can listen to one song from the ‘90s, but definitely not regularly — especially if it’s chanson or something like that.
— Who would you not risk playing mafia with because they bluff too well?
— Probably with Konoplyanka.
— Which media league players most often steal your shot?
— Mukha.
— If your son came with a tattoo, what would be the first thing you’d say to him?
— “Good looking.”
— What do you lose or forget most often?
— Glasses. That’s stable.
— With which football players could you star in a comedy? Name a trio.
— Harmash definitely — you don’t even need to write a script for him. And also Vyacheslav Shevchuk. These two are the perfect comedy combo.
— Lastly: do you recall any football fail or funny situation involving someone from this duo?
— There are many situations. If we’re talking about Denis and Slava, it really is a comedy. Slava has great humor, he especially loved to joke about the coaching staff. I remember how he teased Fomenko — blessed be his memory, Onishchenko and Zavarov. The jokes were very accurate, recalling their times as players — and it was always witty.
And with Harmash, it’s just one complete comedy. Every day with him is like a separate episode and a celebration at the same time. You don’t even need to make anything up — just being around is enough.
Kateryna Bondarenko
