Andrei Oleksiovych Lunin emerged as an unexpected hero for a Real Madrid side temporarily reliant on Thibaut Courtois. An unfortunate bout of sciatica kept the Belgian keeper sidelined in recent weeks, which opened the door for the Ukrainian goalkeeper to feature in the starting XI for the last five matches: Osasuna, Shakhtar in Madrid, Getafe, matches in Warsaw, and the Clasico against Barcelona at the Bernabéu.
Patience pays off for a quiet performer whose teammates in the locker room value his calm, consistent presence. Lunin has earned trust and affection in recent months, particularly as Ukraine mobilized to support its citizens during the ongoing conflict. With family back home, he remains acutely aware of the situation. He was visibly involved in protests against Putin in Madrid, underscoring his solidarity with his homeland.
On February 24, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Lunin faced a life-changing decision. Since arriving at Valdebebas in 2018, the Ukrainian had risen through the ranks after Real Madrid paid 8.5 million to sign him and loaned him to Leganés, Valladolid, and Oviedo. He began to carve out a place in the first team while Courtois was ahead in the pecking order. During his Valladolid spell, he asked his girlfriend, influential Anastasia Tamazova, for her hand on the grass of the Nuevo José Zorrilla stadium. The couple confirmed their engagement on social media soon after.
Turning point
Five days before the Champions League final in Paris, scheduled for May 23, Anastasia gave birth to their child. Teammates celebrated the news during training. Up to that point, it seemed likely Lunin would leave Madrid at the end of the season, having logged only five appearances in two years. Betis, Granada, Eibar, and several Bundesliga clubs had shown interest in his future.
Not bad for a first Clasico appearance. A photograph from the moment circulated with the caption, “Andrey Lunin shines in his first Clasico,” reinforcing his growing influence in the squad.
Real Madrid later secured the Champions League and the domestic league, and Lunin and Anastasia made a pivotal choice for their family’s future. They decided to stay in Madrid to raise their son in a city where they felt comfortable. The wartime reality in Ukraine prompted them to take on secondary roles in the squad, prioritizing family stability. Lunin always had the support of teammates, notably Luka Modrić, who stood by him. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also praised Lunin’s steady work and encouraged him to pursue more opportunities.
“The Ukrainian people are strong”
In recent weeks, Lunin achieved a personal milestone by playing a derby against Atlético Madrid. He also spoke about hoping to win a Clasico, a dream heightened by facing fellow Ukrainians in Warsaw while Putin bombed cities back home. His reflections on the conflict were shared with the public after a draw in Poland.
He expressed that explaining the pain is difficult. Family and friends remain in Ukraine, and he described the collective hardship with a quiet resolve. He hopes for a swift end to the suffering, extending that wish to everyone affected. In the locker room, Courtois remains a source of encouragement and strength, celebrated by teammates for his calm leadership and for trusting Lunin with important moments.
Although Courtois has resumed normal duties, Ancelotti postponed a return to Sevilla, keeping Lunin in the starting lineup for a sixth straight match in the Elche fixture. The birth of his son has altered not only his personal life but also his professional rhythm, adding a deeper sense of purpose to his performances.