Vyacheslav Moskalenko, a former national mini-football player for Russia, passed away during a military operation in Ukraine. The news was confirmed by the official site of the Russian Futsal Association. The association extended its sincere condolences to Moskalenko’s family and friends, acknowledging the loss in this difficult time.
At the time of his passing, Moskalenko was connected with the Northern Military District region. This confirmation comes from the Russian Futsal Association, which highlighted his contributions to the sport and expressed sympathy for those who knew him.
He left behind a legacy as a 43-year-old former national athlete who began his journey with the Novosibirsk Youth Sports School Spartak.
During his club career, Moskalenko played for several prominent Russian mini-football teams, including Sibiryak in Novosibirsk, Dynamo in Moscow, Spartak in Moscow, and TTG-Yugra in Yugorsk, which is now Gazprom-Yugra, among others. His competitive success includes two Russian championship titles (2002/2003 and 2003/2004) along with victories in the Super Cup and the National Cup.
On the international stage, Moskalenko debuted for Russia in a friendly against Azerbaijan in January 2001. Across his time with the senior national team, he earned 19 caps and scored 10 goals. He also earned recognition as a champion at the 2002 World Student Futsal Championship.
In reflecting on his career, observers note Moskalenko’s impact on the sport and his role as a mentor to younger players who followed in his footsteps. His passing is being mourned by teammates, coaches, and fans who remember his contributions on the court.
Citation: Official website of the Russian Futsal Association confirmed the details of Moskalenko’s death and his accolades. Additional context regarding the Northern Military District reference and Ukrainian operations is reported by contemporaneous updates from national sources.
This remembrance serves to document the arc of a player who represented Russian futsal at both club and national levels, illustrating the reach of the sport across cities like Novosibirsk, Moscow, and Yugorsk, and highlighting the personal narratives that accompany athletes who become part of the sport’s history.