Artem Smolyakov

Three of Artem Smoliakov's four assists in his debut Los Angeles FC season went to the same team-mate, Son Heung-min.

He started out in the academy at Inhulets, signing his first professional contract there in August 2020. Three years and 32 appearances later, in July 2023, he moved to Polissya for a fee of €150,000 and became a regular starter, making 38 league appearances and adding two goals.

The move that changed things came in February 2025, when LAFC signed him from Polissya for around €2 million on a contract running through 2028. Under head coach Steve Cherundolo he was a fixture in the side, making 32 appearances across all competitions in 2025, scoring once and setting up four goals — including one in a 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Tigres.

That standing did not survive a change of coaching staff. When Marco Dos Santos took over and switched LAFC to a back-three system in 2026, Smoliakov no longer fit the shape of the team. He was released from his contract and sent on loan to Kharkiv in Ukraine until June 2027, with a buy option attached. Smoliakov has said the move was down to the tactical change rather than any dispute at the club.

Internationally, he has represented Ukraine's under-21 side since his first call-up in 2023, making more than ten appearances, including a 2-0 win over Finland during qualifying for the 2025 European Under-21 Championship.