Early mark in men's football

Born on 7 March 2007 in Kyiv, having played football as a child Bogdanov soon joined the Dynamo Kiev youth team. After fleeing Ukraine with his family in the spring of 2022, he moved to the Dynamo Dresden youth academy. He quickly worked his way up through the U17s in the B-Jugend Bundesliga and was awarded his first professional contract in September 2023. In the U19 DFB Youth League, he scored ten goals in 15 games in the 2023/24 season and was given his first taste of professional football under then interim coach Heiko Scholz. Bogdanov made his mark with the Dresden first team in September 2023 –twice, in fact. He came on as a substitute in the 58th minute of a friendly against Bohemians Praha 1905, bagging a quick brace. His competitive debut followed on 4 May 2024 in the 3. Liga game against SC Verl.

The 6’2” right-footed player was also part of both the U19 and first team squads in the 2024/25 season. He scored 17 goals in 16 games for the youth team and celebrated promotion to the 2. Bundesliga with the professionals.

Bogdanov played for both the Ukrainian U17 and U19 teams. He took part in the 2024 European Championship with the U17s and reached the semi-finals of the European Championship with the U19s in the same year.

Three facts about Dmytro

• His nickname is ‘Mitia’.

• His father, Vladimir Bogdanov, was also a centre forward and played for Borussia Dortmund's youth team and the second team of 1. FSV Mainz 05, among others.

• Although his father initially wanted to discourage him from pursuing a professional football career, Dmytro insisted on following his own path.

Reactions to the transfer

"The move to Union is a great opportunity for me,” said Bogdanov on the signing of his contract. “I want to learn as much as possible in training with the professional team and contribute my qualities to the U19s. It's important for me to improve step by step and settle in well in Berlin. I will work hard every day to develop further and justify the club's trust in me.”