Their lives have long been defined by a clear rhythm: matches, broadcasts, travel, and a relentless focus on results. Valeriy Bondar is used to operating under pressure, making split-second decisions on the field, while Daria Savina captures those moments and turns them into narratives that shape how modern sport is understood.
Now, the couple is entering a different phase—more intimate, yet no less demanding. As they await their first child, the focus shifts. Ambition remains, but takes on new meaning; discipline and resilience move beyond the professional sphere and become part of a shared family framework.
In this conversation, they reflect on how the experience of elite sport informs their approach to parenthood, why winning is no longer the only goal, and what the future looks like when the ultimate result is not a trophy, but a person.
You’re currently navigating a moment where personal change coincides with professional momentum. How are you experiencing this transition into parenthood?
We truly feel that we’re living through one of the deepest and brightest periods of our lives. We’ve dreamed for a long time about becoming parents, and now that moment has finally arrived. It’s more than just a new chapter—it’s an entirely new world, filled with tenderness, anticipation, and unconditional love. The emotions that come with this transition are difficult to put into words. It’s an incredible sense of happiness, intertwined with excitement, responsibility, and a profound awareness that there is now a small miracle in our lives—one that inspires us to become better every day.
Daria, you work with stories of victory, while Valeriy creates them on the field. How does that experience shape your vision of your child’s future?
We’re waiting with great anticipation for the moment we can finally meet our little miracle in person. Even now, we already know that our daughter will be the most devoted supporter of Shakhtar, because her parents love this club wholeheartedly.
Even before she’s born, she’s living an incredibly dynamic life alongside us: covering long distances, moving from city to city, from country to country, attending matches with her mom, being present during live broadcasts, interviews, shoots, and countless other processes. There’s a sense that she’s already developing into a strong, resilient girl with a distinct character.
We believe that success, ambition, and the drive to win will always matter to her. And perhaps this path she’s been on even before birth is already shaping the inner core that will help her move confidently toward her dreams.
Sport is built on discipline and results. How important is it for you to pass these principles on to your child?
We can already say with confidence that she’s a very responsible and disciplined girl. Throughout this time, she’s been living in a structured rhythm alongside her mom—schedules, travel, work, endurance, and inner focus. So in many ways, these principles—discipline, resilience, and a results-driven mindset—are already becoming natural for her.
At the same time, it’s important to us that her life always includes space for joy, lightness, and a genuine love for what she does. We want her not only to achieve her goals, but to feel happiness along the way—to be able to combine strength of character with warmth of heart.
Valeriy, has your perspective on your profession shifted with the awareness of becoming a father?
At one point, I dreamed of Daria becoming my wife. For years after that, I dreamed of us becoming parents together—and now that moment is here. It’s hard to fully express how important this period is for me, and how happy I feel.
I sense an incredible strength and energy within our family. At the same time, my motivation, my sense of responsibility, and my drive to grow have increased many times over. There’s a much deeper understanding now of what you’re working for and why you keep moving forward. On my side, I’ve always done—and will continue to do—everything possible to make sure my family is as happy as it can be.
Daria, how has your relationship with ambition evolved—both professionally and in the context of your future child?
Yes, that feeling has definitely changed. Where ambition once felt more personal—focused on growth, realization, achievement—it now carries a deeper meaning. Seeing sport both from within and as a journalist, I understand how essential it is to have goals, character, and a strong inner core.
But now there’s also a new intention—not only to achieve things for myself, but to become an example for my child. I want her to see how we pursue our dreams, how we work, how we don’t give up, how we believe in ourselves. At the same time, it’s important that her ambitions are truly her own—not imposed, but born out of genuine passion for what she chooses.
So today, ambition is no longer just about me. It’s about the future, about example, and about the environment we’re creating for our child.
You’ve already spoken about expecting a daughter. What role will sport play in her life?
Both of us started professional sport at a very young age—around five years old. For us, it’s not just part of life; it’s a foundational element. Valeriy continues his journey as a professional athlete, while Daria has remained within the world of sport through media—covering events and living the rhythm of a football team 24/7.
So we’re confident that our daughter will grow up to be very active and athletic. We want to give her as many opportunities as possible—to try different sports, to understand what resonates with her, what brings her joy. And after that, the choice will be entirely hers.
For us, the most important thing is that she feels happy in whatever she chooses to do. And we’ll always be there to support her in any decision.
Looking at parenthood in the long term, what will success mean to you?
If we look far ahead, success in parenthood won’t be measured by anything material or formal. What matters most is that our daughter grows up to be a happy person—someone who understands herself, feels loved, and moves confidently along her own path.
We want her to dream without fear, to set goals and reach them, to be able to rise after challenges, and to believe in her own strength. At the same time, we want her to always know that she has a home where she will be supported and understood.
For us, true happiness will be seeing light, sincerity, and inner harmony in her eyes. And if, years from now, she can say with warmth that she felt love, calm, and support by our side—that will be our greatest success as parents.