A. Smolyakov Los Angeles FC Defender #29 Player Profile and 2025 Season Analysis
Hey, if you’re following Los Angeles FC or just like to keep tabs on the next wave of defenders in Major League Soccer, Artem Smolyakov is a name you’ll want to remember. Smolyakov, rocking the number 29, is a Ukrainian left back who joined LAFC in 2024. He’s already starting to turn heads with his strong defensive presence and that surprising knack for scoring.
He’s only 22, but you can see the experience from Ukraine’s U21 team in the way he plays. There’s a lot of promise and a jolt of energy every time he steps onto the pitch for LAFC.
If you’re into scouting the next generation of MLS talent, Smolyakov’s quick adjustment to the American game is pretty hard to ignore. That stunner against San Diego FC—wow, what a goal—showed he’s not just a defensive guy. He’s got something going forward too.
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So what makes him different? How could he shape LAFC’s future? Let’s dig into his stats and see what kind of player he’s becoming.
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Profile of A. Smolyakov: Los Angeles FC Defender #29
Smolyakov has jumped right in as a young defender for LAFC, bringing energy and skill to their back line. His background and style really influence how he shows up in every MLS match.
Background and Early Career
Artem Smolyakov, just 22, comes from Baranivka in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr Oblast. Before LAFC, he played for Polissya Zhytomyr in the Ukrainian Premier League. LAFC picked him up in 2024 with a contract running through 2028, using the league’s U22 Initiative.
For Smolyakov, moving to LAFC was his first time playing outside Ukraine. That’s a big leap, and he had to adjust to a new league and culture fast.
He grew up in Ukraine’s youth systems, where they really focus on technical skills and tactical smarts. You can see that in his confidence on the ball and his ability to read dangerous wingers.
International experience with Ukraine’s U21s gave him a taste of the speed and grind of MLS. If you want to go deeper, check out his background on LAFC’s website or Wikipedia.
Playing Position and Style
Smolyakov lines up as a left-back, wearing number 29. He loves joining the attack but knows when to stay home and defend. You’ll notice his quick overlaps, sharp tackles, and smart positioning—these traits help LAFC at both ends.
He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet, starting plays from the back or pushing up the wing to cross or support the midfield. That recent goal against San Diego FC? He smashed it from distance, showing off his shooting touch.
Smolyakov tracks back hard, shutting down counterattacks with one-on-one defending.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 season stats:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | LAFC | 18 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
You can find more of his numbers at MLSsoccer.com.
Career at Los Angeles FC
Smolyakov wasted no time making an impression at LAFC. He’s quickly become a reliable part of their defense.
His performances in big matches and on the international stage are starting to get noticed.
Joining LAFC
When Smolyakov signed from Polissya Zhytomyr, LAFC fans got a new look in the back line. He arrived in 2024 through the MLS U22 Initiative, grabbing an international roster spot.
The club locked him up through 2028, making a real bet on his long-term upside. Smolyakov was just 21 when he landed in LA, one of the youngest regulars in the squad.
He wears 29 and usually slots in at left back. The adjustment to MLS? He handled it like a pro—good tackling, solid positioning, and he looked comfortable right away according to LAFC’s official announcement.
His arrival gave the coaching staff more options and some real flexibility in defense.
Key Matches and Appearances
Since joining, Smolyakov has played in some key games for LAFC. That 3-2 loss to San Diego FC? He scored a beauty with his left foot, showing off both his defensive chops and his ability to get forward see more on MLSsoccer.com.
He’s racked up plenty of minutes and starts in the regular season. Over his first appearances, he averaged more than 65 minutes a match and was almost always in the starting lineup.
He’s aggressive but doesn’t overdo it with the cards either.
2025 Key Stats
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | 0 | 340 |
You can check more detailed stats on Flashscore and Football-Lineups.
Performance in the Club World Cup
In 2025, Smolyakov made his Club World Cup debut with LAFC. He started two matches, played 136 minutes, and helped LAFC keep their shape under pressure details at Football-Lineups.
You could see his defensive awareness and focus in those games. His work rate and ability to cover ground made a difference, especially against some tough opponents.
Here’s how he did in the Club World Cup:
| Match Opponent | Minutes Played | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 71 | W 2-1 |
| Match 2 | 65 | L 0-1 |
Those performances showed he belongs at this level.
Season Statistics and Performance
For Smolyakov, 2025 with LAFC has been all about steady defense and a real commitment to the back line. You’ll see his impact in the matches played and in some big moments.
2025 MLS Season Stats
Smolyakov is now a regular starter at left back for LAFC. At 21, he’s already started all five of his appearances this year.
He’s logged 136 minutes in the last month alone, and his average match rating is a solid 3.5 stars.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 stats:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 |
| Matches Started | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 136 (last 30 days) |
| Average Match Rating | 3.5 stars |
He’s reliable on the ball, with a pass completion rate over 90%. That consistency makes him one of LAFC’s best options in the back four.
You can dig into his 2025 stats for more details.
Goals and Assists
Defending is his main gig, but Smolyakov still managed to find the net this year. He scored in that wild first half against San Diego FC, proving he can get forward when needed.
He hasn’t notched an assist yet, but his runs down the left side help push LAFC into dangerous spots. He’s often the guy who starts the move that leads to a big chance.
You can check out more about that goal in this match report.
Disciplinary Record
Discipline is huge for defenders, and Smolyakov has mostly kept things clean. In five matches this season, he’s picked up just 1 yellow card.
No reds yet. He plays tough but stays within the lines, rarely putting LAFC in a bad spot with the ref.
You can follow his card history at Transfermarkt.
International Experience
Smolyakov isn’t just making noise at club level. He’s become a regular for Ukraine’s youth national teams, showing up in international competitions and friendlies.
National Team Appearances
Smolyakov’s record with Ukraine’s U21 side is pretty solid. He started getting called up as a teenager and made his debut not long after turning 20.
Here’s a look at his recent U21 stats:
| Season | Team | Appearances | Goals | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | Ukraine U21 | 11 | 0 | 820 |
| 2022–2023 | Ukraine U21 | 6 | 0 | 510 |
Most of his caps came in UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers and friendlies. He hasn’t scored, but he’s been dependable at left back and keeps things tight defensively.
Impact at International Level
Ukraine’s coaches trust Smolyakov in big moments, matching him up against top young talent from all over Europe. His defensive work, calm under pressure, and steady passing keep him in the lineup.
For LAFC fans, it’s a good sign that Ukraine leans on him when things get tough. He’s earned a reputation for reading the game and shutting down tricky wingers.
That international experience helps at the club level too. You’ll often see his positioning and one-on-one defending reflect the demands of those U21 matches.
You can read more about his international journey on his player profile.
Contract and Transfer Details
Smolyakov’s move to LAFC in 2024 was a big step for him and the club. His contract gives LAFC stability and a shot at building something special with a young, international defender.
LAFC Contract Overview
Alright, folks, let’s break it down—Artem Smolyakov inked a four-year deal with LAFC, locking him in through 2028. He steps in as a left-back, filling an international slot under the MLS U22 Initiative.
Now, that’s a big deal for a young talent with a high ceiling and, let’s be honest, some serious resale potential down the line. LAFC expects a lot here.
He’s got the usual league requirements to clear, like getting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa sorted out. Because of his age and contract type, LAFC gets some extra roster flexibility under MLS rules.
If you want the official word, you can check out LAFC’s announcement about the signing.
Contract at a Glance:
| Player | Contract Length | Years Covered | Initiative | Roster Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artem Smolyakov | 4 years | 2024–2028 | U22 | International |
Career Earnings and Transfers
Smolyakov arrived from Polissya Zhytomyr, where he played in the Ukrainian Premier League. LAFC reportedly shelled out close to $2 million for him, which isn’t pocket change for a young defender.
If you’ve been tracking LAFC’s moves, you’ll notice a pattern—they like to snag young internationals with upside, and Smolyakov fits the bill. That $2M deal tells you LAFC believes he’s worth the investment.
Details about his previous earnings? Not really out there, which is pretty typical for guys making their first big jump to MLS. What jumps out is that four-year guarantee—LAFC clearly sees something special.
Key Transfer Details:
- Previous Club: Polissya Zhytomyr
- Fee to LAFC: ~$2 million
- Arrival Year: 2024
- Role: Depth and development as left back under U22 Initiative
Media Coverage and Highlights
Smolyakov’s run with LAFC has caught the eye of both local and national media. You’ll spot plenty of video highlights and some solid buzz in respected outlets.
Latest Videos and Game Highlights
You can see Smolyakov’s defensive moves and his attacking instincts in game recaps and highlight reels. Remember that left-footed rocket against San Diego FC in July 2025? That one had everybody talking—multiple outlets called it a “stunning golazo” and honestly, it really did light up the stadium.
You can check out that goal and more on MLSsoccer.com. It’s a good look at his skill set.
ESPN’s profile for Smolyakov doesn’t just show stats—they’ve got live footage and highlights from his MLS run. If you want to see how he distributes, clears, and tackles, LAFC’s recaps break it down after every match.
Recently, Smolyakov played 136 minutes across two Club World Cup matches. He started strong, showing he can contribute on both sides of the ball.
Here’s a quick look at some recent figures:
| Match Date | Opponent | Minutes Played | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | CR Flamengo | 68 | Ball recoveries, Passing |
| July 2025 | San Diego FC | 68 | 1 Goal, Left Back |
Recognition in the Press
Smolyakov’s work has definitely caught the eye of the press. Reporters keep pointing out how much he’s grown since joining Los Angeles FC.
They often mention his cool head—hard to believe he’s just 22 and already anchoring the back line for LA as a defender from Ukraine. The official LAFC site tracked his impact during that wild 3-2 loss to San Diego FC.
He scored right before halftime, and let’s be honest, that goal was a real highlight in an otherwise tough night. Over on ESPN, they keep giving him credit for shoring up LAFC’s defense.
And hey, FOX Sports jumped on his signing, too. They talked about his spot in MLS’s U22 Initiative and didn’t shy away from the international buzz he’s bringing.
Smolyakov helped Los Angeles FC lock in that Club World Cup spot, and global football sites noticed. You can feel his influence growing in the squad, and honestly, who knows how high his ceiling is?
