Artem Stepanov

Artem Romanovych Stepanov is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a forward for club FC Utrecht, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

Early life

Stepanov was born on 10 August 2007 in Lutsk, Ukraine, the son of Ukrainian former footballer Roman Stepanov.

Club career

As a youth player, Stepanov joined the youth academy of Ukrainian side Volyn Lutsk. In 2020, he moved to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk's academy. Two years later, he fled to the Germany due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022). There Stepanov joined the youth academy of German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was promoted to the club's first team in 2024. On 26 November, he debuted for Leverkusen in a 5–0 home win over Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League. In the summer of 2025 Stepanov moved to 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg, on loan for the 2025–26 season. In January 2026, the contract in Nuremberg was terminated and Stepanov continued his loan at FC Utrecht.

Style of play

Stepanov plays as a forward and is right-footed. Ukrainian news website wrote that he "stands out against his peers for his power... knows how to use his size and win power struggles... a classic number nine... focused on finishing and needs the support of midfielders".