SpotlightFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 25 Sept 2026
Shevchenko at 50: Peace, Ballon d'Or and Ukraine's real heroes
Ukraine's greatest footballer turns 50 with one wish — peace at home — and a trophy back in his hands.
G. Shevchenko
player
Age
50
Nationality
Ukrainian
Role
UAF President
Ballon d'Or
Won with Milan
What happened. Ahead of his 50th birthday, Andriy Shevchenko gave an in-depth interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying peace in Ukraine is his biggest wish and explaining why he took his Ballon d'Or back from the Milan museum.
- He says Ukraine's real heroes are those defending the country in the resistance.
- He has served as President of the Ukrainian FA since January 2024.
- He urged Italy fans to stay calm, saying the right people are in place.
“Now it's time for the real heroes, who defend the country as part of the resistance”
— Andriy Shevchenko
Shevchenko marks his 50th birthday this week while leading Ukrainian football as FA president.
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