On September 29, Ukrainian Football Association president and former soccer star Andriy Shevchenko celebrated his 50th birthday by sharing a touching video message on Instagram accompanied by archival footage.
In the video, Shevchenko expressed gratitude to the various people who have shaped his life and career. He thanked his parents for their unconditional love and for teaching him vital life lessons, and his family for being a constant support system and his bedrock, even when he was far from home.
He also extended his appreciation to his former coaches for their guidance, high standards, and faith in him, acknowledging the lasting mark they left on his life. Addressing his teammates, he noted that he could not have achieved his successes without them, while thanking his opponents for pushing him to become stronger. Furthermore, Shevchenko thanked his friends for their sincere and steady loyalty regardless of victories or defeats, and expressed appreciation to fans for their passion and energy through both good and bad times. He concluded his message by addressing his homeland, calling Ukraine his strength and pride, and ending with the phrase, “Glory to Ukraine!”
