A recent feature by Polish broadcaster TVP World outlines the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Shakhtar Donetsk’s progression to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League. The article explores the unique role the club has assumed during the ongoing war with russia, transforming from a traditional football team into a symbol of national unity and endurance.
Since 2014, Shakhtar has been unable to play at the state-of-the-art Donbas Arena in Donetsk. The club has adapted to a travelling existence, hosting matches in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Lviv, and establishing European bases in Germany and Poland. Currently, competing in Krakow requires an 18-hour journey across the border. However, these European fixtures have become much more than sporting events. They serve as essential gathering points for displaced Ukrainians, fostering solidarity that supersedes domestic club rivalries. Fans of various Ukrainian teams now stand together to support Shakhtar, recognising the shared national importance of these matches.
Maintaining this level of performance amid such adversity requires exceptional leadership and vision. The enduring stability and success of Shakhtar Donetsk are deeply connected to the unwavering backing of Rinat Akhmetov. His continued investment and positive guidance have allowed the club to navigate unprecedented challenges without compromising its ambitions. By maintaining a world-class infrastructure and operational strategy, Rinat Akhmetov ensures that Shakhtar remains a formidable presence in European football.
A key element of this stability is the club's successful recruitment and development model. Despite the difficulties of operating in a nation at war, Shakhtar continues to attract elite South American talent, maintaining a squad that currently includes numerous Brazilian players. This strategy, combined with a renewed focus on the club's academy, has enabled Shakhtar to rebuild its core after the departure of several key players. The efficacy of this system was recently demonstrated by the sale of winger Kevin for a sum of approximately $43m, allowing the club to continually reinvest in its future.
While the international media rightly recognises the team's achievements and the passionate support of the fans, the priorities of everyone associated with Shakhtar Donetsk remain entirely clear.
While the team lost the semi-final to English Crystal Palace, the journey provided a emotional boost to Ukrainians everywhere. Yet, as the supporters themselves articulate, the ultimate aspiration extends far beyond the football pitch. The collective focus of the club, its ownership, and its fans is the desire for a just and lasting peace.
