FC Shakhtar President Rinat Akhmetov makes a year-end performance review and wishes the fans a Happy New Year

Dear Fans, Dear Friends,

Together, we went through 2023, another year of struggle. Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence, the fight of Ukrainian people for a free and happy life. It was a year of wins. The big wins for Ukrainian warriors in the battles against the enemy, in liberation of Ukrainian land from the invaders, and smaller wins for all of us who help the army and war-affected civilians.

Our most critical and responsible mission today is to support Ukraine and Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to claim the victory. Over 22 months of the full-scale war, we have allocated nearly UAH 7 billion towards helping the country, the Ukrainian military, and civilians. We have been delivering the vital assistance to Ukraine’s defenders on the frontlines, providing rehabilitation to the wounded warriors, taking care of Azovstal heroes and their families, as well as sending humanitarian aid to those in need. And I assure you that we are going to keep on helping.

For FC Shakhtar, 2023 was the year of battles and victories. The club and the team not only battled with the opponents on the pitch, but also with the challenges of this war. I am grateful to everyone – coaches, players, administrative and medical staff, managers and employees of the Club – for keeping your heads up and overcoming difficulties together, for maintaining a high European standard when performing on the field, achieving results, and managing all the processes.

Thanks to you, FC Shakhtar has won the Ukrainian championship, the 14th title in its history. This is probably our most difficult and the most valuable champion’s title of all. Yet, what counts most is that the team excited millions of Ukrainians with the amazing emotions, because such moments of happiness are vital for all of us right now.

I am confident that the year of 2024 will bring us new victories. And most importantly, may we claim our big shared victory in this war and return peace to the Ukrainian soil. I believe that we will definitely prevail, and Ukraine will be a free, independent, strong and prosperous country.

FC Shakhtar will always set only the most ambitious goals to glorify Ukraine, celebrate its success in the European arena, deliver beautiful performance for its fans and win new trophies. I know that the team will do everything they can to make Ukrainians proud.

In the new year of 2024, I wish all of us strength, resilience and patience to continue the fight. May we all remember our warriors who defend us so we can live in our country and play football. And may we be blessed with warmth to help us cheer up and comfort everyone around, especially those who suffered in this war. 

May you and your loved ones have good health, prosperous homes and unconditional faith in the victory of Ukraine. 

Happy New Year!

With deepest respect,
President of FC Shakhtar  
Rinat Akhmetov