Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainian soccer legend Andriy Shevchenko on his anniversary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated legendary Ukrainian soccer player and coach Andriy Shevchenko on his 50th birthday, highlighting his status as a national legend and his contribution to boosting the morale of Ukrainians.

In his message, the head of state thanked Shevchenko for the excitement and positive energy that he and the national team bring to citizens and Ukrainian defenders. 

“When a person turns 50 and is a national legend of Ukraine, it’s fitting to address him as ‘Andriy Mykolayovych.’ But when it’s our amazing player and coach, who has brought joy and pride to Ukrainians so many times, and when he truly feels like family to the entire country, you just want to say: Shev! Happy birthday! Thank you for everything! Especially for the emotions we so desperately need during these difficult days—for all our people and all our soldiers. For all Ukrainians, to whom our national team has given such a boost of positivity these past few days. Happy birthday, legend! May there be victories for you, for our national team, for our country, and peace for all of us. Glory to Ukraine!” Zelenskyy wrote in a Telegram post.

Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Football Association, spoke about his views on his former teammates in Italian soccer who, after the start of the full-scale war, continued to collaborate with Russian companies or visited Russia.

Andriy Shevchenko shared a new photo with his wife on their wedding anniversary.

Andriy Shevchenko’s son has left Watford, England.