Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov sums up the departing year and wishes the team’s fans a Happy New Year 2026 in his traditional address
Dear fans! Dear friends!
We are seeing off 2025 – another year of an unjust war, another year of struggle for our freedom and independence. The passing year has been difficult and challenging, but we have gone through it with dignity. And I’m convinced that we will surely endure, for truth and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people are on our side.
At this time, it is especially important to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who keep Ukraine strong and unconquerable. First and foremost – to our warriors, who courageously defend our homeland with weapons in hand, at the cost of their health and lives. We are infinitely grateful to them and bow deeply to their heroism. Thanks to the volunteers who assist both the front and civilians. Thanks to the energy workers, who do everything possible, and impossible, to ensure Ukrainian homes have light and warmth. And thanks to every Ukrainian – each of you who, brings our common Victory closer through daily work, faith and support.
The passing year has also been challenging for FC Shakhtar. But we are ready for any challenges and fully understand that we must move forward. That is why we have appointed a new head coach – Arda Turan. He is a person who knows the taste of great victories, has had an outstanding career as a player and today has enormous ambitions as a coach. I’m convinced that his experience, passion for the game and drive to win will help Shakhtar become stronger. We also continue to invest systematically in the team and in young talented players. I would like to note that every Shakhtar player is a great talent; we believe in them and in their progress. Our team have enormous potential.
2026 will be a special year for Shakhtar – the club will celebrate its 90th anniversary. This is an important and significant milestone that once again highlights our rich history and proud traditions. But it also comes with responsibility – in such a year, the team are expected to deliver maximum results, and I’m confident that our players and coaching staff will give their all to delight our supporters with bright, beautiful, attacking football.
We strive to win in all competitions in which we participate. We will do everything possible to ensure that only gold medals of the Ukrainian Premier League are in our hands in 2026. And I know for certain that we are used to hearing the Champions League anthem, so we will make every effort to hear it play again for Shakhtar and Ukrainian fans.
And, of course, together with you, we will continue to do the most important thing – bring closer Victory and the long-awaited, just and lasting peace. This is the most important wish that every Ukrainian will make on New Year’s Eve. May the dream of millions of people certainly come true in the new year!
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your loved ones peace, strong health, strength, patience and faith. May comfort and happiness reign in your homes!
Happy New Year 2026!
With deepest respect,
FC Shakhtar president
Rinat Akhmetov
We are seeing off 2025 – another year of an unjust war, another year of struggle for our freedom and independence. The passing year has been difficult and challenging, but we have gone through it with dignity. And I’m convinced that we will surely endure, for truth and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people are on our side.
At this time, it is especially important to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who keep Ukraine strong and unconquerable. First and foremost – to our warriors, who courageously defend our homeland with weapons in hand, at the cost of their health and lives. We are infinitely grateful to them and bow deeply to their heroism. Thanks to the volunteers who assist both the front and civilians. Thanks to the energy workers, who do everything possible, and impossible, to ensure Ukrainian homes have light and warmth. And thanks to every Ukrainian – each of you who, brings our common Victory closer through daily work, faith and support.
The passing year has also been challenging for FC Shakhtar. But we are ready for any challenges and fully understand that we must move forward. That is why we have appointed a new head coach – Arda Turan. He is a person who knows the taste of great victories, has had an outstanding career as a player and today has enormous ambitions as a coach. I’m convinced that his experience, passion for the game and drive to win will help Shakhtar become stronger. We also continue to invest systematically in the team and in young talented players. I would like to note that every Shakhtar player is a great talent; we believe in them and in their progress. Our team have enormous potential.
2026 will be a special year for Shakhtar – the club will celebrate its 90th anniversary. This is an important and significant milestone that once again highlights our rich history and proud traditions. But it also comes with responsibility – in such a year, the team are expected to deliver maximum results, and I’m confident that our players and coaching staff will give their all to delight our supporters with bright, beautiful, attacking football.
We strive to win in all competitions in which we participate. We will do everything possible to ensure that only gold medals of the Ukrainian Premier League are in our hands in 2026. And I know for certain that we are used to hearing the Champions League anthem, so we will make every effort to hear it play again for Shakhtar and Ukrainian fans.
And, of course, together with you, we will continue to do the most important thing – bring closer Victory and the long-awaited, just and lasting peace. This is the most important wish that every Ukrainian will make on New Year’s Eve. May the dream of millions of people certainly come true in the new year!
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your loved ones peace, strong health, strength, patience and faith. May comfort and happiness reign in your homes!
Happy New Year 2026!
With deepest respect,
FC Shakhtar president
Rinat Akhmetov