Rinat Akhmetov reflecting on UEFA Cup victory.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Rinat Akhmetov emphasized his ambition to construct the strongest Shakhtar Donetsk team in history, stating, “Thirty years ago, I dreamed of building a strong European club. Today, my ambition is even higher—to build the strongest Shakhtar in history.”
Under Akhmetov’s presidency, which started in 1996, Shakhtar has amassed 40 trophies, including the UEFA Cup, 16 Ukrainian championship titles, 14 domestic cups, and nine Super Cups. The team has also participated 20 times in the UEFA Champions League.
A major highlight came in 2009 when Shakhtar claimed the UEFA Cup, defeating Werder Bremen 2-1 in overtime during the final held in Istanbul.
During Akhmetov’s tenure, the club constructed the Donbass Arena, opened in 2009, and established a football academy, women’s and veterans’ teams, along with the Shakhtar Social charity fund.
Since 2014, due to Russian aggression, Shakhtar has been forced to play home matches outside Donetsk. Following the outbreak of the full-scale invasion by Russia, the team has continued to play its home European matches abroad.
Akhmetov expressed his hope to witness the club achieving great victories again in free Ukrainian Donetsk at the Donbass Arena. “I will continue to dedicate my soul and strength to the club, investing energy and funds into its development. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to be the president of FC Shakhtar,” he asserted.
Background
- FC Shakhtar was founded in 1936. Akhmetov took over the club on October 11, 1996. The first championship title under his leadership was secured in the 2001/2002 season, followed by the UEFA Cup in 2009.
