Fakayejo Paul
In a moment of immense symbolic weight for Ukrainian football, Rinat Akhmetov made his long-awaited return to the stadium on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The Shakhtar Donetsk President attended his first live match in nearly 12 years, witnessing his side’s commanding 3-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.
Akhmetov was joined in the VIP stands by CEO Sergej Palkin and Sporting Director Darijo Srna, marking a rare public appearance for the club’s top hierarchy together at a match.
“Football is in My Heart”
Akhmetov, who had not attended a game in person since the conflict forced the club out of Donetsk in 2014, was visibly moved by the occasion.
“I had not been at a stadium for 12 years, I had not seen the team for 12 years. Today I saw them. It is a very important day in my life,” Akhmetov said in a post-match interview. “Meeting the lads, meeting the fans, seeing the stadium—it is a different emotion, different feelings.”
Honoring a Legend: Mircea Lucescu
The evening was tinged with sadness as it served as a tribute to the “architect” of modern Shakhtar, Mircea Lucescu. The legendary former manager recently passed away, and the club held a solemn minute of silence before kick-off.
- The “Mister’s” Legacy: Lucescu spent 12 years at Shakhtar, winning 22 trophies, including the historic 2009 UEFA Cup.
- Symbolic Victory: Akhmetov noted that the clinical performance against AZ was a fitting tribute to Lucescu’s legacy, with goals from Pedrinho and a brace from Alisson securing the win.
The “New” Shakhtar
The President expressed high hopes for the current squad, which continues to balance Ukrainian talent with creative Brazilian flair—the very blueprint established during the Lucescu era.
- Potential: Akhmetov told the players in the dressing room that he believes this current group has the potential to become the “strongest Shakhtar” in the club’s history.
- Road Ahead: With a 3-0 lead, the “Miners” travel to the Netherlands for the second leg on April 16, firmly positioned to reach the semi-finals.
For the fans, seeing Akhmetov back alongside Palkin and Srna provided a powerful sense of continuity and stability during what has been a deeply emotional week for the club.