Football

President Zelensky Appoints Andriy Shevchenko as Advisor

By: Justice Nwafor

Published: September 26, 2023 at 4:48 pm EST | Updated: Sep 26, 2023 at 10:41 pm EST

Andriy Shevchenko, a former professional football player and manager, has been appointed as an external advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The announcement, made through a presidential decree on September 26, marks a new chapter in Shevchenko’s illustrious career. Although the exact nature of his role within the presidential team remains undisclosed, his appointment is a testament to the high regard he commands in his home country.

Shevchenko: A Retrospective

Shevchenko’s footballing journey took him from Dynamo Kyiv in his native Ukraine to the glamorous landscapes of A.C. Milan and Chelsea. His time with A.C. Milan was particularly memorable, as he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2003. A year later, he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, solidifying his place as one of the greatest Ukrainian football players of all time.

The Transition from Player to Coach

Shevchenko’s footballing journey didn’t end on the pitch. He transitioned into coaching and was at the helm of Ukraine’s national football team from 2016 to 2021. He also managed the Italian club Genoa during the 2021-22 season. Under his leadership, Ukraine’s national football team achieved its best performance to date, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship.

Charitable Endeavours

Shevchenko’s commitment extends beyond the football pitch and into the realm of charitable work. In May 2022, he became an ambassador for the Ukrainian fundraising platform UNITED24, adding another feather to his cap.

The appointment of a sporting legend like Shevchenko in a presidential advisory role is a novel development. It may signal an attempt to leverage his popularity and influence to achieve strategic aims. While the specifics of his role have not been detailed, his experience in leadership, teamwork, and handling pressure situations could be beneficial in a political advisory role.

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Justice Nwafor

Justice Nwarfor stands at the forefront of international journalism, with a specific focus on pressing environmental, climate, and health issues in West Africa. Renowned for spotlighting stories that often go unnoticed, Justice utilizes data-driven methodologies in his reports and is currently harnessing Python programming to elevate his investigative capabilities. Prior to his tenure at BNN, Justice spearheaded coverage at the Nigerian Tribune. His deep-rooted expeditions to far-flung communities have equipped him with a unique perspective, allowing him to echo the narratives of those often overshadowed in mainstream news. Justice's dedicated coverage not only shines a light on the struggles of indigenous populations contending with environmental challenges, but he also fearlessly uncovers the stark truths of criminal networks, illicit logging, and the devastating aftermath of unchecked mining activities.