Three Golden Balls Exhibition in Odesa
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Odesa witnessed a remarkable event: a collection of three «Golden Balls» belonging to legendary Ukrainian players – Oleg Blokhin, Igor Belanov, and Andriy Shevchenko – was presented near the «Chornomorets» stadium. The installation will remain open on Sunday, June 8.
This event is a wonderful gift for Ukrainians from ROZETKA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. After Odesa, the «Golden Balls» will visit nine more cities across Ukraine, including Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Lutsk.
Residents of Odesa will have the opportunity to see this unique exhibition on June 8 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the west entrance of the «Chornomorets» stadium.
In the event of an air raid alert, the exhibition will be temporarily halted, and visitors must proceed to a shelter.
«Together with ROZETKA, we launched a project that gathered all three Ukrainian «Golden Balls» in one place. Our goal is to inspire young people to engage in football and show that nothing is impossible if you are truly passionate about what you do. That’s why our tour slogan is «The Next Golden Ball is Yours»,” said the president of the Ukrainian Football Association, Andriy Shevchenko.
«Soon it will be 50 years since I received the first «Golden Ball» for Ukraine. Football is a game where character and perseverance are crucial, along with the spirit that Ukrainians demonstrate every day. I believe there is someone among our children who will bring Ukraine the fourth «Golden Ball»,” shared Oleg Blokhin.
«With my «Golden Ball», I have traveled across Europe, Asia, and of course, Ukraine – from big cities to the most remote corners, even to the frontlines. Everywhere, fans and young footballers were thrilled to see this trophy. I am pleased that all three «Golden Balls» are together today to support Ukrainians. I believe there are many talented children among our youth, and the next «Golden Ball» for Ukraine is just a matter of time,” said Igor Belanov.
The «Golden Ball» is a football award established by the French magazine France Football in 1956. It is awarded annually to the best player in the world. Three Ukrainian footballers have won this trophy: Oleg Blokhin in 1975, Igor Belanov in 1986, and Andriy Shevchenko in 2004.
