On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Odesa hosted the debut of an extraordinary exhibition near the «Chornomorets» stadium: three «Golden Balls» – trophies awarded to legendary Ukrainian football players Oleg Blokhin, Igor Belanov, and Andriy Shevchenko. The installation will also be open on Sunday, June 8.
This event is a gift to Ukrainians from ROZETKA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In addition to Odesa, the «Golden Balls» will be displayed in nine other Ukrainian cities: Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Lutsk.
Residents of Odesa can view this remarkable installation tomorrow, June 8, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM near the western entrance of the «Chornomorets» stadium.
In case of an air raid alert, the exhibition will pause, and visitors must proceed to the shelters.
«Together with ROZETKA, we launched a project that has brought together all three Ukrainian «Golden Balls» for the first time. Our main goal is to inspire young Ukrainians to play football and demonstrate that nothing is impossible if you are truly passionate about your work. That's why the 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 «Golden Ball», the first for Ukraine. Football is a game where character and perseverance are essential, as well as the spirit that Ukrainians show every day. I believe that among our children, there is someone who will bring the fourth «Golden Ball» to Ukraine,” shared footballer and coach Oleg Blokhin.
«With my «Golden Ball», I have traveled across Europe, Asia, and of course, Ukraine – from major cities to the most remote corners; I have even been to the front. Everywhere, both fans and young footballers were thrilled to see this trophy. I am glad that all three «Golden Balls» are here together today to support Ukrainians. I believe there are many talented kids among our youth, and the next «Golden Ball» in Ukraine is only a matter of time,” said footballer Igor Belanov.
The «Golden Ball» is a prestigious football award established by the French magazine France Football in 1956. It is awarded annually to the best player in the world (until 2007, it was awarded to the best player in Europe). Three Ukrainian footballers have received this trophy: Oleg Blokhin in 1975, Igor Belanov in 1986, and Andriy Shevchenko in 2004.
