Shakhtar Donetsk is a club whose identity is deeply intertwined with its roots in eastern Ukraine, a connection that has been tested in unprecedented ways. While founded in 1936, their story in recent years has become one of remarkable resilience and adaptation, forced to navigate the complexities of conflict far from their original home.

For more than a decade, the club has been a symbol of Ukrainian football on the European stage, maintaining a strong presence despite the immense challenges. They represent a proud footballing tradition that continues to develop talent and compete at the highest levels, embodying a spirit that refuses to be diminished.

Today, Shakhtar’s temporary home is the imposing NSK Olimpiiskyi in Kiev, a stadium capable of holding over 70,000 fans. This displacement is a stark reminder of their journey, playing their matches hundreds of kilometres from the city that gave them their name. Despite the geographical distance, the club carries the enduring spirit of Donetsk with them, continuing to compete and inspire from afar.