Exhibition of the Ballon d'Or in Odesa
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, a remarkable exhibition was unveiled in Odesa, near the «Chornomorets» stadium: three Ballon d'Or trophies awarded to legendary Ukrainian footballers Oleg Blokhin, Igor Belanov, and Andriy Shevchenko. The installation will be available for viewing on Sunday, June 8.
This event is a fantastic gift to Ukrainians from ROZETKA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Besides Odesa, the Ballon d'Or trophies will be displayed in nine other Ukrainian cities: Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Lutsk.
On June 8, Odesa residents can also visit this exhibition from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the western entrance of the «Chornomorets» stadium.
In case of an air raid alert, the exhibition will pause, and visitors must proceed to the shelter.
«Together with ROZETKA, we initiated a project that has brought all three Ukrainian Ballon d'Or trophies together for the first time. Our main goal is to inspire young Ukrainians to pursue football and show that nothing is impossible if you are truly passionate about your craft. That’s why the tour slogan is «The Next Ballon d'Or is Yours»,» stated the president of the Ukrainian Football Association, Andriy Shevchenko.
«Soon it will be 50 years since I received my Ballon d'Or, the first for Ukraine. Football is a game where character and perseverance are important, as well as the spirit that Ukrainians demonstrate every day. I believe among our children is someone who will bring Ukraine the fourth Ballon d'Or,» shared footballer and coach Oleg Blokhin.
«With my Ballon d'Or, I've traveled through Europe, Asia, and of course, Ukraine – from major cities to the most remote corners, even to the front lines. Everywhere, both fans and young footballers were thrilled to see this trophy. I am glad that all three Ballon d'Or trophies are together today to support Ukrainians. I believe there are many talented kids among our youth, and the next Ballon d'Or in Ukraine is just a matter of time,» said footballer Igor Belanov.
The Ballon d'Or is a 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 won this trophy: Oleg Blokhin in 1975, Igor Belanov in 1986, and Andriy Shevchenko in 2004.
