On the verge of tears: Shevchenko spoke about the war in Ukraine.

Andriy Shevchenko gave an emotional message about the war in Ukraine during the 2022 Ballon d'Or ceremony. The former striker presented the award for best player and offered some words in front of current football stars.

Before revealing Spanish player Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) as the first woman to win a second Ballon d'Or, the football legend referred to the war between his country and Russia. "I am very proud of how my country is fighting for freedom," he mentioned in the first instance.

"It is very important to remember that the war is still ongoing, but the most important thing is to stand by Ukraine and help," he added tearfully at the Chatelet Theater in Paris.

It should be noted that Andriy Shevchenko won the Ballon d'Or in 2004. He is also an idol in his country, as he was part of the team that competed in Ukraine's only World Cup (2006).

Lewandowski's promise to Shevchenko

Robert Lewandowski was one of the great football stars who spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Through his social media, where he has millions of followers worldwide, the forward sent messages condemning the war. As a result of these statements, Barcelona's '9' received a symbolic recognition from Andriy Shevchenko.

The former attacker of the Ukrainian national team met the face of the Polish national team at the National Stadium in Warsaw. After the respective greeting, 'Sheva' gave the center forward a bracelet with the colors of his country's flag and made a special request with a view to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

For Shevchenko and his compatriots, it will be emotional to see Lewandowski wearing that armband in the matches he plays in the World Cup (November 20 to December 18). Then, the former Ukraine coach said, "This bracelet symbolizes many emotions related to my country for me. I thank you and the entire Polish nation for supporting my compatriots."