Shevchenko: "I am so proud with how my country defend their freedom"

Andriy Shevchenko

, former AC Milan, Chelsea, and

striker, has presented the 2022 Ballon d'Or Feminin. In a passionate and heartbreaking address at the Theater du Chatelet, the Ukrainian used the occasion to speak out against the war ravaging his native country.

Shevchenko expressed his pride for his compatriots fighting back home in his introduction to the women's prize. "It has been a very difficult moment since the war started," he said. "I am so proud with how my country defend and fight for their freedom."

The 46-year-old also emphasised the importance of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, saying, "

It is very important to remember the conflict is still going on, but most importantly, to stay behind Ukraine and help."

Shevchenko's comments rang true as violence raged on in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country. As players from around the world came to honour the game's best players, it was a sobering reminder of things more important than football. In the women's category, Shevchenko presented the Ballon d'Or Feminin to

Alexia Putellas

, who won for the second year in a row.

Putellas is the first player to get the award twice since it was established in 2018, surpassing previous champions

(2018) and Megan Rapinoe (2019), who both had one win.

Shevchenko has been out of football since his dismissal from Genoa in January 2022, but he will likely continue to speak out against the war in his own country. Ukraine, meanwhile, will play

England

in the Euro 2026 qualifiers on March 26 after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022.

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