Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk news

Crystal Palace FC v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

Turan tips Real Madrid and Barca target Smit for greatness

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has heaped praise on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, labelling the midfielder a "special" talent destined for the very top of the game. Despite his side securing a 3-0 victory in the Conference League quarter-finals, the Turkish manager was left awestruck by the youngster's ability to dictate the tempo of the match against his team.

FBL-WC-2026-TUR-ROU-QUALIFIERS

Football legend Lucescu dies aged 80

The football world is mourning the loss of Mircea Lucescu, one of the most decorated managers in history, who has died at the age of 80. The iconic Romanian coach passed away after suffering severe medical complications, leaving behind a monumental six-decade legacy. He won an astonishing 35 major trophies during a legendary career across Europe's top clubs and international football.

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Mudryk's former club back Chelsea star despite doping ban

Mykhailo Mudryk’s career has been thrown into turmoil, but his old club Shakhtar Donetsk have come out swinging in his defence. The Ukrainian winger, slapped with a provisional suspension in December 2024 after testing positive for meldonium, now faces an official doping charge from The FA. Despite the storm, Shakhtar’s sporting director Dario Srna insists the 24-year-old is “completely innocent” and deserves full support.

Frequently asked questions

Andries 'Pele Pele' Mkhwanazi and Bethuel Mokgosinyana are considered the founding fathers of the club which was formed in 1937.

Dr Irvin Khoza took over as club secretary and owner in 1991.

The club plays home fixtures at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with the ground being owned by the City of Johannesburg.

They are known by several nicknames, including: The Sea Robbers, The Bucs, Happy People and Buccaneers.

33 official domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (1995) and one Caf Super Cup (1996).

Nine times under different auspices. PSL (4), NSL (1), NPSL (4).

Happy Jele made 401 appearances for the club

Bendict Vilakazi scored 52 goals for the club.