On Wednesday, October 29, a true football fairy tale unfolded at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Dynamo Stadium. Dynamo Kyiv created a real celebration of football during the Ukrainian Cup round of 16 clash against Shakhtar Donetsk – a night that will long be remembered.
For the first time in a long while the stands of our legendary arena welcomed over four thousand fans. Kyiv once again felt that special derby energy – when every song, every chant and every waving flag is filled with pure love for the club.
Before kick-off the stadium hosted a very special guest – Sean Fuller, a U.S. Marine, who fought for Ukraine as part of the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion. Born in Texas on December 5, 1988, Sean has lived in Ukraine since 2018 with his Ukrainian wife and daughter. For him our country has become a second home – and it was for Ukraine that he chose to fight.
In October 2023, while on a combat mission, Sean suffered a severe injury and lost his arm. Now he is undergoing rehabilitation through the "Titanovi" (Titanium) Foundation and has found new strength through creativity – performing as DJ Sean in the "Titanium Beats" project. His music tells a story of courage, recovery and faith.
That evening also featured a stirring performance of the Ukrainian national anthem by the legendary Hryhoriy Veryovka Choir, and the ceremonial first kick was made by Myroslav Rubtsov – the son of Oleksii “Soldat” Rubtsov, a devoted Dynamo fan who gave his life defending Ukraine on the front line.
The evening’s celebration was hosted by Dynamo ambassador Anatoliy Anatolich who filled the event with warmth, energy and emotion.
Our supporters created that long-missed yet familiar atmosphere of a true derby – with songs, flags and boundless faith in the team.
Thanks to everyone who stood with us that evening. We love and appreciate every single supporter – and can’t wait to see you again at our next matches!
