Oleksandr Zinchenko is a shining example of how a football player’s influence can transcend the confines of the pitch. His unwavering determination amidst insurmountable struggles has made him a beacon of hope in challenging times. By using his platform, Zinchenko raises awareness about the hardships faced by his country and exemplifies the spirit of resilience, patriotism, and hope that has become synonymous with the Ukrainian people.
Ten years ago, Zinchenko hadn’t yet established himself as a notable professional footballer. During that time, he and his family were grappling with the harsh realities of leaving their hometown due to the devastating conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine, while many aspiring players were making their mark on the first team. Unfortunately, Zinchenko and his family would encounter unrest in their native country multiple times.
The Russo-Ukrainian war dramatically escalated on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a day that will be long remembered globally, but especially by Ukrainians. In the subsequent 18 months, the worst refugee crisis resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of people.
The conflict shows no signs of easing; rather, it seems to be worsening. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever for the global community to unite and take action. As a footballer, Zinchenko is acutely aware of his unique position of influence and is more determined than ever to use “the beautiful game” and his platform to improve the lives of Ukrainians and shed light on one of the darkest chapters of his life.
Reflecting on the early stages of the conflict, Zinchenko shares, “It was so hard to concentrate on football at the beginning of the invasion because all my thoughts were with my country and my people who were suffering more than you can imagine.” He continues, “I had two choices: I could either give up, do nothing, and try to move forward as best I could, or find an opportunity to help my people and represent my country in the best way possible.”
Zinchenko expresses immense gratitude for the SWM team, saying, “It was a wonderful experience. Everything was done to the highest standard from the minute I opened the door; it was enjoyable. When doing an action like this, you may occasionally start to count down the seconds until it is finished, but if everything goes smoothly, you may not even be aware of the passing seconds. I could spend even more time with SWM. It was a wonderful encounter. I greatly appreciate it.”
We are honored and pleased to have collaborated with Oleksandr Zinchenko. The aim of the project was to provide Zinchenko with a platform to discuss the circumstances in his country of origin. We wanted to offer him something special, knowing that it was a sensitive subject for him. With the support of our partners at Golden Concept, we created a bespoke Apple watch case exclusively for Zinchenko, reflecting his personality and the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
