Shevchenko's career has been highlighted by many awards, the most prestigious of which was the Ballon d'Or in 2004 (becoming the third Ukrainian, after Oleh Blokhin and Ihor Belanov, to receive it). He won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 with Milan, and he has also won various league and cup titles in Ukraine, Italy, and England. He was also an UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2005 and 2008.
In his illustrious international career, the striker led Ukraine as captain to the quarter-finals in their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006. A fast, hardworking, energetic, opportunistic, and prolific goalscorer, Shevchenko was usually deployed as a centre-forward, although he was capable of attacking from the left wing as well, a position which he occupied upon his return to Kiev; he was also effective from set-pieces and penalties. A strong and physical striker with an eye for goal, he was primarily known for his powerful and accurate shot, although he also possessed good technique and aerial ability.