Oleksiy Belik Takes the Helm
Shakhtar Donetsk has named Oleksiy Belik as the new head coach of their U-21 reserve squad. This significant move comes on the heels of his proven track record in coaching. At 45 years old, Belik launched his coaching career in 2021 at the Shakhtar Academy, where he served as an assistant coach for the U-15 team. During his tenure with the club, he also worked as an assistant for the U-19 side before taking charge of the youth team in 2023. Under his leadership, the team earned a silver medal in the championship and went on to claim the league title in the 2025/26 season.
Coaching Staff and Background
Belik's coaching staff includes:
- Assistant head coach Oleksiy Hai,
- Goalkeeping coach Artem Tetenko,
- Fitness coach Dmytro Korniienko.
As a professional player, Belik won three Ukrainian league titles and two Ukrainian Cups with Shakhtar. His playing career spanned clubs such as Shakhtar, Shakhtar-2, German side Bochum, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia's Metalurh. He also represented Ukraine at the youth, U-21, and senior national team levels.
Shakhtar secured the Ukrainian Premier League title last season. The new UPL campaign is set to kick off for the team with a match against Kudrivka, tentatively scheduled for August 1. In other key news, the club has completed the transfer of 18-year-old Brazilian talent Ryan Roberto, who moved from Flamengo to Shakhtar Donetsk. Ryan signed a five-year contract, with the transfer fee reportedly around €9 million. His primary position is left winger, but he is also capable of playing as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. Ryan Roberto is the latest addition in Shakhtar's busy off-season, following the arrivals of wingers Bruninho and Gleiker Mendoza, as well as defender Oleksandr Karavaev.
The appointment of Oleksiy Belik as head coach of Shakhtar's U-21 team underscores the club's strategic focus on nurturing young talent and preparing players for the first team.
His successful coaching record and achievements with youth squads inspire confidence in the continued development of the club's reserve side. Meanwhile, the signing of Ryan Roberto and other newcomers highlights Shakhtar's active presence in the transfer market, which could boost the team's competitiveness in the upcoming season.
In addition to the coaching changes, Shakhtar has also made headlines with the acquisition of an 18-year-old Brazilian prospect for €9 million. This signing underscores the club's commitment to strengthening its squad ahead of the new UPL season, ensuring a blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership as they aim for further success.