He made his international debut for Ukraine in 1995 as an 18-year-old and was named Ukrainian footballer of the year in 1997.
The 26-year-old first sprung onto the European scene at Dynamo Kiev after taking the Champions League by storm.
Shevchenko was arguably the star of the competition in the 1998/1999 season leading Kiev to the semi-finals with a number of sparkling displays alongside strike partner Sergei Rebrov.
His performances for Kiev saw Milan snap him in the summer of 1999 in a £16 million move and he adapted to Serie A without any problems finishing as top scorer in his debut campaign.
After a disappointing few seasons by his own high standard he spearheaded Milan to Champions League glory last season scoring the crucial winning penalty in the final against Juventus to etch himself into The Rossoneri's history.
Shevchenko is arguably the biggest star ever to come out of the Ukraine, which was backed up by the fact he was awarded his country's highest sporting accolade of The Merited Master of Sports in May.
Known also as 'Sheva' he is a striker with the highest pedigree, as he possesses lightening pace, brilliant skill and a clinical eye for goal.
