Shakhtar Donetsk's ability to sign Brazilian players despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict reveals a remarkable survival strategy for the war-torn club. Sporting director Darijo Srna recalls players huddling in hotel lobbies during drone strikes, sometimes forcing postponements or altered schedules. The Ukrainian club has signed 47 Brazilian players since 2002, with transfers generating over €350 million in revenue.

This recruitment pipeline began over 20 years ago when president Rinat Akhmetov developed a fondness for Brazilian football. The club established extensive networks in Brazil, creating a pathway for players like Willian, Fernandinho, and Douglas Costa to reach Europe's elite clubs. Most recently, winger Kevin joined Fulham for €40 million, a record fee for the Premier League side. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, player sales have become vital for survival.

Shakhtar operates from exile, playing European games in six different cities including Krakow, Poland, while domestic matches occur in Lviv. The team endures 16-hour bus journeys to away games due to airspace restrictions. Despite harsh winters, infrastructure attacks, and daily air-raid alerts, Brazilian players continue joining the club, drawn by the proven track record of reaching top European football. As chief executive Sergei Palkin explains, players understand Shakhtar creates an 'unbelievable platform' for development, making the risk worthwhile.