Elias: I want to score more than 20 goals this season

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kauan Elias has opened up after a flying start to the new Ukrainian Premier League season. In the opening-round match against Kudrivka, the Brazilian grabbed his first professional hat trick and played a big part in the Miners' resounding 5-1 victory. Speaking after the game, the forward made it clear that he has big individual targets in mind and intends to make this the best campaign of his career. "I want to score more than 20 goals. That would be my personal best. I think I need that, and I can work hard to get there. I'm confident it will happen. Together with my staff, and with the team here at Shakhtar, I know I can achieve it." Elias also stressed that the Donetsk club have serious ambitions both domestically and in Europe. "I think we are facing much bigger challenges now. We are playing in the Champions League. Also, we have to defend the league title. That is much harder because everyone wants to win this trophy, and we have to hold on to it. We know it will not be easy, but we will do everything we can to keep winning, to become champions again and to go as far as possible in the Champions League," he said. The 24-year-old Brazilian has been with Shakhtar since February 2025. In that time, he has made 47 appearances in all competitions, scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists.