The outgoing Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma signed a decree to honour the AC Milan striker "for his outstanding contribution to Ukrainian football."

Kuchma also honoured heavyweight champion Klitschko, who holds the World Boxing Council crown.

Shevchenko was in Kiev on Friday to show his Ballon D'Or award received earlier this month to young players of the Dynamo Kiev academy -- where his own footballing career had started.

The 28-year-old, who was also shortlisted for FIFA's World Player of the Year award, was the top scorer in the Serie A last season. His goals helped Milan to the Italian title in 2004 and the Champions League crown the previous year.

He has also put his national side on the brink of reaching their first major finals -- the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Unbeaten Ukraine lead European Zone Group Two with 11 points from five matches after crushing 2002 World Cup semifinalists Turkey 3-0 in Istanbul last month.

Shevchenko and Klitschko follow swimmer Yana Klochkova, who won two Olympic golds in Athens, as winners of the Hero award from the world of sport this year.