An act of courage and humanity has brought an Albanian citizen into the international spotlight. The photograph of Olsien Muçobega, 33, carrying a sheep on a motorcycle to save it from the devastating August wildfires in Patras, Greece, has been included by the BBC in its list of the 12 best images of 2025 so far.
The shot was taken on August 16, when Muçobega, together with some friends, joined local authorities not only in fighting the flames but also in rescuing trapped animals. The image, which quickly went viral, has been described by the BBC as a symbol of humanity, drawing parallels with ancient frescoes of the “Good Shepherd,” where Christ carries a vulnerable creature on his shoulders.
“In all eras, the recurring motif – whether preserved in a fresco or captured in a photograph – reinforces the timeless, almost mythical nature of heroism,” the BBC noted.
Alongside the young Albanian’s photo, the BBC’s selection also features other powerful images: from monks in prayer in Thailand, to divers leaping into the sea, to the breathtaking meteor shower and the tomb of Pope Francis.
With this recognition, Muçobega’s photograph stands not only as a reminder of the environmental tragedy that struck Greece but also as a universal testimony of solidarity and courage.