A powerful photograph of a man carrying a sheep to safety through the smoke of a raging wildfire in Greece has captured global attention, earning a spot on the BBC's list of the most iconic images of 2025.
The man in the photo, taken by Associated Press photojournalist Thanasis Stavrakis, is Olsien Mutsopega, a 33-year-old worker from Patras.
In its selection, the BBC likened the image to ancient depictions of the "Good Shepherd" and praised it for embodying "timeless heroism."
The rescue took place during this summer's devastating wildfires in the Achaia region. Mr. Mutsopega and his friends were volunteering alongside firefighters when he spotted the sheep, which belonged to an elderly farmer.
He said his affection for animals motivated him to act.
The sheep, now named Melpo, is safe on a farm.
An immigrant from Albania who arrived in Greece at age three, Mr. Mutsopega lives in Patras with his Greek wife, Maria-Eleni, and their two children. Despite having spent nearly his entire life in the country, he told reporters he still faces bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining Greek citizenship.
For his part, Mr. Mutsopega described his act as simple "common sense and kindness," but his image has become an international symbol of hope amid a summer of destruction.