Lev Yashin autograph

Profession:
(1929-1990) Soviet-Russian football goalkeeper - "The Black Spider".

Year of Birth: 1929

Lev Yashin was a legendary Soviet goalkeeper, widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He was born in Moscow on October 22, 1929, and would go on to become one of the most famous figures in the history of football. Yashin began his career in 1950 with Dynamo Moscow, playing in the Soviet Top League for over 20 years. He made his debut for the Soviet Union in 1954, and was part of the team that won the Olympic gold medal in 1956. Yashin was also part of the Soviet team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1958, and the quarter-finals in 1962 and 1966. He was known for his distinctive all-black kit and for his spectacular saves, earning him the nickname "The Black Spider".

Yashin was a pioneer in goalkeeping and set an example for future generations of goalkeepers. He was the first goalkeeper to come out of his box and act as a sweeper-keeper, taking the ball out of the air and starting counter-attacks. He was also the first goalkeeper to wear long-sleeved shirts, and he was the first to wear gloves. Yashin was also a leader on the pitch, organizing his defense and inspiring his team-mates. He was the captain of Dynamo Moscow for most of his career, and won five Soviet league titles with them.

Yashin was the recipient of numerous awards and honors during his career. He was voted the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, and was also named the best goalkeeper of the century by the IFFHS in 2004. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1963, the only goalkeeper to ever receive the award. He was also inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Russian Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Yashin retired from football in 1971, at the age of 41. After his retirement, he became a coach and worked in various clubs and national teams. He also wrote several books about goalkeeping and held numerous lectures and seminars. He was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1967, and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1972. Yashin passed away in 1990, at the age of 60, but his legacy lives on in the game of football.

Lev Yashin was an extraordinary goalkeeper and a true legend of the game. He revolutionized goalkeeping and set an example for future generations of goalkeepers. He was a leader on the pitch and an inspiration to his team-mates. He won numerous awards and honors during his career, and was the only goalkeeper to ever receive the Ballon d'Or. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Lev Yashin changed the game of football and left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him, and his name will remain synonymous with greatness for generations to come.