Lev Yashin autograph

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

Year of Birth: 1929

Lev Yashin was a legendary Russian goalkeeper who was widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He played for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970 and won the Ballon d'Or in 1963. Yashin was renowned for his athleticism, positioning, courage and his reflex saves, which helped him win the nickname “The Black Spider”. He was also the only goalkeeper to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or, which was awarded to the best player in Europe during that period.

Yashin was born on 22 October 1929 in Moscow, Russia. His father was a textile worker and his mother was a housewife. He began his career playing for Dynamo Moscow in 1950, where he quickly established himself as a first team regular. His signature style of goalkeeping quickly made him a fan favorite and he was soon regarded as the best goalkeeper in Russia.

Yashin helped Dynamo Moscow win five Soviet Top League titles, three Soviet Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1963. He was also an integral part of the Soviet National Team, which won the 1956 Olympic Gold Medal and the 1960 European Championship. Yashin was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for his services to Soviet football.

Yashin was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to make stunning reflex stops. He was also praised for his calmness under pressure and his willingness to take risks. He would often leave his penalty area to command his defense and make crucial saves. Yashin was also known for his sense of humour, which he often used to lighten the mood in the dressing room.

Yashin's career was cut short due to a knee injury in 1971. He retired in 1974 and was posthumously awarded the FIFA Goalkeeper of the Century Award in 2000. His legacy lives on in the form of the Lev Yashin Award, which is presented to the best goalkeeper at each FIFA World Cup. He is also remembered for his iconic all-black kit, which has become synonymous with goalkeepers across the world.

Lev Yashin will forever be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His leadership, courage and acrobatic saves earned him the nickname “The Black Spider”. He was the first goalkeeper to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or and his legacy lives on through the Lev Yashin Award. Yashin's influence on football is undeniable and he will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.