Lev Yashin

Lev Yashin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, often referred to as the "Black Spider" or the "Black Panther" due to his iconic all-black attire and incredible reflexes. He remains the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or, which he received in 1963. Yashin's influence on the position of goalkeeper was profound, as he was known for his innovative style of play, including coming off his line to intercept crosses and acting as a sweeper-keeper. His contributions to football have left a lasting legacy, and he is celebrated as a legend of the sport.

• Club Career:

  • Dynamo Moscow: Yashin spent his entire club career at Dynamo Moscow, winning the Soviet Top League five times (1954, 1955, 1957, 1959, and 1963) and the Soviet Cup three times (1953, 1967, and 1970).

• International Career:

  • Soviet Union: Yashin played for the Soviet Union national team, winning the 1960 European Nations' Cup (now UEFA European Championship) and earning an Olympic gold medal in 1956.