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Yashin was a goalkeeper whose performances in goal left an indelible effect on a global audience, particularly during the 1958 World Cup, the first to be telecast globally.
He was known for wearing all black from head to toe, giving him the moniker “Black Spider” or “Black Panther.”
Lev Yashin Biography
Lev Ivanovich Yashin, commonly known as Lev Yashin, was born on October 22, 1929, in Moscow, Russia.
He was raised in a household of industrial labourers during World War II. Yashin was obliged to work in a factory at the age of 12 to help with the war effort. However, after having a psychological breakdown at the age of 18, he was unable to continue working and was assigned to a military plant.
When Yashin was discovered playing for the factory squad, he was invited to join the Dynamo Moscow youth team.
His Dynamo Moscow debut came in a friendly encounter in 1950, however, it was not the debut he had hoped for, as he allowed a cheap goal. Despite this setback, Yashin remained focused and continued with Dynamo, playing in the reserves while waiting for another chance.
During his early years, he also played goaltender for the Dynamo ice hockey team, which won the USSR ice hockey cup in 1953.
Yashin played his whole professional football career with Dynamo Moscow, from 1950 to 1970. With the club, he won the USSR football championship five times and the Soviet Cup three times. Alexei “Tiger” Khomich, the Soviet national team’s custodian, was Yashin’s teammate and rival.
Yashin established himself as the greatest keeper in sports history by revolutionising the position. He asserted his command over the entire defence, yelling orders at his defenders, intercepting crosses, and sprinting out to meet oncoming attackers.
This was a unique style of play at the time when goalkeepers normally stayed in the goal waiting for action.
Yashin earned 78 caps for the Soviet national team in international events. In 1960, he won the inaugural European Championship and the Summer Olympics in 1956.
Yashin also competed in four World Cups between 1958 and 1970. Out of the 12 games he played in the World Cup finals, he is credited with four clean sheets.
Yashin’s performances in goal left an indelible effect on a global audience, particularly during the 1958 World Cup, the first to be telecast globally.
Yashin garnered various awards and honours throughout his career. He was the only custodian to ever win the Ballon d’Or, which he received in 1963.
He was also chosen for the FIFA World Cup Dream Team and the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. The IFFHS ranked Yashin the finest custodian of the twentieth century, and he was named to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team in 2020.
Yashin served over 20 years in various administrative positions at Dynamo Moscow after retiring from playing. Tragically, he developed health problems in his latter years, including thrombophlebitis, which necessitated the amputation of one of his legs.
Yashin died of stomach cancer in 1990, despite surgical procedures to preserve his life. As a Soviet Honoured Master of Sport, he was granted a state funeral.
A bronze statue of Lev Yashin stands today at Moscow’s Dynamo Stadium, honouring his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in football history.
Lev Yashin’s Cause Of Death
Lev Yashin’s cause of death is reported to have been due to stomach cancer which led to his demise.
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