‘Before a game I down a nice vodka to tone my muscles’: The rise of the Russian ‘Black Spider’ in football’s echelons
March 20 commemorates the anniversary of Lev Yashin's passing, honoring one of Russia's most legendary sports icons. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Lev Yashin remains revered as a benchmark of goalkeeping excellence
The world of football fell into mourning last December following the death of Pele, one of the sport’s greatest icons. Tributes poured in from across the globe as fans reflected on the impact of a man who revolutionized his sport.
Russia was no exception; the men’s national team honored Pele with a touching image of the smiling star. Yet, alongside the legendary forward, they also paid tribute to another figure of the same generation—Lev Yashin, who earned a similarly revered status.
While Pele was renowned for his goal-scoring ability, Yashin's legacy stemmed from his remarkable shot-stopping prowess. Nearly 50 years after his final match and more than three decades since his passing, Yashin continues to set the standard for goalkeeping excellence.
If fans were asked to create an all-time fantasy eleven, Pele would likely be chosen as the leading attacker, while the name most commonly selected for the goalkeeper position would undoubtedly be Yashin.
Yashin, affectionately known as ‘The Black Spider’, ‘The Black Octopus’, and ‘The Black Panther’, was celebrated for his remarkable acrobatic feats and distinct on-field attire, which included a trademark flat cap. He was a trailblazer as an imposing Soviet shot-stopper throughout his storied two-decade career.
Yashin's immense stature in goalkeeping is underscored by the prestigious award named in his honor, which is presented annually to the world's best goalkeeper by France Football.
March 20 marks 33 years since Yashin’s death at the age of 60—a day on which many will take time to reflect on the extraordinary life and achievements of Russia’s greatest football legend.
Born on October 22, 1929, in Moscow to a family of industrial workers, Yashin's path to footballing immortality seemed unlikely. At a young age, he began to work in a factory, contributing to the Soviet war effort during World War II. He continued to toil in the factories after the war, but struggled with what was termed a “nervous breakdown” at 18, a heavy burden from years of hardship.
“Was it depression? I don’t know,” Yashin wrote in his autobiography. “The fatigue accumulated over the years began to make itself felt and something in me suddenly broke. At that time I felt nothing except emptiness.”
Nevertheless, sport provided a vital escape and new opportunities for Yashin. Already a fan of football and ice hockey, he took a teammate's advice to join the military, which he described as his “salvation” since it allowed him to combine sports with his military duties.
In 1949, Yashin was scouted and invited to join the youth ranks of Dynamo Moscow, a prestigious club in his hometown that had gained attention for an unbeaten tour of the UK in 1945.
His debut in 1950 was not auspicious; he conceded a soft goal, leading him to play only two league matches that year. Alexei ‘Tiger’ Khomich, a highly regarded goalkeeper, blocked Yashin's path to regular play during the early years of his career.
Rather than seek opportunities elsewhere, Yashin dedicated himself to securing a first-team position at Dynamo. He even played as a goaltender for the club’s ice hockey team, winning the Soviet Cup in 1953, which showcased his all-around athletic ability.
“I ran, did the high jump, shot put, discus, took fencing lessons, had a go at boxing, diving, wrestling, skating, tried basketball, played ice hockey, water polo, and football. I spent my winters on skis and skates. I’m not sure what I was best at,” Yashin later recalled.
After waiting for his chance, Yashin finally took over from Khomich when the latter was injured in 1953, quickly becoming the starting goalkeeper. His tenure with Dynamo marked the beginning of a golden era, culminating in five Soviet league titles—including four consecutive titles from 1954 to 1959—and three Soviet Cups.
Yashin's success led to his first international call-up in 1954, and he quickly made a name for himself over the next four years, culminating in gold with the USSR at the 1956 Olympics.
By 1958, Yashin's rising star caught the attention of football fans worldwide at the World Cup in Sweden. His innovative ‘sweepers-keeper’ style, which has seen renewed popularity through modern players like Manuel Neuer and Alisson, showcased his unique ability to read the game.
During the tournament, Yashin faced a 17-year-old Pele and the eventual champions Brazil in the group stage. Although Brazil won 2-0, Yashin's outstanding saves kept the scoreline from being more lopsided.
The USSR exited in the quarterfinals but Yashin earned the accolade of goalkeeper of the tournament, with journalists worldwide acknowledging him as the top player in his position.
Two years later, Yashin redeemed himself at the inaugural European Championships in France. He preserved a clean sheet in the semifinal as the Soviet Union triumphed over Czechoslovakia 3-0.
In the close final against Yugoslavia at the Parc des Princes, Yashin saved two free kicks and made crucial interventions to help secure a 2-1 victory for the Soviets. Celebrations in Paris were subdued, with runner-up Dragan Sekularac commenting on the lack of enthusiasm from locals for teams from the East. However, a rousing welcome awaited the returning heroes in Moscow, where they were greeted by over 100,000 fans.
Yashin's triumph was soon overshadowed by disappointment at the 1962 World Cup, where mistakes against Colombia led to a shocking 4-4 draw. The favored Soviet team was then eliminated by hosts Chile in the quarterfinals.
“I was in disbelief that I’d scored past the great Lev Yashin,” recalled Eladio Rojas, who celebrated his goal with an embrace for Yashin. “I still am. Scoring past Yashin was like a trophy.”
Yashin, unfortunately, faced criticism, being labelled a “fading force” by media outlets. He grappled with the psychological weight of conceding goals, stating, “What kind of a goalkeeper is one who is not tormented by a goal he has conceded?”
Despite the challenges, Yashin's resilience shone through as he guided Dynamo to another league title in 1963 and became the first—and only—goalkeeper to win France Football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or for the best European player. He attributed this success to his remarkable saves during a match between England and a Rest of the World XI, which extended his career.
Yashin’s Ballon d’Or was officially presented to him just before a European Championship quarterfinal against Sweden in May 1964, a match the USSR won 3-1. The Soviets reached the final in Spain but lost 2-1 to the hosts.
His international career continued at the 1966 World Cup in England, where he missed the initial matches due to injury. After returning, Yashin helped the USSR achieve its best-ever finish, coming in fourth after a semifinal loss to West Germany.
After decades of loyalty to Dynamo and his national team, Yashin retired in 1970 after serving as an assistant coach and backup at the World Cup in Mexico.
“I don’t know if one man has ever meant so much to one club,” said former teammate Igor Chislenko, who accompanied Yashin in being a one-club player.
Yashin, however, represented much more than affiliation to a single club. His testimonial in 1971 drew an impressive crowd of 103,000, who came to watch him play one last time against a European team led by England and Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton.
Pele and Eusebio joined the celebration, as fellow football legends praised a man who concluded his career with a record of over 150 penalty saves and around 275 clean sheets.
“Someone once said that a team with Pele started [a game] with a 1-0 lead,” Pele noted. “A team with Yashin started winning 2-0.”
Eusebio echoed this sentiment, stating, “He made me as a footballer. When you’re able to score against the greatest goalkeeper in the history of world football, you remember it for your whole life.”
Gordon Banks, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad and a leading goalkeeper himself, referred to Yashin as “first-class, a real super goalkeeper,” adding, “He was the model for goalkeeping for the next ten to 15 years.”
France Football acknowledged Yashin's influence on the sport, stating he “revolutionized the role of goalkeeper like no other before him” and emphasized his ability to contribute as an extra defender.
As one of the earliest ‘sweepers-keepers’, Yashin was known for commanding his defense, offering vocal instructions while frequently venturing beyond his area to aid in building attacks. His superb game-reading skills and long arms earned him the nickname ‘the Black Spider’ and allowed him to make stunning saves, despite his lanky 6ft 2in frame.
France Football, which recognized Yashin with the Ballon d'Or in 1963 and named its goalkeeping award after him, included him in its all-time Dream Team in 2020. In 2003, the Russian Football Union honored him as its most outstanding player over the past 50 years, complementing the Order of Lenin he received in 1967 for his exceptional service.
Yashin was a true man of the people, known to fans simply by his first name, as noted by his successor at Dynamo, Vladimir Pilguy. “To them, he was one of them like a brother or a friend.”
Yashin's persona extended beyond the pitch; he once mentioned, “My secret? Before a game I would smoke a cigarette to calm my nerves and down a nice vodka to tone my muscles.”
Despite his incredible legacy, reports suggest that Yashin had a falling out with Dynamo in his later years, particularly with chairman Piotr Bogdanov, whose political connections allegedly led to Yashin facing difficulties in traveling abroad, including routine visa denials for his wife.
Nonetheless, Yashin remains a celebrated figure at Dynamo. The stadium, while officially known as the VTB Arena, also bears his name, and a statue commemorating him stands outside. Players wore retro kits to honor him on what would have been his 92nd birthday in 2021, continuing the tradition into 2022. Yashin's life was immortalized for newer generations in the film "Lev Yashin: Dream Goalkeeper," released in 2019.
Sadly, Yashin did not witness many of the tributes to his legacy. In 1986, he had a leg amputation due to a blood clot, and he passed away from complications related to stomach cancer in 1990 at the age of 60, with his family by his side.
The announcement of Yashin’s death during a European Cup match between Dnipro and Benfica reportedly brought tears to Eusebio’s eyes, a testament to the respect he commanded among contemporaries.
Eusebio, a legendary player in his own right, labeled Yashin “the peerless goalkeeper of the century.” Few would dispute this, as Yashin's accolades and influence on the game are undeniable.
In the annals of football legends, Yashin undoubtedly lays claim to the number one shirt.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The world of football fell into mourning last December following the death of Pele, one of the sport’s greatest icons. Tributes poured in from across the globe as fans reflected on the impact of a man who revolutionized his sport.
Russia was no exception; the men’s national team honored Pele with a touching image of the smiling star. Yet, alongside the legendary forward, they also paid tribute to another figure of the same generation—Lev Yashin, who earned a similarly revered status.
While Pele was renowned for his goal-scoring ability, Yashin's legacy stemmed from his remarkable shot-stopping prowess. Nearly 50 years after his final match and more than three decades since his passing, Yashin continues to set the standard for goalkeeping excellence.
If fans were asked to create an all-time fantasy eleven, Pele would likely be chosen as the leading attacker, while the name most commonly selected for the goalkeeper position would undoubtedly be Yashin.
Yashin, affectionately known as ‘The Black Spider’, ‘The Black Octopus’, and ‘The Black Panther’, was celebrated for his remarkable acrobatic feats and distinct on-field attire, which included a trademark flat cap. He was a trailblazer as an imposing Soviet shot-stopper throughout his storied two-decade career.
Yashin's immense stature in goalkeeping is underscored by the prestigious award named in his honor, which is presented annually to the world's best goalkeeper by France Football.
March 20 marks 33 years since Yashin’s death at the age of 60—a day on which many will take time to reflect on the extraordinary life and achievements of Russia’s greatest football legend.
Born on October 22, 1929, in Moscow to a family of industrial workers, Yashin's path to footballing immortality seemed unlikely. At a young age, he began to work in a factory, contributing to the Soviet war effort during World War II. He continued to toil in the factories after the war, but struggled with what was termed a “nervous breakdown” at 18, a heavy burden from years of hardship.
“Was it depression? I don’t know,” Yashin wrote in his autobiography. “The fatigue accumulated over the years began to make itself felt and something in me suddenly broke. At that time I felt nothing except emptiness.”
Nevertheless, sport provided a vital escape and new opportunities for Yashin. Already a fan of football and ice hockey, he took a teammate's advice to join the military, which he described as his “salvation” since it allowed him to combine sports with his military duties.
In 1949, Yashin was scouted and invited to join the youth ranks of Dynamo Moscow, a prestigious club in his hometown that had gained attention for an unbeaten tour of the UK in 1945.
His debut in 1950 was not auspicious; he conceded a soft goal, leading him to play only two league matches that year. Alexei ‘Tiger’ Khomich, a highly regarded goalkeeper, blocked Yashin's path to regular play during the early years of his career.
Rather than seek opportunities elsewhere, Yashin dedicated himself to securing a first-team position at Dynamo. He even played as a goaltender for the club’s ice hockey team, winning the Soviet Cup in 1953, which showcased his all-around athletic ability.
“I ran, did the high jump, shot put, discus, took fencing lessons, had a go at boxing, diving, wrestling, skating, tried basketball, played ice hockey, water polo, and football. I spent my winters on skis and skates. I’m not sure what I was best at,” Yashin later recalled.
After waiting for his chance, Yashin finally took over from Khomich when the latter was injured in 1953, quickly becoming the starting goalkeeper. His tenure with Dynamo marked the beginning of a golden era, culminating in five Soviet league titles—including four consecutive titles from 1954 to 1959—and three Soviet Cups.
Yashin's success led to his first international call-up in 1954, and he quickly made a name for himself over the next four years, culminating in gold with the USSR at the 1956 Olympics.
By 1958, Yashin's rising star caught the attention of football fans worldwide at the World Cup in Sweden. His innovative ‘sweepers-keeper’ style, which has seen renewed popularity through modern players like Manuel Neuer and Alisson, showcased his unique ability to read the game.
During the tournament, Yashin faced a 17-year-old Pele and the eventual champions Brazil in the group stage. Although Brazil won 2-0, Yashin's outstanding saves kept the scoreline from being more lopsided.
The USSR exited in the quarterfinals but Yashin earned the accolade of goalkeeper of the tournament, with journalists worldwide acknowledging him as the top player in his position.
Two years later, Yashin redeemed himself at the inaugural European Championships in France. He preserved a clean sheet in the semifinal as the Soviet Union triumphed over Czechoslovakia 3-0.
In the close final against Yugoslavia at the Parc des Princes, Yashin saved two free kicks and made crucial interventions to help secure a 2-1 victory for the Soviets. Celebrations in Paris were subdued, with runner-up Dragan Sekularac commenting on the lack of enthusiasm from locals for teams from the East. However, a rousing welcome awaited the returning heroes in Moscow, where they were greeted by over 100,000 fans.
Yashin's triumph was soon overshadowed by disappointment at the 1962 World Cup, where mistakes against Colombia led to a shocking 4-4 draw. The favored Soviet team was then eliminated by hosts Chile in the quarterfinals.
“I was in disbelief that I’d scored past the great Lev Yashin,” recalled Eladio Rojas, who celebrated his goal with an embrace for Yashin. “I still am. Scoring past Yashin was like a trophy.”
Yashin, unfortunately, faced criticism, being labelled a “fading force” by media outlets. He grappled with the psychological weight of conceding goals, stating, “What kind of a goalkeeper is one who is not tormented by a goal he has conceded?”
Despite the challenges, Yashin's resilience shone through as he guided Dynamo to another league title in 1963 and became the first—and only—goalkeeper to win France Football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or for the best European player. He attributed this success to his remarkable saves during a match between England and a Rest of the World XI, which extended his career.
Yashin’s Ballon d’Or was officially presented to him just before a European Championship quarterfinal against Sweden in May 1964, a match the USSR won 3-1. The Soviets reached the final in Spain but lost 2-1 to the hosts.
His international career continued at the 1966 World Cup in England, where he missed the initial matches due to injury. After returning, Yashin helped the USSR achieve its best-ever finish, coming in fourth after a semifinal loss to West Germany.
After decades of loyalty to Dynamo and his national team, Yashin retired in 1970 after serving as an assistant coach and backup at the World Cup in Mexico.
“I don’t know if one man has ever meant so much to one club,” said former teammate Igor Chislenko, who accompanied Yashin in being a one-club player.
Yashin, however, represented much more than affiliation to a single club. His testimonial in 1971 drew an impressive crowd of 103,000, who came to watch him play one last time against a European team led by England and Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton.
Pele and Eusebio joined the celebration, as fellow football legends praised a man who concluded his career with a record of over 150 penalty saves and around 275 clean sheets.
“Someone once said that a team with Pele started [a game] with a 1-0 lead,” Pele noted. “A team with Yashin started winning 2-0.”
Eusebio echoed this sentiment, stating, “He made me as a footballer. When you’re able to score against the greatest goalkeeper in the history of world football, you remember it for your whole life.”
Gordon Banks, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad and a leading goalkeeper himself, referred to Yashin as “first-class, a real super goalkeeper,” adding, “He was the model for goalkeeping for the next ten to 15 years.”
France Football acknowledged Yashin's influence on the sport, stating he “revolutionized the role of goalkeeper like no other before him” and emphasized his ability to contribute as an extra defender.
As one of the earliest ‘sweepers-keepers’, Yashin was known for commanding his defense, offering vocal instructions while frequently venturing beyond his area to aid in building attacks. His superb game-reading skills and long arms earned him the nickname ‘the Black Spider’ and allowed him to make stunning saves, despite his lanky 6ft 2in frame.
France Football, which recognized Yashin with the Ballon d'Or in 1963 and named its goalkeeping award after him, included him in its all-time Dream Team in 2020. In 2003, the Russian Football Union honored him as its most outstanding player over the past 50 years, complementing the Order of Lenin he received in 1967 for his exceptional service.
Yashin was a true man of the people, known to fans simply by his first name, as noted by his successor at Dynamo, Vladimir Pilguy. “To them, he was one of them like a brother or a friend.”
Yashin's persona extended beyond the pitch; he once mentioned, “My secret? Before a game I would smoke a cigarette to calm my nerves and down a nice vodka to tone my muscles.”
Despite his incredible legacy, reports suggest that Yashin had a falling out with Dynamo in his later years, particularly with chairman Piotr Bogdanov, whose political connections allegedly led to Yashin facing difficulties in traveling abroad, including routine visa denials for his wife.
Nonetheless, Yashin remains a celebrated figure at Dynamo. The stadium, while officially known as the VTB Arena, also bears his name, and a statue commemorating him stands outside. Players wore retro kits to honor him on what would have been his 92nd birthday in 2021, continuing the tradition into 2022. Yashin's life was immortalized for newer generations in the film "Lev Yashin: Dream Goalkeeper," released in 2019.
Sadly, Yashin did not witness many of the tributes to his legacy. In 1986, he had a leg amputation due to a blood clot, and he passed away from complications related to stomach cancer in 1990 at the age of 60, with his family by his side.
The announcement of Yashin’s death during a European Cup match between Dnipro and Benfica reportedly brought tears to Eusebio’s eyes, a testament to the respect he commanded among contemporaries.
Eusebio, a legendary player in his own right, labeled Yashin “the peerless goalkeeper of the century.” Few would dispute this, as Yashin's accolades and influence on the game are undeniable.
In the annals of football legends, Yashin undoubtedly lays claim to the number one shirt.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
