The amazing story of former goalkeeper Lev Yashin, ex-Ballon d’Or winner, Order of Lenin recipient and saver of 151 penalties

WHEN the poster for the 2018 World Cup was revealed it showed an image of one of Russia’s greatest ever players, Lev Yashin.

People of a certain age – the same who were alive to watch England win the World Cup in 1966 – may remember the goalkeeper helping the Soviet Union claim fourth-place.

Football Whispers take a closer look at the legendary keeper and why he is worth being remembered in such an iconic way.

Yashin’s nickname, the “Black Spider”, was a fitting moniker for a player who had outstanding reflexes, great positioning and was unforgettable in his black outfit, flat cap and knee brace.

An imposing figure between the sticks due to his commanding presence, Yashin revolutionised the position by shouting instructions at players, coming off his line and rushing out to meet oncoming attackers.

It was during the 1958 World Cup he reached worldwide prominence.

It was the first tournament to be shown globally and his memorable figure, captivating nickname and unique style helped enhance his popularity.

Born in 1929, Yashin began his career as a young teenager, working in a military factory while playing for Dynamo Moscow.

It took him time to find his place in the first team. But, by 1953 – three years after his debut – Yashin was also playing ice hockey, winning a USSR Cup as a goalie.

He spent his entire 20-year career at Dynamo, winning five titles and three cups, earning his first international call-up in 1954.

Over the next 16 years he competed in four World Cups, 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970. In his first, he caught the eye in the 2-0 defeat to eventual champions Brazil.

He stopped the match from becoming a rout and he was named in the team of the tournament.

In voting for the Ballon d’Or, Yashin finished fifth twice and in 1961 he came fourth.

Two years later, after impressing for a Rest of the World XI against England, he was finally recognised.

The home side won 2-1, but it could have been much worse were it not for the Soviet goalkeeper.

Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Eusebio were all in contention, but they couldn’t match the unanimous support for the legendary keeper who won the vote with 73 points.

Legendary England stopper Gordon Banks, who was named Fifa Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions, was asked during the draw for the 2018 World Cup if he was better than his Soviet counterpart.

“Yashin is the greatest goalkeeper and it is out of the question,” he replied. “I have seen him play and everything he did was absolutely decent.”

It says a lot about a player’s contribution when the best in the game pay their respects.

When the Lenin Stadium held his Fifa testimonial match, iconic figures Pele, Eusebio and Franz Beckenbauer were in a crowd of 100,000.

Other goalkeepers have come close, with Dino Zoff and Gianluigi Buffon having both finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting.

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is regarded as a contender and it’s only a matter of time before Manchester United’s David de Gea is included in the conversation.

But it’s unlikely another keeper will ever match the legendary Russian.

Yashin’s record of stopping 151 penalty kicks in his career remains unparalleled.

In 1967 he was given the Order of Lenin, the highest award in the USSR, and in 1994 Fifa established the Lev Yashin Award for the best keeper at the World Cup.

In 2000, ten years after his death, he was named Fifa’s Goalkeeper of the Century.

Many have tried to follow in his footsteps and the best keepers will try and win his award next summer.

But it seems very unlikely that anyone will ever match the Soviet legend.