Sports
FIFA reveal the official 2018 Russia World Cup poster
FIFA have revealed their official poster for the World Cup 2018 – featuring legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin.
The Brilliant Soviet keeper takes centre stage in the image which will be used globally to promote the tournament which takes place next summer.
Inspired by the constructivist art movement, the poster shows Yashin, wearing a knee brace and his signature cap.
The stopper – the only keeper ever to win the Ballon d’Or – is pictured diving across to get a hand on an oversized ball featuring Russia’s landmass seen from space.
Orange rays emanate from the ball and the circle of green in the middle of the poster represents the pitches of the 12 tournament venues.
Yashin’s widow Valentina was on hand to launch the poster in Moscow, just three days before the draw takes place for Russia 2018.
Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura said: “We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil.”
Yashin, who died in 1990, competed in four World Cups – 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970.
He is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1963 when he finished ahead of reunner-up Gianni Rivera of Italy and England’s Jimmy Greaves.
Russia will host the World Cup finals from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi.
Former England star Gary Lineker will be hosting the draw at the Kremlin on Friday, which is due to begin at 3pm UK time.