⚽ Soccer · Goalkeeper

Lev Yashin

Soviet Union · 1950–1970

The only goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d'Or.

1 (1963)
Ballon d'Or: ~150
Penalties saved: 270+
Clean sheets: 74
Soviet Union caps

Career

The Black Spider commanded his area at a time when goalkeepers were expected to stay on their line, coming for crosses, organising defenders and racing off his line to sweep behind them. He estimated he saved over 150 penalties, and his all-black kit made him look larger than he was — which he understood perfectly well.

Honours

Only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or
European Championship winner, 1960
Olympic gold medallist, 1956
The World Cup's best-goalkeeper award carries his name

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