Who Is Lev Yashin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lev Yashin was born on October 22, 1929, and is celebrated as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Known for his exceptional reflexes and commanding presence on the field, Yashin earned accolades throughout his career, including the Ballon d'Or in 1963, making him the first and only goalkeeper to receive the award. His career spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, predominantly with Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union national team. Despite passing away in 1990, his legacy continues to inspire footballers worldwide.
Age in 2025: 95 years old
| Occupation | Football Coach |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1929 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Russia |
| Date of death | 20 March, 1990 |
| Died Place | Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
Popularity
Lev Yashin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm)
- Weight: 198 lbs (90 kg)
- Body Stats: Lev Yashin was known for his athletic build, which was essential for his role as a goalkeeper. His remarkable agility and strength made him a formidable opponent in goal.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lev Yashin was married to his beloved wife, Valentina Yashin, for over four decades. They shared a strong bond, with Valentina being a constant support during his football career. As of 2025, Lev Yashin has no publicly known girlfriend or boyfriend, as he passed away in 1990. The couple had children together, who have continued to honor his legacy.
After retiring from playing, Yashin spent almost 20 years in various administrative positions at Dynamo Moscow. He also spent much of his retirement indulging in what his wife called his second passion: fishing. A bronze statue of Lev Yashin was erected at the Dynamo Stadium in Moscow.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures regarding Lev Yashin's net worth and salary during his footballing days are challenging to pinpoint, estimates suggest that he earned a modest income compared to contemporary athletes. His net worth was primarily accumulated through endorsements and appearances, reflecting the legacy of one of the sport's greatest icons. At the time of his death, his estimated net worth was around $1 million, a considerable amount for an athlete in that era.
Career, Business and Investments
Lev Yashin had a storied football career, playing for Dynamo Moscow from 1949 to 1970, where he won multiple Soviet championships and contributed to the club's legacy. He also represented the USSR national team in three World Cups and was instrumental in their victory in the 1960 UEFA European Championship. Beyond his playing career, Yashin was involved in coaching and mentorship, sharing his expertise with upcoming talent. His contributions to the sport have been honored through various awards and tributes, including his induction into the FIFA Hall of Fame.
Yashin earned status for revolutionising the goalkeeping position by imposing his authority on the entire defence.
A vocal presence in goal, he shouted orders at his defenders, came off his line to intercept crosses and also ran out to meet onrushing attackers, done at a time when goalkeepers spent the 90 minutes standing in the goal waiting to be called into action.
His performances made an indelible impression on a global audience at the 1958 World Cup, the first to be broadcast internationally. He dressed head to toe in apparent black (in truth very dark blue), thus earning his nicknames "the Black Spider" or "the Black Panther", which enhanced his popularity.
Yashin appeared in three World Cups from 1958 to 1966 and was an unused squad member in 1970. In 2002, he was chosen on the FIFA World Cup Dream Team. In 1994, he was chosen for the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team, and in 1998 was chosen as a member of the World Team of the 20th Century.
According to FIFA, Yashin saved over 150 penalty kicks in professional football — more than any other goalkeeper. He also kept over 270 clean sheets in his career, winning a gold medal at the 1956 Olympic football tournament, and the 1960 European Championships.
Social Network
Lev Yashin’s presence on social media is mostly represented through fan pages and official tributes. While he may not have had a direct social media presence, his influence is felt across platforms celebrating his contributions to football. His legacy has inspired multiple documentaries, articles, and social media discussions dedicated to his impactful career.
"“Yashin revolutionised the role of goalkeeper like no other before him, by always being ready to act as an extra defender” and by “starting dangerous counter-attacks with his positioning and quick throws”."
Education
Details concerning Lev Yashin's educational background are limited. However, it is known that he began his career in football at a young age, joining Dynamo Moscow’s youth teams before making it into the senior squad. His education in the sport came primarily through experience gained on the field, where he honed his skills and tactical understanding of the game.
In 1986, following a thrombophlebitis contracted while he was in Budapest, Yashin underwent the amputation of one of his legs. He died in 1990 of stomach cancer, despite a surgical intervention in an attempt to save his life. He was given a state funeral as a Soviet Honoured Master of Sport.
