When was Lev Yashin born and where did he grow up?
Lev Yashin was born on the 22nd of October 1929 in Moscow. He grew up in a Russian family of industrial workers during World War II.
Questions about Lev Yashin
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What innovations did Lev Yashin introduce to goalkeeping?
Lev Yashin developed novel practices like punching balls out in difficult situations instead of trying to catch them. His other innovations included quick throws to begin counterattacks and coming out of the penalty area to anticipate danger.
Which World Cup tournaments did Lev Yashin participate in from 1958 to 1970?
Lev Yashin appeared in three World Cups from 1958 to 1966 as an unused squad member in 1970. The 1958 World Cup played in Sweden put him on the map for his performances while the Soviet Union advanced to the quarter-finals.
Why is Lev Yashin known as the Black Spider or the Black Panther?
Lev Yashin dressed head to toe in apparent black though it was actually very dark blue. This distinctive outfit earned him nicknames like the Black Spider or the Black Panther because he seemed to have eight arms to save almost everything.
When did Lev Yashin win the Ballon d'Or award?
Lev Yashin won the Ballon d'Or in December 1963. He became the first and only goalkeeper ever to receive this award for European player of the year.
How did Lev Yashin die and what happened to his family after his death?
Lev Yashin died in 1990 of stomach cancer despite surgical intervention to save his life. His wife Valentina Timofeyevna survived him along with daughters Irina and Elena, leaving behind a granddaughter and one surviving grandson named Vasili Frolov.