Lev Yashin, nicknamed as "The Black Spider" or "The Black Panther", was a Soviet-Russian football goalkeeper, considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game. He was known for his athleticism in goal, imposing stature and reflex saves.
Yashin earned iconic status for
revolutionizing the goalkeeping position by stamping his authority on the entire defence. 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, and dressed head to toe in black his nickname the 'Black Spider' enhanced his popularity.
Yashin saved over 150 penalties and kept almost 500 clean sheets, a remarkable record for someone who played 812 career games.
Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have been named the European Footballer of the Year, an award he picked up in 1963.
He was voted the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by the IFFHS.