Nikita Simonyan Football player Date of Birth: 12.10.1926 Country: Russia

1. Biography of Nikita Simonyan
2. Football Career
3. Coaching Career
4. Legacy

Biography of Nikita Simonyan

Nikita Simonyan was born on October 12, 1926, in the city of Armavir, Soviet Union. His father, Pogos Mkrtychevich, worked as a shoemaker and his mother, Varsenik Akopovna, was a homemaker. Simonyan had a small family, including his parents, sister Nina, and himself. Growing up, Simonyan developed a passion for football, playing on the streets with his friends Pavel Sichinava and Alexander Sedov. They organized matches between different neighborhoods and convinced train conductors to give them rides to a nearby football field.

Football Career

Simonyan's talent in football was quickly recognized, and he joined the local team "Dinamo" in Sukhumi. Under the guidance of his coach Shota Lominadze, Simonyan honed his skills as a forward. He played for the youth teams in Abkhazia and Georgia, impressing with his goal-scoring abilities. In 1946, Simonyan moved to Moscow to join the famous club "Spartak." He quickly became one of the team's top players, earning a reputation as a skilled forward with a precise shot.

Simonyan's career reached its peak in the late 1940s and 1950s when he played for the Soviet Union national team. He participated in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, where the Soviet team won the gold medal. Simonyan also represented the Soviet Union in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Simonyan transitioned into coaching. He was appointed as the head coach of "Spartak" Moscow in 1959. In his first season, the team did not perform well, but Simonyan turned things around, leading "Spartak" to become the Soviet champions in 1962. He continued to coach the team for a total of 11 years, developing a group of talented young players who became the backbone of the team.

Simonyan's coaching style was characterized by high demands, strategic thinking, and a direct and decisive character. He was respected for his ability to make tactical decisions and his dedication to the success of his team. Under his leadership, "Spartak" Moscow became one of the strongest teams in the Soviet Union.

Legacy

Nikita Simonyan is considered one of the greatest footballers and coaches in Soviet and Russian football history. He was known for his goal-scoring abilities, technical skills, and leadership on the field. Simonyan's achievements as a player and coach have left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Throughout his career, Simonyan received numerous honors and awards, including being named the best forward in the Soviet Union multiple times and being included in the symbolic "G. Fedotov Club" for scoring 186 goals. He also holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season.

After retiring from coaching, Simonyan remained involved in football as a football administrator and served as the president of the Russian Football Union from 1992 to 2005. He continues to be a respected figure in the football community and an inspiration to aspiring players and coaches.