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Oleg BlohinSoviet football player (forward), coach
Date of Birth: 05.11.1952
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Biography of Oleg Blokhin
Early Life and CareerOleg Vladimirovich Blokhin was born on November 5, 1952, in Kiev, Ukraine. Unlike many of his peers, Oleg never tried out different sports before settling on one. He made the choice for football at an early age, although his mother, a renowned Soviet runner, had hoped he would become a track and field athlete. Oleg was accepted into the youth school of "Dynamo" Kiev and later joined the reserve team. He quickly established himself in the main squad, becoming a key player for the team and winning the Soviet championship seven times. He also celebrated victory in the USSR Cup five times with his teammates.
International Career
Blokhin consistently represented the Soviet national team in various competitions. He played for the youth team, the Olympic team (winning bronze medals in 1972 and 1976), and the senior team, where he was the captain from 1977 to 1981. Initially, Blokhin felt that his more experienced teammates did not cooperate well with him. As a result, he often relied on his speed and performed solo runs. However, as he gained experience and maturity, his teammates realized his potential and began seeking him out in difficult situations.
Achievements
In 1975, Blokhin gained international recognition when his team, Dynamo Kiev, won the Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He became known for his ability to lead and organize the team's play, as well as his impressive goal-scoring records. He holds the record for the most appearances and goals for the Soviet national team, with 112 appearances and 47 goals. In domestic competitions, he played 432 matches and scored 211 goals, setting two all-union records. Blokhin was also named the best player of the season 15 times and was voted the best player in the USSR three times.
Golden Ball and Later Career
In 1975, Blokhin became the first Soviet player to win the prestigious Golden Ball award, given to the best football player in Europe. He continued to excel in his career, playing for Austrian club "Vorwärts" (Steyr) and then representing the Soviet Union in international matches. After retiring from professional football in 1987, Blokhin transitioned into coaching. He coached various teams, including "Olympiacos" (Piraeus) and "PAOK" (Thessaloniki) in Greece.
Later Life
After his coaching stint in Greece, Blokhin returned to Kiev and focused on writing. He authored several books about football, including "The Goal I Never Scored," "Right to Score," "Examining Football," and "Football for Life." In recognition of his contributions to the sport, the Greek football community organized a special event in Kiev to honor Blokhin on his 50th birthday. He continues to be regarded as one of the greatest footballers in European history and leaves a lasting legacy in both Ukrainian and international football.
