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Viktor NabutovSoviet football player, goalkeeper, radio and television commentator
Date of Birth: 10.04.1917
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Content:
- Young Sporting Star
- War and Exile
- Footballing Heights
- WWII and the Blockade Match
- Post-War Career
- Controversial Recordings
- Televised Commentator
- Tragic Demise
- Legacy
Young Sporting Star
From a tender age, Lev Grigorievich Nabutov immersed himself in athletics. He excelled in various sports, including tennis, basketball, billiards, and ice hockey. Nabutov's exceptional skills earned him recognition as a volleyball master at the age of 17, representing Leningrad in multiple disciplines.
War and Exile
Nabutov's promising career was marred by the assassination of Sergei Kirov. His family faced exile to Orenburg, and his father was unjustly executed. However, in 1937, he was released due to the intervention of sports authorities.
Footballing Heights
Nabutov joined FC Dynamo Leningrad in 1936 and later played for FC Elektrik, reaching the 1938 Soviet Cup final. He returned to Dynamo in 1940, completing one more season before the war.
WWII and the Blockade Match
With the outbreak of World War II, Nabutov enlisted as a naval commander. He fought bravely on the Oranienbaum bridgehead, participating in the legendary 1942 "Blockade Match" against FC Metallistiy Leningrad.
Post-War Career
After the war, Nabutov resumed his football career with Dynamo until 1948. An injury forced his retirement, leading him to pursue a career in sports commentary.
Controversial Recordings
In the early 1950s, Nabutov recorded a collection of "blatnye" songs, which spread widely. The subsequent legal battle resulted in his acquittal but cost him his job.
Televised Commentator
Nabutov returned to commentary, becoming a renowned television commentator. However, his career was again interrupted in 1967 following his criticism of financial irregularities involving the construction of the Yubileyny Sports Palace.
Tragic Demise
Lev Nabutov's life ended abruptly on June 19, 1973, when he choked on a piece of meat. His death could have been prevented had emergency responders focused on clearing his airway instead of assuming a heart attack.
Legacy
Nabutov remains a revered figure in Soviet football and broadcasting. His son, Kirill, followed in his footsteps as a renowned sports commentator and television producer. Nabutov's grave lies in the Seraphimovsky Cemetery.
