Oleg Blokhin

Oleg Blokhin
Илья Хохлов · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Oleg Blokhin
Caption	Blokhin in 1975
Fullname	Oleg Vladimirovich Blokhin
Birth date	5 November 1952
Birth place	Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Height	1.80 m
Position	Forward
Years1	1969–1988
Clubs1	Dynamo Kyiv
Caps1	432
Goals1	211
Years2	1988–1989
Clubs2	Vorwärts Steyr
Caps2	41
Years3	1989–1990
Clubs3	Aris Limassol
Caps3	22
Nationalyears1	1972–1988
Nationalteam1	Soviet Union
Nationalcaps1	112
Nationalgoals1	42
Manageryears1	1990–1993
Managerclubs1	Olympiacos
Manageryears2	1993–1994
Managerclubs2	PAOK
Manageryears3	1994–1997
Managerclubs3	Ionikos
Manageryears4	1997–1998
Managerclubs4	PAOK
Manageryears5	1998–1999
Managerclubs5	AEK Athens
Manageryears6	1999–2002
Managerclubs6	Ionikos
Manageryears7	2003–2007
Managerclubs7	Ukraine
Manageryears8	2007–2008
Managerclubs8	FC Moscow
Manageryears9	2011–2012
Managerclubs9	Ukraine

Oleg Blokhin is a former Soviet footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of European football. Renowned for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, he spent the majority of his illustrious playing career with Dynamo Kyiv, winning numerous domestic and European honours. Blokhin later transitioned into management, most notably guiding the Ukraine national team to their first FIFA World Cup quarter-final in 2006.

Early life and club career

Born in Kyiv to a Ukrainian family, Blokhin was the son of a Red Army officer and a sprinter, which contributed to his exceptional athleticism. He joined the youth academy of Dynamo Kyiv and made his senior debut in 1969 under legendary coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi. Blokhin became the cornerstone of the dominant Dynamo side of the 1970s and 1980s, winning eight Soviet Top League titles and six Soviet Cup trophies. His peak came in 1975 when he led the club to victory in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, defeating Ferencváros in the final, a performance that earned him the prestigious Ballon d'Or. He finished his club career with brief spells at Austrian side Vorwärts Steyr and Cypriot club Aris Limassol before retiring in 1990.

International career

Blokhin was a stalwart for the Soviet Union national team, earning 112 caps and scoring 42 goals, a record at the time of his retirement. He made his debut in 1972 and was a key figure in the USSR's run to the final of UEFA Euro 1972, where they lost to West Germany. He also represented his country at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 1982 and 1986, and at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, where the Soviet team won the gold medal. His international career was marked by his potent partnership with fellow Dynamo Kyiv stars like Igor Belanov and Oleksandr Zavarov.

Managerial career

Blokhin began his managerial career in Greece, taking charge of several Greek Super League clubs including Olympiacos, PAOK, and AEK Athens. His most significant achievement came as head coach of the Ukraine national team from 2003 to 2007. He successfully qualified Ukraine for their first major tournament as an independent nation, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual champions Italy. After a short stint with FC Moscow in the Russian Premier League, he returned for a second spell as Ukraine manager from 2011 to 2012, leading them at UEFA Euro 2012.

Style of play and legacy

Blokhin was famed for his blistering speed, powerful left-footed shot, and exceptional dribbling ability, making him a constant threat on the left wing. His playing style, combining raw pace with technical skill, was perfectly suited to the intense, pressing system implemented by Valeriy Lobanovskyi at Dynamo Kyiv. He remains the all-time top scorer for both Dynamo Kyiv and the Soviet national team. In recognition of his achievements, he was named the UEFA Golden Player of Ukraine in 2003 and is a member of the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players, compiled by Pelé.

Personal life

Blokhin was married to Irina Deriugina, a renowned rhythmic gymnast and coach, and they have a daughter. He has been involved in Ukrainian politics, serving as a member of the Ukrainian Parliament from 2002 to 2006. Following his football career, he has worked as a television pundit and commentator for various sports channels in Ukraine and Russia.

Honours

As a player with Dynamo Kyiv: * Soviet Top League: 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986 * Soviet Cup: 1974, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1987 * UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1975, 1986 * UEFA Super Cup: 1975

As a player with the Soviet Union: * UEFA European Championship runner-up: 1972 * Olympic Gold Medal: 1988

Individual: * Ballon d'Or: 1975 * Soviet Footballer of the Year: 1973, 1974 times * (joint 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1976, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1979, 1979, 1979, 1979, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1974, 1975, 1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1997,1997,1997,1997,1997,1997,1997,1997,1998,1998,1998,1998,1999,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,199,200,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2009,2009,200,2009,200,201,9,201,9,9,9,201,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2016,2016,2016,2016,2017,8,8,8,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,9,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201201201201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201,201, Greece|Greece