10 greatest Russian soccer players in history

Russia is one of the most powerful and affluent countries in the world today. With a population of approximately 145 million, the country is known for being a military superpower. That said, many have often wondered about Russian soccer players and the impact that they have had on the game. 

Throughout their history, Russia has always been a mainstay at the big stage and at international tournaments. Notably, the country hosted the 2018 World Cup and in the past, has managed to make it to the big international competitions. That said, the Russian soccer players were not simply the ones to just take part, but have also given a solid account of themselves on the biggest stage. 

During their years as the Soviet Union, the side was one that made deep runs into tournaments and really stuck in against the big dogs. Thanks to some of the greatest Russian soccer players, the country has a proud heritage and a reputation of its own. 

Top 10 Russian soccer players in history

For the most part, Russia or the Soviet Union made deep runs on four separate World Cups. In terms of their final standings, the Red Army almost always made it to the quarter-finals or better. That said their fourth-place finish in 1966 remains their greatest World Cup finish so far. 

Elsewhere in the European Championships, the nation has reached the final on four separate occasions, having sealed the deal once in France in 1960. Additionally, they have also secured Olympic Gold on two separate occasions. That said, Russia’s showing at 2008 Euros and their performances during the USSR days, it is safe to say that the nation has an abundance of talent. 

With that, here are our picks for the Top 10 best Russian soccer players ever.

10. Igor Akinfeev

Whilst he rose to global recognition owing to his underrated card in FIFA, Igor Akinfeev was perhaps one of the most accomplished Russian soccer players of his time. With 6 Russian titles, 7 Russian cups, and 7 Russian Super Cups to his name, one can certainly see why his country wanted him to make his international debut aged just 18 in 2004.

Over the years, Akinfeev collected 111 caps for his country and collected a bronze medal for his endeavors at the 2008 Euro Championships. Moreover, his heroics against Spain at the 2018 World Cup will forever be remembered by fans.

9. Valeri Karpin 

Up next is the right-sided midfielder Valeri Karpin who is responsible for one of the most historic moments in Russian football. Following the disbanding of the Soviet Union, Karpin scored the country’s first goal in a 2-0 victory over Mexico in August 1992.

Notably, Karpin represented the country at two World Cups, although they did not result in much success. As for his club career, the energetic midfielder was one of the few to break the mold and find new challenges overseas. With spells at Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, and Valencia, the Russian soccer player would later hang up the boots and become a manager. 

8. Roman Pavlyuchenko

Slowly transitioning from back to front, we have one of Russia’s best and most important goal-getters in Roman Pavlyuchenko. Despite a middling career at Tottenham Hotspur and just the club level overall, Pavlyuchenko delivered when it mattered most at Euro 2008, bagging against Spain, Sweden, and Netherlands. 

Being the third-highest Russian goalscorer, there is a special place in the history books for Pavlyuchenko and his contributions will forever be remembered by the Russian faithful. 

7. Andrey Arshavin

Although much like the previous entry on the list, Andrey Arshavin did not have the best time in North London with Arsenal, he always showed glimpses and moments of pure brilliance. Be it scoring four goals at Anfield or turning up at the Euro 2008, Arshavin had a penchant for popping up unexpectedly. 

The joint 4th-highest scorer for the national team, some believe that Arshavin is one of the best Russian soccer players ever. 

6. Albert Shesternyov

Next, we have one of the greatest Russian soccer players in history, Albert Shesternyov. Captain of the Soviet Union for 62 of his 90 outings, Shesternyov was regarded as one of the best defenders on the planet at the time. 

Although Shesternyov was unable to deliver any major triumphs for his country, his excellence saw him stand out as one of the best Russian soccer players, making it into the European Championship’s team of the tournament twice.

Also Read: 10 Greatest German Footballers Of All Time

5. Aleksandr Kerzhakov

The last of the modern greats on the list, we have one of the best Russian goalscorers ever in  Aleksandr Kerzhakov. The leading Russian goalscorer with 30, Kerzhakov was a force to be reckoned with at Zenit St. Petersburg as well. 

Featuring at 2 World Cups and 2 European Championships, the Russian soccer player solidified his legacy as the most prolific attacking talent that the nation had to offer. 

4. Valentin Ivanov 

Up next is the man who, whilst having lesser goals than our previous mention, was a vital part of some of the most historic moments of the USSR’s international success. Valentin Ivanov, the USSR’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, is one of the greatest Russian soccer players in history. 

Not only was Ivanov the joint-second top scorer at the 1962 World Cup, but he was also present when the nation brought home the Olympic gold in 1956 and when they triumphed over Yugoslavia in the Euro 1960. One of the most technically gifted players that the country had to offer, he rightfully deserves to be high up on this list.

3. Rinat Dasayev

Coming to the final three, we have the man who is hailed as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. While a different Russian goalkeeper may be popping up in people’s minds, Rinat Dasayev was one of the best keepers in the world during the 1980s and even received high praise from the legendary Pele.

Second only to one man as the greatest Russian goalkeeper, Rinat also had the second-highest number of caps for the USSR with 91. With many standout tournament runs, including the 1988 European Championships, Dasayev is by all means a legendary Russian soccer player. 

2. Igor Netto

Finally, we come to the rather underrated and under-appreciated legend of the Soviet Union, that being Igor Netto. Another one of Russia’s technically gifted players, Netto’s ability and versatility were always a step above the rest. 

Not only that, but he also captained the nation to the gold medal in the 1956 Summer Olympics and victory at the first-ever European Championship in 1960, thus sealing his legacy as one of the greatest Russian soccer players in history.

1. Lev Yashin 

Lastly, we have one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, a name so legendary that it requires no introduction. Lev Yashin, or the “Black Spider” as he was heralded, had a reputation so great that they named the award for the best goalkeeper during the World Cup after him. 

Chosen for the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team in 1994 and a member of the World Team of the 20th Century in 1998, Yashin was no stranger to accolades. However, his greatest triumph is one that is still unparalleled. In 1963, Lev Yashin became the only goalkeeper in the history of the sport to be awarded the Ballon d’Or, a feat that has since not been replicated.

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