Oleksandr Zavarov

Oleksandr Zavarov, born on April 26, 1961, is a distinguished Ukrainian former footballer and a respected football coach. His career is marked by a significant milestone when he became the first Soviet footballer to transfer to a world-class club in Western Europe, joining Juventus to fill the shoes of the legendary Michel Platini.

In 1986, Zavarov's exceptional talent was recognized when he was named the best footballer in both the USSR and Ukraine. His prowess on the field earned him the prestigious title of the sixth best footballer in Europe, as ranked by France Football, solidifying his status as a football icon.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the USSR and Ukraine, Zavarov's legacy continues to inspire future generations. In the year two thousand, he was honored with a place in the Ukrainian Team of The Century, a recognition bestowed upon him through a poll conducted by the Ukrainsky Futbol weekly.