A legend of Ukrainian football, former star striker for Kyiv's Dynamo, winner of the "Golden Ball" in 1975, and now — deputy chairman of the Strategic Development Council of Professional Football at the UAF and deputy chairman of the National Teams Committee at the UAF, Oleh Blokhin celebrates his 70th birthday today, November 5.

Photo courtesy of the UAF

The Ukrainian Football Association congratulates the birthday celebrant, wishing him peace, health and victory! We remind you that the legendary footballer also harshly expressed his opinion in spring regarding the aggression of the occupiers against Ukraine.

By the way, the authoritative British magazine FourFourTwo compiled its top 100 greatest players of all time and nations ranking, which includes Oleh Blokhin as well. The first three in the ranking are Argentine Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, along with Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.

Incidentally, on December 30, 1975, the world saw the New Year issue of France Football, which announced the results of voting to determine the best footballer in Europe. The indisputable winner of the anniversary, 20th poll was striker for Kyiv's Dynamo and SSR national team Oleh Blokhin (122 points), who outscored such stars as German Franz Beckenbauer (42) and Dutchman Johan Cruyff (27).

Oleh Blokhin

Deputy Chairman of the National Teams Committee at the UAF, Deputy Chairman of the Strategic Development Council of Professional Football at the UAF.

Date of birth: November 5, 1952.

Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Honored Coach of Ukraine. 

Winner of the "Golden Ball": 1975.

Recipient of UEFA's Jubilee Award as the most distinguished Ukrainian footballer over 50 years.

Champion of the USSR: 1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986.

Winner of the USSR Cup: 1974, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1987.

Winner of the USSR Super Cup: 1981, 1986, 1987.

Best footballer of the USSR: 1973, 1974, 1975.

Photo courtesy of the UAF

Winner of the Cup holders' Cup: 1975, 1986.

Winner of the UEFA Super Cup: 1975.

Bronze medalist at the Olympic Games: 1972, 1976.

Knight of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise II class: 2020.

Knight of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise III class: 2015.

Knight of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise IV class: 2012.

Knight of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise V class: 2006.

Knight of the Order "For Merit" I class: 2011. 

Knight of the Order "For Merit" II class: 2004. 

Knight of the Order "For Merit" III class: 2002. 

Awarded with the Presidential Order of Ukraine "National Legend of Ukraine": 2021.

As a coach

Quarterfinalist at the World Cup: 2006.

Winner of the Greek Cup: 1992.

Winner of the Greek Super Cup: 1992.