Today, on January 6, representatives of the Ukrainian Football Association gathered near the Monument to the Metre (named after a coach) by Dynamo Stadium in Kyiv and then visited Lobanovsky's grave at Baikove Cemetery.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

To honor the memory of Valery Vasilievich, President of the Ukrainian Football Association and UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko, first vice-presidents of UAF Oleg Protasov and Vadim Kostyuchenko, as well as coaches of Ukraine's youth teams Vasyl Kardash, Oleh Kuznetsov, Yurii Moroz arrived. They shared memories of their personal interactions with the Metre, recalled facts from his coaching biography, and laid flowers on his grave.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

"The birthday of the great Lobanovsky, which we celebrate on January 6, is always a good opportunity to remember his historical achievements, unique charisma and immense professional legacy that this football hero has left for many generations of players and coaches in our country. Valery Vasilievich had so many students, many of whom now work with the UAF team as well as admirers and followers who play football, coach and manage, making it often seem like he is somewhere nearby himself. We thank the Legend for his incredible contribution to the development of Ukrainian football and inexhaustible inspiration for our football community!" — noted Andriy Pavelko.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

"Valery Vasilievich Lobanovsky was a mentor, teacher and inspiration for many generations of football players. He was an incredible person and professional whose experience and football legacy remain relevant to this day. His name has been one of the symbols of Ukrainian football over the years, representing its remarkable victories and achievements," — said former protégé of Lobanovsky Oleg Protasov.

"Valery Vasilievich left a huge football legacy for Ukraine and the world. It is natural that today we can see the fruits of great Lobanovsky's work in the play and organization of training processes by many outstanding coaches around different countries," — noted Oleh Kuznetsov.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Valery LOBANOVSKY

(Honored Coach of Ukraine)

Born on January 6, 1939 in Kyiv.

Masters of Sports of the USSR, Honored Coach of the USSR and Honored Coach of Ukraine.

Playing position— forward.

Alumnus of Football School No. 1 (from 1952) and Youth Football School in Kyiv (from 1955).

Played for teams:«Dynamo» Kyiv (1959-1964), «Chornomorets» Odessa (1965-1966), «Shakhtar» Donetsk (1967-1968).

Champion of the USSR in 1961.

Cup winner of the USSR in 1964.

In the USSR Championship, he played 253 matches and scored 71 goals.

Played 2 matches for the USSR national team and 2 matches for the Olympic team of the USSR.

Since October 1968 — on coaching duties.

Managed clubs:«Dnipro» Dnipropetrovsk (1968-1973), «Dynamo» Kyiv (1973-1982, 1984-1990, 1996-2002).

Champion of the USSR in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986 and 1990.

Cup winner of the USSR in 1974, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1990.

Champion of Ukraine in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Cup winner of Ukraine in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Cup Winner of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1975 and 1986.

UEFA Super Cup winner in 1975.

Semifinalist of the UEFA Cup/Champions League in 1977, 1987 and 1999.

Managed national teams: USSR (1975-1976, 1982-1983, 1986-1990), UAE (1990-1992), Kuwait (1994-1996), Ukraine (2000-2001).

Bronze medalist of the Olympic football tournament in 1976.

Vice-champion of Europe in 1988.

Bronze medalist of the Asian Games in 1994.

Died on May 13, 2002 in Zaporizhzhia. Buried at Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv.