Лев Яшин's Daughter Takes Symbolic Kick in Russian Premier League Match

Honoring a Legend

On Sunday, the daughter of legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin took a symbolic kick-off in the Russian Premier League match between FC Dynamo Moscow and FC Rostov. Elena Yashina, 76, performed the ceremonial duty before the game at VTB Arena in Moscow, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Rostov.

Lev Yashin, known as the "Black Spider" for his all-black uniform and acrobatic saves, played for Dynamo Moscow from 1949 to 1971 and won five Soviet league titles and three Soviet Cups.

A Special Occasion

Yashina's kick-off was a special moment for Dynamo Moscow, as the club marked the 93rd anniversary of its founding. The match also marked the first time that fans were allowed back into the stadium since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was a great honor for me to take the kick-off in my father's stadium," Yashina said after the match. "I'm so proud of what he achieved and I'm glad that I was able to be a part of this special day."