Question 1

True or false: Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or.

Accepted Answer

True. Yashin won the 1963 Ballon d'Or, and no other goalkeeper has ever claimed the award.

Question 2

True or false: Yashin played his entire club career for Dynamo Moscow.

Accepted Answer

True. He spent over 20 years with Dynamo Moscow, from 1950 to 1971, never transferring.

Question 3

True or false: Yashin was nicknamed 'The Black Octopus' for his reach and all-black outfit.

Accepted Answer

False. He was called 'The Black Spider' or 'Black Panther', not octopus—that's a common mix-up.

Question 4

True or false: Yashin wore a black cap during matches to block the sun.

Accepted Answer

False. The iconic black cap was his trademark, but it was for style and intimidation, not sun protection.

Question 5

True or false: Yashin once saved a penalty using a broom instead of his gloves.

Accepted Answer

False. This is a fun myth but false. Yashin was known for sweeping his area, not using a broom for saves.

Question 6

True or false: Yashin never played in a World Cup final despite his fame.

Accepted Answer

False. He led the USSR to the 1966 World Cup semifinals but never reached the final.

Question 7

True or false: Yashin saved over 150 penalty kicks in his career.

Accepted Answer

True. His penalty-saving prowess was legendary, with estimates exceeding 150 spot-kick stops.

Question 8

True or false: Yashin played ice hockey professionally for the Soviet national team.

Accepted Answer

True. He won the 1954 Ice Hockey World Championship as a goalie before focusing on football.

Lev Yashin Trivia Questions