Albert Shesternyov

The Soviet football legend Albert Shesternyov was born 20 June, 1941 in Moscow, Soviet Union. The 183-centimeter-tall center back was one of the greatest defenders in the World during the 1960’s. For the majority of his international career, Shesternyov was a captain of the Soviet Union national team, earning a total of 90 caps and representing the Soviet Union in three World Cups (1962, 1966, 1970), and two European Championships (1964, 1968).

Shesternyov was a one-club-man, playing his whole career for the CSKA Moscow team (1961-1972). He was praised for his hard-nosed character, high work-rate, and excellent leadership abilities. At the age of 21, Shesternyov was already wearing a captain’s armband during the CSKA games. He captained his side up until his retirement in 1972.

During his career in the Soviet Top League, the competition was largely dominated by Torpedo Moscow, Dynamo Kiev, and Spartak Moscow teams. The CSKA was always among the leading teams, winning two consecutive bronze medals in 1964 and 1965. However, the Red Army side failed to win a title up until the 1970 season.

Shesternyov was at the peak of his powers, receiving Ballon d’Or votes for four straight years, and in 1970, the CSKA finally won the Soviet Top League title. In a very tight race, they finished ahead of their Moscow’s rivals – Dynamo and Spartak teams. For the first time in his career, Shesternyov qualified to the UEFA Champions League (European Cup). He made his European debut in 1971/72 season, as CSKA were eliminated in the Round of 16 by the Belgian side – Standard Liege.

The Moscow-born defender was one of the most consistent players in the Soviet Union national team. He helped his team to reach the final of Euro 1964, as well as the fourth place at the 1966 World Cup in England. During Shesternyov’s captaincy, the Soviet team was always among the World’s best teams, always reaching at least the 1/4 Finals stage. His stellar international performances raised a lot of interest from the leading European sides, but due to the political situation at the time, there was no chance that transfer to the Western European countries could happen.

After his retirement, Shesternyov switched to coaching job. He died in 1994, at the age of 53 after suffering from heavy alcohol abuse.

ACCOLADES

Euro 1964
Soviet Top League (1970)
Soviet Top League (1964, 1965)
33 Best Soviet Players of the Year – 1st Team (1963-1966, 1968-1971) 2nd Team (1961, 1962)

BALLON D’OR VOTING

CAREER LEAGUE STATISTICS

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STATISTICS

FIFA WORLD CUP STATISTICS

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS STATISTICS

Description for statistics

C – Country GP – Games played GS – Goals scored TRK – Team ranking PW – Points of Ballon d’Or winner PT – Points of Shesternyov POS – Position of Shesternyov in Ballon d’Or voting