Igor Belanov is a world-class footballer, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR. On his account there are many important matches and goals scored. Experts from The Guardian believe that the player is among the top 100 best footballers in the history of the world championships. The forward began his sports career in his native Odessa.
From the biography of Igor Ivanovich Belanov
The future footballer was born in Odessa on September 25, 1960. Igor started playing football in the yard team when he was a child. The talented player was noticed and taken to the backup squad of Chornomorets Odessa. At the same time, Belanov was getting an education: he studied at a vocational school. By profession, he is a bricklayer and installer of structures of the third category. For some time Igor worked at a construction site.
In 1978, Belanov went to serve in the army. Served at SKA. Gradually, the footballer gained confidence in his abilities. In 1981 he played for Chornomorets Odessa. He was immediately included in the main team. Belanov was distinguished by a powerful and accurate strike and excellent speed qualities. Dribbling the ball, Igor quickly broke away from the defense and found himself face to face with the goalkeeper.
Career in football
In 1983, Belanov was invited to the Olympic team of the Soviet Union. For her Igor played both two official matches and two friendly matches. In 1984, Belanov entered the list of the best players in Ukraine, becoming the first number among all the attackers. At the USSR championship, he scored 11 goals.
In 1985 Belanov began to play for Dynamo Kiev. Here his sports talents and abilities were fully revealed. As a result, Igor was invited to the first national team of the country.
At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Igor played at the base. In his best match against Belgium, he scored three goals, including one from the penalty spot.
A bright game in Mexico served as the basis for the recognition of Belanov in the world of football. An interesting fact: during his career, Igor did not convert only two penalties.
In 1989 Belanov began playing for Borussia under a contract. The start was successful - already in the first games for the club Igor scored two goals. But then a series of injuries followed, conflicts with the coaching staff began to arise. As a result, Belanov's career in the Bundesliga did not work out. Speaking in Germany, Belanov simultaneously became involved in business - he opened his own company selling sports nutrition.
Homecoming
In 1995, Igor Ivanovich returned to Ukraine, deciding to play for Chornomorets. However, the plans were interrupted by an injury.
Subsequently, Belanov became the owner of a football school in Odessa. For some time he headed the Department of Physical Education and Sports of the Odessa City Council.
Experts believe that the main advantage of the famous player is his powerful blow from both feet. The footballer was also distinguished by the highest distance and starting speed. The forward often arranged tight pressure, from which it was very difficult for the defense to get out. During the game, Belanov was always aimed at the goal, knew how to deliver a decisive final blow. Belanov is rightfully called the brightest striker in Europe in the 80s.
