33·Legends
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Russia

The thirty-three greatest. Build your eleven, then settle the duels.
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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Russia.

The 33 of Russia

Ranked by the almanac. Vote in the duels to build the people's version.

1 96 Lev Yashin 78 caps · FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow · 2× Ballon d'OrThe legendary "Black Panther" redefined goalkeeping with his athleticism and daring, backstopping the Soviet Union to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. GK1956–60
2 ES 93 Eduard Streltsov 38 caps · 25 goals · FC Torpedo Moscow · Hall of FameThe gifted 'Russian Pelé' was a phenomenal talent for Torpedo Moscow and the USSR, renowned for his audacious skill, powerful shot, and iconic 'Streltsov pass'. CAM
3 IN 91 Igor Netto 54 caps · Spartak Moscow, HC Spartak Moscow · 2× Hall of FameA legendary Soviet era captain, his elegant playmaking and leadership from midfield guided Spartak Moscow and the USSR to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. CDM1956–60
4 91 Rinat Dasayev 91 caps · FC Volgar Astrakhan, Spartak Moscow · Hall of FameA world-class shot-stopper, he was the Soviet Union's number one through the 1980s, showcasing spectacular saves at multiple World Cups and leading Spartak Moscow to titles. GK
5 90 Albert Shesternyov 90 caps · PFC CSKA MoscowCaptain of the Soviet Union through the 1960s, this formidable defender was known as "The Russian Iron" for his uncompromising style and leadership at two World Cups. CB
6 NS 90 Nikita Simonyan 20 caps · 10 goals · FC Dinamo Sukhumi, FC Krylya Sovetov Moscow · 5× Hall of Fame (1957–2022)After taking Eduard Streltsov's place in the 1956 Olympic final, he offered the young forward his gold medal, and Streltsov turned it down. Melbourne gold sat alongside the captaincy of the Soviet Union at the 1958 World Cup, four Soviet league titles and two cups with Spartak Moscow, three scoring crowns, and a club record of 160 goals that still stands. ST1949–59
7 VI 90 Valentin Ivanov 60 caps · 26 goals · FC Torpedo Moscow · 2× Hall of FameA prolific goalscoring midfielder, his dazzling dribbling and powerful shots led Torpedo Moscow and the Soviet Union, winning the 1960 European Championship and finishing third at the 1966 World Cup. CM1960–66
8 AM 88 Aleksandr Mostovoi 50 caps · 10 goals · Spartak Moscow, RC Strasbourg AlsaceThe elegant playmaker, nicknamed 'The Tsar', graced Celta Vigo and the Russian national team with his exquisite technique, vision and ability to unlock defences. CM
9 AI 88 Anatoli Ilyin 31 caps · 16 goals · Spartak Moscow · 2× Hall of FameThree minutes after half time in Melbourne on 8 December 1956, he scored the only goal of the Olympic final against Yugoslavia, and two years later he opened the European Championship's very first match four minutes in. Olympic gold in 1956 came with five Soviet league titles and a cup at Spartak Moscow, two league scoring crowns, and the goal that knocked England out of the 1958 World Cup. LM1949–62
10 88 Andrey Arshavin 75 caps · 17 goals · FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, ArsenalThe diminutive magician's electrifying dribbling and incisive passing lit up Euro 2008 for Russia and earned him a memorable move to Arsenal. CM2000s
11 FC 88 Fyodor Cherenkov 34 caps · 12 goals · Spartak Moscow, Red Star · 3× Hall of FameA beloved Spartak Moscow legend, his sublime creativity and brilliant passing made him one of the most revered playmakers of Soviet and Russian football. CAM
12 88 Igor Akinfeev 111 caps · PFC CSKA Moscow · 2× Hall of Fame (2006–2018)Russia's most capped goalkeeper, he became a national hero with CSKA Moscow, notably leading them to the 2005 UEFA Cup and heroic performances at the 2018 World Cup. GK2005–18
13 88 Sergei Ignashevich 127 caps · FC Krylia Sovetov Samara, FC Lokomotiv Moscow · 2× Hall of Fame (2006–2018)A towering and exceptionally durable centre-back, he was a rock at the heart of the Russian defense for two decades, scoring crucial goals and lifting multiple titles with CSKA Moscow. CB
14 VK 88 Valery Karpin 72 caps · 17 goals · Spartak Moscow, Real SociedadThe charismatic winger combined immense work rate with dangerous deliveries and spectacular goals, becoming a key figure for Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, Valencia and the Russia national team. LM
15 87 Aleksandr Kerzhakov 91 caps · 30 goals · FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, SevillaA poacher supreme, his record as Russia's all-time leading goal scorer speaks for itself, a true Zenit legend. RM
16 AM 87 Anatoliy Maslyonkin 33 caps · Spartak Moscow, FC Shinnik YaroslavlA powerful and intelligent defensive midfielder, he was a linchpin for Spartak Moscow and the Soviet national team, winning the 1960 European Championship. CDM1960s
17 87 Dmitri Alenichev 55 caps · 6 goals · FC Lokomotiv Moscow, Spartak MoscowA creative force, his superb vision and technique were pivotal in Porto's shock 2004 Champions League triumph. LM2000s
18 SR 87 Sergei Rodionov 37 caps · 8 goals · FC Asmaral Moscow, Spartak MoscowA Spartak Moscow icon, his nimble movement and keen eye for goal made him a prolific scorer and fan favourite throughout the 1980s. SS
19 VK 87 Vagiz Khidiyatullin 58 caps · Spartak Moscow, PFC CSKA MoscowA robust and resolute defender, he was a key player for the Soviet Union throughout the 1980s, participating in the 1980 Olympics and the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. CB1980–90
20 VO 87 Viktor Onopko 109 caps · Spartak Moscow, Real Oviedo · Hall of FameA dominant and versatile defender, he captained Spain's Real Oviedo and became Russia's most capped player at the time, featuring in three World Cups and two European Championships. CB
21 VB 87 Vladimir Beschastnykh 71 caps · 26 goals · Spartak Moscow, SV Werder BremenThe powerful striker led the line for Russia in the 90s, renowned for his aerial prowess and thunderous shot. ST
22 87 Yuri Zhirkov 105 caps · FC Spartak Tambov, PFC CSKA Moscow · Hall of FameThe tireless left-back was an engine on the flank, bombing forward with explosive pace and delivering dangerous crosses for CSKA Moscow, Chelsea and Russia, starring at Euro 2008. LB2000s
23 86 Alan Dzagoev 59 caps · 9 goals · FC Krylia Sovetov Samara, PFC CSKA MoscowA prodigious talent from a young age, his incisive passing and goalscoring knack made him a key figure for CSKA Moscow and a consistent presence for the Russian national team. CAM
24 86 Aleksandr Anyukov 77 caps · FC Krylia Sovetov Samara, FC Krylia Sovetov-2 SamaraA tireless and technically gifted right-back, he was a long-serving captain for Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning multiple Russian Premier League titles and a UEFA Cup. RB
25 AB 86 Aleksei Berezutski FC Torpedo-ZIL Moscow, FC Moscow · Hall of FameA stalwart of CSKA Moscow and the national team, he formed a formidable defensive pairing, winning multiple Russian titles and the 2005 UEFA Cup. CB2000s
26 86 Artem Dzyuba 56 caps · 31 goals · Spartak Moscow, FC Zenit Saint PetersburgThe towering target man was Russia's focal point for years, celebrated for his surprising agility and incredible hold-up play. ST
27 OS 86 Oleg Salenko 8 caps · 6 goals · FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, FC Dynamo KyivForever etched in World Cup history, he astounded the world by scoring an incredible five goals in one game against Cameroon in USA 94. ST
28 86 Roman Pavlyuchenko 51 caps · 21 goals · Spartak Moscow, Tottenham HotspurHis powerful, late runs into the box and knack for crucial goals shone brightly at Euro 2008 for Russia. SS2000s
29 86 Sergei Semak Paris Saint-Germain, Rubin KazanA versatile and tenacious midfielder, he captained Russia and was a key figure in Rubin Kazan's shock Russian Premier League titles, also starring for CSKA Moscow. CDM
30 86 Vasili Berezutski 101 caps · FC Moscow, PFC CSKA Moscow · Hall of FameA powerful and reliable right-back/centre-back, he was an integral part of CSKA Moscow's golden era, including their 2005 UEFA Cup triumph, and a stalwart for Russia until 2016. RB2005–16
31 85 Igor Denisov 54 caps · 0 goals · FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, FC Dinamo MoscowA combative and influential midfielder, he anchored Zenit Saint Petersburg to multiple titles and was a consistent performer for the Russian national team. CM
32 84 Dmitri Khlestov 49 caps · Spartak Moscow, FC Sokol Saratov · Hall of FameAn old-school, no-nonsense left-back, his tenacity and commitment made him a fan favourite for Spartak Moscow and the Russian national side. LB
33 84 Yuri Kovtun 50 caps · FC SKA Rostov-on-Don, FC Dinamo MoscowA powerful and uncompromising centre-back, he was a key figure for Spartak Moscow and the Russian national team throughout the 1990s. CB

About this XI

Lev Yashin tops Russia's all-time pool, ahead of Eduard Streltsov and Igor Netto. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 14 midfielders and 6 forwards. One player, Lev Yashin, reaches the Immortal tier or higher. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.

Left out, and why

A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Russia's list. Every one of them has a case.

Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.

Who is the greatest Russia footballer of all time?
In the 33 Legends editorial ranking, Lev Yashin leads Russia with an overall rating of 96. The editorial top five: Lev Yashin, Eduard Streltsov, Igor Netto, Rinat Dasayev, Albert Shesternyov. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Russia players chosen?
The pool covers every position across Russia's football history. Ratings weigh peak level, longevity, honours and historical standing, then the full methodology page explains the tiers. Fan votes in the duels build a second, independent ranking.
Which Russia players reach the Immortal tier or higher?
Lev Yashin is rated 95 or higher for Russia.
Can I build and share my own Russia all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of eight formations, drag any of the 33 onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.
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