Vladimir Bessonov

Vladimir Vasilyevich Bessonov or Volodymyr Vasylyovych Bezsonov (Владимир Васильевич Бессонов Володимир Васильович Безсонов) (born 5 March, 1958) is a Ukrainian football manager and former player, he is considered to be the best defender ever to play for the USSR national football team. He currently coaches Ukrainian Premier League side, FC Kharkiv.

Club career

He played for Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine for most of his career as a lightning quick full-back with a powerful shot. Bessonov was attack minded and scored a good return for a defender. He finished his career at Maccabi Haifa F.C..

International career

He won 79 caps and scored 4 goals for the USSR national football team from 1977 to 1990 and was included in three FIFA World Cup squads. This record is the fifth highest appearances for the USSR national football team. In the 1990 World Cup he was sent off against Argentina, in a game his team lost 2-0.

Personal life

Vladimir is married to Viktoria Serkyh, a former two-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics. Together they have a daughter, Anna Bessonova, who also competes internationally in rhythmic gymnastics, became world champion in 2007, and an olympic bronze medalist in 2008.

Honours

Individual Honours

• Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: winner 1989
• Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: 2nd place 1988
• Ukrainian Footballer of the Year: 3rd place 1986
• Voted in the Soviet Unions "All time World Cup team" on planetworldcup.com above other great Full-backs such as Igor Netto and Vasiliy Rats.

Club Honours

• USSR Championship: winner 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1990
• USSR Cup: winner 1978, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1990
• USSR Super Cup: winner 1980, 1985, 1986
• UEFA Cup Winners Cup: winner 1986
• Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu: winner 1986
• 1980 Summer Olympics: Bronze Medal.
• 1988 Summer Olympics: Gold Medal.
• UEFA European Football Championship: runner-up 1988.
• USSR Championship: runner-up 1978, 1982, 1988
• USSR Super Cup: runner-up 1977
• UEFA Super Cup: runner-up 1987
• WorldSoccer "Team of the World" in 1986: Part of the Dynamo Kyiv team that came 2nd.

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