Moderator: 1 revision

2026-05-16T20:09:31Z

1 revision

Red Director: v1.41 - Minor cleanup

2017-04-22T07:52:52Z

v1.41 - Minor cleanup

New page

{{use dmy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Oleksandr Zavarov
| image = Oleksandr Zavarov.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption =
| fullname = Oleksandr Anatoliyovych Zavarov
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1961|4|26}}
| birth_place = [[Luhansk]], [[Ukrainian SSR]], [[Soviet Union]]
| height = {{height|m=1.70|precision=0}}
| currentclub = [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] (assistant)
| position = [[Midfielder]]
| youthyears1 = 1968–1977
| youthclubs1 = [[FC Zorya Luhansk|Zorya Luhansk]]
| years1 = 1977–1979
| years2 = 1980–1981
| years3 = 1982
| years4 = 1983–1988
| years5 = 1988–1990
| years6 = 1990–1995
| years7 = 1995–1998
| clubs1 = [[FC Zorya Luhansk|Zorya Luhansk]]
| clubs2 = [[SKA Rostov]]
| clubs3 = [[FC Zorya Luhansk|Zorya Luhansk]]
| clubs4 = [[Dynamo Kyiv]]
| clubs5 = [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]]
| clubs6 = [[AS Nancy|Nancy]]
| clubs7 = [[CO Saint-Dizier|Saint-Dizier]]
| caps1 = 23
| caps2 = 64
| caps3 = 30
| caps4 = 136
| caps5 = 60
| caps6 = 133
| caps7 = ?
| goals1 = 7
| goals2 = 13
| goals3 = 10
| goals4 = 36
| goals5 = 7
| goals6 = 23
| goals7 = 17
| nationalyears1 = 1985–1990
| nationalteam1 = [[USSR national football team|USSR]]
| nationalcaps1 = 41
| nationalgoals1 = 6
| manageryears1 = 1995–2003
| manageryears2 = 2003–2004
| manageryears3 = 2004
| manageryears4 = 2005
| manageryears5 = 2006–2010
| manageryears6 = 2012
| manageryears7 = 2013–
| managerclubs1 = [[Saint Dizier CO]]
| managerclubs2 = [[FC Wil]]
| managerclubs3 = [[FC Astana-1964]]
| managerclubs4 = [[FC Metalist Kharkiv]]
| managerclubs5 = [[FC Arsenal Kyiv]]
| managerclubs6 = [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] (caretaker)
| managerclubs7 = [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] (assistant)
}}

'''Oleksandr Anatoliyovych Zavarov''', also spelt '''Aleksandr Anatoljević Zavarov''' ({{lang-uk|Олександр Анатолійович Заваров}}, {{lang-ru|Заваров, Александр Анатольевич}}) – (born 26 April 1961 in [[Luhansk]], [[Ukrainian SSR]]) is a former Ukrainian [[football (soccer)|football]] [[midfielder]] and the former head coach at [[FC Arsenal Kyiv]]. In 1986, he was named the best footballer in the [[USSR]] and [[Ukraine]] and the 6th best footballer in Europe according to [[France Football]]. Zavarov is widely regarded to be among the greatest footballers in the history of the [[USSR]] and [[Ukraine]], and in 2000 he was included in the Ukrainian Team of The Century according to a poll by the ''Ukrainsky Futbol'' weekly.

In 2015, he refused to join the Ukrainian army in the [[Donbass conflict]], as he did not want to see war where he grew up.<ref>http://www.gazeta.ru/sport/news/2015/02/15/n_6927205.shtml</ref>

==Club career==
Zavarov started off his career in his home city of [[Zorya Luhansk]]. He played in the [[Soviet Top League|USSR Premier League]] for [[FC Zorya Luhansk|Zorya Luhansk]] (1977–79, 1982), and also [[SKA Rostov]] (1980–81). In 1983–88, he played for the Soviet-Ukrainian giants, [[Dynamo Kyiv]], with whom he won the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] in [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1985-86|1985–86]], scoring in the final itself. Zavarov later played for [[Juventus F.C.|Juventus]] between 1988 and 1990, winning the [[Coppa Italia]] and the [[UEFA Cup]] under [[Dino Zoff]], wearing the [[Squad number (association football)|number 10 shirt]] which had formerly belonged to club legend [[Michel Platini]],<ref name="La chimera di Magrin">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2013/giugno/28/chimera_Magrin_co_0_20130628_ad18c062-dfb2-11e2-b251-5f21c984fc54.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=La chimera di Magrin|trans_title=Magrin's Chimera|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=Italian|author1=Simone Bianco|date=28 June 2013|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> although he later switched to the number 9 shirt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2012/06/23/sport/calcio/qui-juve/il-dopo-alex-la-maglia-che-scotta-zSUj0wMkbnPLg8K2gR95IP/pagina.html|title=Il 10 dopo Alex, la maglia che scotta|trans_title=The 10 after Alex, the number that burns|publisher=La Stampa|language=Italian|author1=Giancarlo Emanuel|date=23 June 2012|accessdate=3 January 2017}}</ref> He subsequently transferred to [[AS Nancy|Nancy]] in 1990, where he remained for five seasons, before finally moving to [[CO Saint-Dizier|Saint-Dizier]] in 1995, retiring after three seasons, in 1998.

==International career==
Zavarov had 41 caps for the [[USSR national football team|USSR]], scoring six goals including two in the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup finals]] in [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986]] and [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]]. He also played in the [[1988 UEFA European Football Championship|Euro 1988]] in which the [[USSR national football team|USSR]] team were [[Runner-up|runners-up]].

==Style of play==
A creative, quick, agile and skilful [[midfielder]],<ref name="Zavarov, un talento rimasto incompiuto">{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/buoncompleanno/2011/04/26-168643/Zavarov%2C+un+talento+rimasto+incompiuto|title=Zavarov, un talento rimasto incompiuto|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=Italian|author1=Furio Zara|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="Il trampolino di lancio Zavarov, Rooney, Villa quando l' Euro fa volare">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2012/giugno/04/trampolino_lancio_Zavarov_Rooney_Villa_ga_10_120604012.shtml|title=Il trampolino di lancio Zavarov, Rooney, Villa quando l' Euro fa volare|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=Italian|author1=Giulio Di Feo|author2=Andrea Schianchi|date=4 June 2012|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> Zavarov was primarily known for his excellent technical ability, two-footedness, stamina, and tactical intelligence, and was usually deployed as an [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]] or as a [[Forward (association football)#Second striker|supporting striker]], although he was also capable of playing as a [[Midfielder#Deep-lying playmaker|deep-lying]] [[playmaker]], due to his versatility, vision, and long passing accuracy.<ref name="Gli eroi in bianconero: Aleksandr ZAVAROV">{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-aleksandr-zavarov-19968|title=Gli eroi in bianconero: Aleksandr ZAVAROV|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=Italian|author1=Stefano Bedeschi|date=26 April 2010|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="NUOVI MAESTRI ALL' OPERA">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1987/01/27/nuovi-maestri-all-opera.html|title=NUOVI MAESTRI ALL' OPERA|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|author1=Luca Argentieri|date=27 January 1987|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="PARLACI DI TE UOMO DI KIEV">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1988/09/28/parlaci-di-te-uomo-di-kiev.html|title=PARLACI DI TE UOMO DI KIEV|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|author1=Licio Granello|date=28 September 1988|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> Zavarov played a key role in [[Valeri Lobanovski]]'s successes with Dynamo Kyiv, and his [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] skills and playmaking ability led his Dynamo Kyiv coach to [[New Maradona|compare]] him to [[Diego Maradona]].<ref name="Gli eroi in bianconero: Aleksandr ZAVAROV"/><ref name="NUOVI MAESTRI ALL' OPERA"/>

Despite the talent he demonstrated with Dynamo Kyiv and at Euro 1988,<ref name="Il trampolino di lancio Zavarov, Rooney, Villa quando l' Euro fa volare"/> and his reputation as one of the greatest players to ever come out of the Soviet Union,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2000/ottobre/27/Shevchenko_segreto_ga_0_00102715255.shtml|title=Lo Shevchenko segreto|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=Italian|author1=Gabriella Mancini|date=27 October 2000|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> his time with Juventus was less successful, and he failed to live up to initial expectations in Serie A.<ref name="Zavarov, un talento rimasto incompiuto"/><ref name="LO CHIAMAVANO SACHA IL BIDONE">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1989/09/12/lo-chiamavano-sacha-il-bidone.html|title=LO CHIAMAVANO SACHA IL BIDONE|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=12 September 1989|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="FATEMI TORNARE NELLA MIA KIEV">{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1990/04/11/fatemi-tornare-nella-mia-kiev.html|title='FATEMI TORNARE NELLA MIA KIEV'|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|author1=Marco E. Ansaldo|date=11 April 1990|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> Due to his inconsistent displays and his lack of accuracy in front of goal,<ref name="FATEMI TORNARE NELLA MIA KIEV"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1988/09/30/due-campioni-da-scoprire.html|title=DUE CAMPIONI DA SCOPRIRE|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=30 September 1988|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> he drew criticism from the press, who also singled out his surprisingly poor work-rate and movement off the ball;<ref name="PARLACI DI TE UOMO DI KIEV"/><ref name="LO CHIAMAVANO SACHA IL BIDONE"/> he was also accused of lacking confidence,<ref name="FATEMI TORNARE NELLA MIA KIEV"/> and of not being an effective assist-provider for the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1989/03/01/cercando-il-vero-zavarov.html|title=CERCANDO IL VERO ZAVAROV|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|author1=MARCO E. ANSALDO|date=1 March 1989|accessdate=10 September 2015}}</ref> Because of his timid character, it was also argued that he lacked the necessary leadership skills to carry the team,<ref name="FATEMI TORNARE NELLA MIA KIEV"/> and fill the void left by Michel Platini in the advanced midfield playmaking role during the post-[[Giovanni Trapattoni|Trapattoni]] crisis.<ref name="La chimera di Magrin"/>

==Managerial career==
Zavarov began his coaching career with [[Saint Dizier CO]] as a player-coach. He had a short spell as a head coach of [[FC Wil]] in 2003–04, however because he lacked the necessary UEFA licence, he was given the position of ''director of football'' with the club. He is currently manager of Ukrainian team [[FC Arsenal Kyiv|Arsenal Kyiv]].

== Career statistics ==

=== International goals ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1. || 9 June 1986 || [[Estadio Sergio León Chavez]], [[Irapuato]], [[Mexico]] || {{fb|CAN}} || 2–0 || Win || [[1986 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
| 2. || 29 April 1987 || [[Olimpiysky National Sports Complex|Republican Stadium]], [[Kiev]], [[Soviet Union]] || {{fb|DDR}} || 2–0 || Win || [[UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying]]
|-
| 3. || 3 June 1987 || [[Ullevaal Stadion]], [[Oslo]], [[Norway]] || {{fb|NOR}} || 0–1 || Win || [[UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying]]
|-
| 4. || 31 March 1988 || [[Olympiastadion (Berlin)|Olympiastadion]], [[West Berlin]], [[West Germany]] || {{fb|ARG}} || 2–4 || Win || [[Four Nations Tournament (1988)|Four Nations Tournament]]
|-
| 5. || 19 October 1988 || [[Olimpiysky National Sports Complex|Republican Stadium]], [[Kiev]], [[Soviet Union]] || {{fb|AUT}} || 2–0 || Win || [[1990 FIFA World Cup qualification|1990 World Cup qual.]]
|-
| 6. || 18 June 1990 || [[Stadio San Nicola]], [[Bari]], [[Italy]] || {{fb|CMR}} || 0–4 || Win || [[1990 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
| colspan="12"|<small>''Correct as of 21 May 2016''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=23338|title=Aleksandr Zavarov - national football team player|work=eu-football.info}}</ref></small>
|-
|}

==Honours==

===Club===
;Dynamo Kyiv
Winner
* [[Soviet Top League|USSR Premier League]] (2): [[1985 Soviet Top League|1985]], [[1986 Soviet Top League|1986]]
* [[Soviet Cup|USSR Cup]] (3): 1981, 1985, [[1987 Soviet Cup Final|1987]]
* [[UEFA Cup Winners Cup]]: [[1985–86 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|1985–86]]

;Juventus
Winner
* [[Coppa Italia]]: [[1989–90 Coppa Italia|1989–90]]
* [[UEFA Cup]]: [[1989–90 UEFA Cup|1989–90]]

===International===
;Soviet Union
* [[UEFA European Football Championship]] runner-up: [[1988 European Football Championship|1988]]

===Individual===
* [[Soviet Footballer of the Year]]: 1986
* [[Ukrainian Footballer of the Year]]: 1986
* Ukrainian Team of the Century (poll by “Ukrainsky Futbol”): 2000 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrainiansoccer.net/?controller=faqs&action=detail&id=9 |title=Oleksandr Anatoliyovych Zavarov|publisher=ukrainiansoccer.net |accessdate=15 September 2008|language=ru}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1985–86]] top scorer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsssf.com/ec/ec2tops.html|title=Cup Winners Cup Top Scorers|publisher= RSSSF|accessdate=15 September 2008}}</ref>

===Ballon d'Or===
*[[Ballon d'Or 1986|1986]] – 6th
*[[Ballon d'Or 1987|1987]] – 17th
*[[Ballon d'Or 1988|1988]] – 8th
*[[Ballon d'Or 1989|1989]] – 23rd

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ukrsoccerhistory.com/sources/pages.aspx?page=superstar&cp=63 Player profile and statistics at Ukrsoccerhistory.com]
* {{KLISF|id=107739894101059|name=Oleksandr Zavarov}}
* [http://arsenal-kiev.com.ua/index.php?pid=1734 Profile of Zavarov on Arsenal Kiev official site]

{{Navboxes colour
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|title= Awards
|list1=
{{Ukrainian Footballer of the Year}}
{{Soviet Footballer of the Year}}
{{UEFA Cup Winners' Cup top scorers}}
}}
{{Navboxes colour
|title= Soviet Union squads
|bg= #DD0000
|fg= White
|bordercolor=
|list1=
{{USSR Squad 1986 World Cup}}
{{USSR Squad UEFA Euro 1988}}
{{USSR Squad 1990 World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title= Managerial positions
|list1=
{{FC Metalist Kharkiv managers}}
{{FC Arsenal Kyiv managers}}
{{Ukraine national football team managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zavarov, Aleksandr}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Luhansk]]
[[Category:Ukrainian footballers]]
[[Category:Soviet footballers]]
[[Category:Soviet Union international footballers]]
[[Category:Soviet expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in France]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Ligue 2 players]]
[[Category:AS Nancy players]]
[[Category:Juventus F.C. players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:FC Dynamo Kyiv players]]
[[Category:FC Zorya Luhansk players]]
[[Category:Soviet Top League players]]
[[Category:1986 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1988 players]]
[[Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:FC SKA Rostov players]]
[[Category:FC Metalist Kharkiv managers]]
[[Category:FC Arsenal Kyiv managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:FC Astana-1964 managers]]
[[Category:Ukrainian Premier League managers]]
[[Category:FC Saint Dizier CO managers]]
[[Category:FC Wil managers]]
[[Category:Ukraine national football team managers]]
[[Category:Ukrainian football managers]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriates in France]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriates in Italy]]
[[Category:Ukrainian people of Russian descent]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriates in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Ukrainian expatriates in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Association football midfielders]]

← Older revision	Revision as of 20:09, 16 May 2026
(No difference)

Oleksandr Zavarov - Revision history

Moderator: 1 revision

Red Director: v1.41 - Minor cleanup