Legendary Russian keeper Lev Yashin given centre stage in official 2018 World Cup poster

November 28 – The last of the visual imagery for the 2018 Russia World Cup, the official poster, has been unveiled in Moscow Metro. The poster features legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin as a central figure. 

“It was very important for us to portray Russia as the Host Country in the Official Poster,” added the chairman of the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee Vitaly Mutko,that’s why Lev Yashin was choosen, a symbol of Russian football, as the main figure. I’m sure that the poster will become one of the most memorable symbols of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and that fans and participants alike will approve of it.”

Yashin played in four FIFA World Cups – 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 – and is the only goalkeeper in the history of football to win the Ballon d’Or.

The poster was designed by renowned Russian artist Igor Gurovich who is a disciple of the Russian movement of Constructivism from the late 1920s, in particular the posters designed by Dziga Vertov and the Stenberg brothers. The rays of light emanating from the ball, a common feature of Constructivist work, symbolises the tournament’s energy, while the circle of green represents the pitches of 12 stadiums in 11 Host Cities that will stage the 64 matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“The Official Poster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a true reflection of Russia’s artistic and football heritage,” said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura. “We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil.”

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