The Odesa City Council has decided to rename Alexander Matrosov Lane in honor of the legendary football coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi. Although his name is strongly associated with Kyiv's 'Dynamo', Lobanovskyi had significant ties to Odesa as well.

Lobanovskyi's Career in Odesa and Worldwide Recognition

Valeriy Lobanovskyi had a close connection to Odesa. During 1965 and 1966, he played for the local 'Chornomorets', appearing in 59 matches and scoring 15 goals. Additionally, he earned his higher education in Odesa, graduating from the local Polytechnic Institute.

Lobanovskyi's global recognition is evidenced by numerous awards and rankings. For example, in January, the portal GiveMeSport included him in the top 15 greatest coaches in football history. His coaching career spanned work with 'Dynamo' (Kyiv), 'Dnipro', and national teams of the USSR, Ukraine, Kuwait, and the UAE.

Under his guidance, Kyiv's 'Dynamo' became the champion of the USSR eight times and won the USSR Cup six times. On the European stage, the team twice won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and claimed the European Super Cup by defeating Munich's 'Bayern' in the final. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, 'Dynamo' continued to dominate under Lobanovskyi, winning five consecutive championship titles and three Ukrainian Cups.