Lev Yashin. The Dream Goalkeeper

Лев Яшин. Вратарь моей мечты

20192h 0m Directed by Vasily Chiginsky
7.5
(124 votes)
Drama

Overview

An ordinary working class boy, like all his peers, he played football day and night and dreamed of being a striker. But no matter which team he played for - in the yard, at the factory, or in the army - he was inevitably put in goal.

Lev Yashin. The Dream Goalkeeper

The Unlikely Hero Between the Posts

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonSep 18, 2025
Lev Yashin. The Dream Goalkeeper, a 2019 drama film, tells the captivating story of Lev Yashin, a Soviet footballer who defied the odds to become one of the most iconic goalkeepers in the history of the sport. The movie masterfully weaves a narrative that is both a tribute to Yashin's remarkable career and a poignant exploration of his personal struggles and triumphs. With its strong attention to period detail and compelling character development, the film draws the viewer into Yashin's world, making his journey feel deeply personal and relatable.

The film's greatest strength lies in its thoughtful portrayal of Yashin's transformation from an aspiring striker to a world-class goalkeeper. Despite his initial reluctance to play in goal, Yashin's dedication and perseverance ultimately lead him to discover his true calling. The movie's depiction of his growth, both on and off the pitch, is nuanced and engaging, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of the lead actor. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, bringing depth and complexity to the story. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the gritty realism of Soviet-era Russia and the intense emotion of Yashin's football matches.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its thoughtful exploration of the themes that defined Yashin's life and career. The movie delves into the challenges he faced as a working-class boy trying to make a name for himself in the competitive world of Soviet football, as well as the personal sacrifices he made in pursuit of his dreams. The film also touches on the broader cultural and historical context in which Yashin lived, providing a fascinating glimpse into the social and political landscape of the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century. Overall, Lev Yashin. The Dream Goalkeeper is a powerful and inspiring film that will resonate with football fans and non-fans alike, offering a rich and rewarding cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

CAST

Alexander Fokin
Alexander Fokin
Lev Yashin in his youth
Yuliya Khlynina
Yuliya Khlynina
Yashin's wife in his youth
Aleksey Guskov
Aleksey Guskov
Mikhail Yakushin, coach
Aleksei Kravchenko
Aleksei Kravchenko
Alexey Khomich, goalkeeper of Dynamo
Evgeniy Dyatlov
Evgeniy Dyatlov
Arkady Chernyshov, Dynamo hockey coach
Vitaliy Khaev
Vitaliy Khaev
Alexander Ponomarev, Dynamo Coach
Mikhail Eliseev
Mikhail Eliseev
Gavriil Kachalin, USSR national team coach
Yan Tsapnik
Yan Tsapnik
TASS journalist
Aleksandr Samoylenko
Aleksandr Samoylenko
Mishurin, official of the Sport Committee
Vladimir Andreyev
Vladimir Andreyev
Official's father

Trailer

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