Kostyantyn Shchegotskyi (born March 31 / April 13, 1911, in Moscow) was one of the early legends of Dynamo Kyiv, known not only as a talented forward and captain but also as a key figure in saving and rebuilding the team during difficult times. He started playing football as a child in street teams and quickly showed his scoring ability. Despite a doctor advising him to play only as a goalkeeper due to health concerns, he chose to be a forward and succeeded. After playing for several Moscow teams, including Tryokhgorka and AMO (future Torpedo), he moved to Kyiv in 1933, where he would achieve his greatest football success.
At Dynamo Kyiv, Shchegotsky became a central figure both on and off the field. He scored the winning goal in the opening match of the Dynamo Stadium and helped the team achieve strong results in early Soviet competitions, including silver medals in 1936 and bronze in 1937. As captain, he played a crucial role in keeping the team together during a crisis, even helping recruit players and improve conditions. In 1937, he became the first Dynamo Kyiv player to receive the Order of the Badge of Honour, a prestigious Soviet award. However, this recognition later brought trouble, as he became a target of political repression.
In 1938, Shchegotsky was arrested on false charges and endured 15 months of imprisonment and torture without confessing. After his release, he returned to football physically and mentally weakened but still managed to play through determination. His career was later interrupted by World War II, during which he contributed to evacuation and wartime efforts, and continued playing in evacuation teams. After the war, he became a coach, working with several Ukrainian clubs including Dynamo Kyiv, Shakhtar Donetsk, and others. He passed away in Kyiv in 1989, remembered as a gifted footballer, a strong leader, and a person of great character.
