Dynamo Kyiv holds the record for the most Soviet championships, with 13 league titles, a legacy that began with its early generation of players in the 1930s. In the short spring season of 1936, under coach Moisey Tovarovsky, Dynamo claimed the silver medal, and in their first match on May 24, 1936, Mykola Makhynia scored the team’s first-ever goal in the new championship tournaments. Despite losing the Dynamo derby to Moscow 1:5, Makhynia’s goal in the 80th minute became symbolic of Kyiv’s rising football talent.
Born on November 17 (30, New Style), 1912, in Kaniv, Makhynia began playing organized football in his youth and was noticed by Dynamo while playing for Kyiv’s Vodnik team. Over a fifteen-year career at Dynamo, he evolved from a fast left winger with a strong shot to a reliable left defender, showing tactical intelligence and versatility. He gained recognition in Kyiv, the Ukrainian SSR, and beyond, participating in international matches and winning numerous local and regional titles before and during the early USSR championships.
After retiring as a player, Makhynia became a coach, guiding Kyiv’s army teams and later mentoring young players who would form the next generation of Dynamo stars. He won multiple Ukrainian SSR and military championships, trained the Ukrainian deaf national team to two USSR titles, and contributed to the development of football in Kyiv for decades. Even in retirement, he remained a beloved mentor, sharing his love of the game with children and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of Dynamo Kyiv’s historic success.
