Valentin Belkevich (27 January 1973 – 1 August 2014) was a Belarusian professional footballer, widely considered one of Dynamo Kyiv's finest playmakers. He spent 12 seasons (1996–2008) in Ukraine, winning numerous league titles, and was instrumental in the 1998/1999 UEFA Champions League semi-final run remembered for his vision and passing.
Key Career Highlights:
Dinamo Minsk (1991–1996): began his career in Belarus, winning multiple league titles before moving to Ukraine.
Dynamo Kyiv (1996–2008): became a cornerstone of the team, scoring 51 goals in 222 league matches and serving as the team's all-time assist leader.
International: represented the Belarus national team (1992–2005) 56 times and scoring 10 goals.
Style of play: known as a skilled playmaker ("director") with exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and high football intelligence.
Post-Playing Career: Worked as a coach in the Dynamo Kyiv football academy.
Became a Ukrainian citizen in 2008.
Passed away at age 41 in Kyiv on 1 August 2014, due to a ruptured aneurysm.
Belkevich was named the Belarusian Footballer of the Year in 1995 and was recognized as one of the best players in the Ukrainian Premier League during his time in Kyiv.
