Volodymyr “Bes” Bessonov, born March 5, 1958, in Kharkiv, was one of the most versatile and talented footballers of Soviet football. From childhood, he showed exceptional promise, playing in youth teams like “Kosmos” and later in organized football under coach Mykhailo Nasedkin. By his teens, he was already in the Dynamo Kyiv system and quickly became part of the USSR youth teams, winning both the European Youth Championship and the Junior World Cup. Known for his intelligence, vision, and technical skills, Bessonov excelled in multiple positions, from defense to midfield and attack, making him a true football universal.
At Dynamo Kyiv Bessonov achieved tremendous success, winning six Soviet league titles, five Soviet Cups, and the 1986 Cup Winners’ Cup. He played 367 matches for Dynamo, scored 40 goals, and appeared 11 times in the “Top 33” list of Soviet players, often at multiple positions. Internationally, he played 79 games for the USSR national team, won silver at Euro 1988, and bronze at the 1980 Olympics, while participating in three World Cup finals. Despite injuries, including during the 1977 World Youth Championship and later in domestic matches, he remained known for his courage, resilience, and leadership on the pitch.
After retiring as a player, Bessonov became a respected coach, working with Dynamo Kyiv’s staff and leading several Ukrainian clubs and the Turkmenistan national team. He was celebrated for spotting and nurturing talent, emphasizing teamwork, and embodying fair play and commitment. Off the field, he was also a man of diverse interests — literature, photography, and cinema — and remained a beloved figure among fans for his skill, character, and devotion to the collective over individual glory.
