Volodymyr Shcheholkov, born on June 1, 1937, in Odesa, was a prominent footballer who played primarily as a right and central defender. He began organized football relatively late, at age 12, after excelling in aviation modeling. Shcheholkov started his professional career in Odesa, playing for Kharchovyk, Metalurh, and Vodnyk (later Chornomorets) before attracting attention from top Soviet clubs for his tactical intelligence, anticipation, physical strength, and tenacity on the field.
In 1961, Shcheholkov joined Dynamo Kyiv, initially playing as a central defender before being moved to the right-back position, where he became a key player for six seasons. He won three Soviet championships (1961, 1966, 1967), two USSR Cups (1964, 1966), and one silver medal (1965). He also participated in early European competitions for Soviet clubs, playing 10 matches in UEFA tournaments. Despite occasional opportunities with the USSR national team, he never secured a regular place due to strong competition in defense.
After leaving Dynamo Kyiv, Shcheholkov played briefly for Shakhtar Donetsk and then for Avanhard Ternopil, where he also worked as a player-coach and managed administrative duties, showing early leadership and organizational skills. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned to the hospitality industry for 25 years, becoming a well-known café and canteen director in Kyiv. Shcheholkov remained respected in football circles for his insights into the game until his passing on October 22, 2008.
