FIFA unveils Yashin-themed official poster for 2018 World Cup

World Football governing body, FIFA on Tuesday unveiled the official poster for 2018 World Cup in Russai, unveiling a vintage design of Soviet goalkeeping great Lev Yashin in flight.

The poster designed by Russian artist Igor Gurovich and inspired by the constructivist art movement, shows Yashin, wearing a knee brace and his signature cap, leaping across to get a hand on an oversized ball featuring Russia’s landmass seen from space.

Orange rays emanate from the ball and the circle of green in the middle of the poster represents the pitches of the 12 tournament venues, FIFA said.

Yashin, who died in 1990, competed in four World Cups throughout his career including in – 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 and remains the only goalkeeper to have ever won the Ballon d’Or award. 

Lev Yashin saves for Russia against West Germany in the 66 World Cup semi-final at Goodison”

The poster’s presentation comes just three days before the World Cup draw takes place to determine the match ups for the group stage.

We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said of the poster.

Chairman of the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee Vitaly Mutko said Lev Yashin was chosen as the perfect symbol for Russian football.

Russia is set to host the World Cup finals from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi.