Oleg Blokhin is a Ukrainian football hero. Widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation, the striker/winger won the 1975 Ballon d'Or and scored 42 goals in 112 caps (most all-time in both) for the Soviet Union from 1972 to 1988. Blokhin competed for the Soviets in two Olympics (1972 and '76) and two World Cups (1982 and '86). He played nearly his entire professional career for Dynamo Kyiv (1969-88) and is the club's all-time leading scorer with 266 goals in 582 matches. No player in the Soviet Top League (1936-91) ever scored more goals.

This 1972 match-worn #11 jersey dates to the very beginning of Blokhin's international career with the USSR, an extraordinarily rare example of early Soviet match-worn material. The short-sleeve away model jersey is constructed of cream-white heavy cotton with an flat collar and deep V-placket opening. Large red felt letters reading "CCCP" (the Cyrillic abbreviation for the Soviet Union) are hand-sewn on the chest in the no-frills style typical of Soviet-era kits. The back displays "11" (Blokhin's longtime number with Dynamo and Soviets) in red felt rectangular block numerals consistent with the period. The sleeve ends are ribbed and no manufacturer tagging is present. Moderate soiling and softening from match use is evident, with the original letters and numbers retaining outstanding integrity for a half-century old shirt.

Early Cold War-era Soviet National Team jerseys are extraordinarily rare, and this one hails from arguably the greatest Eastern European footballer ever to lace them up. Includes letter of authenticity from MEARS.

The Football Scout Collection
Our consignor holds one of the most impressive vintage football jersey collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, he later worked as a scout for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen.