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Oleh Protasov
Oleh Protasov
Oleh Protasov
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Oleh Valeriyovych Protasov (Ukrainian: Олег Валерійович Протасов; born 4 February 1964) is a Ukrainian and Soviet former footballer who played as a striker. He was a key member of the Soviet Union national team throughout the 1980s; his 28 goals for the Soviet Union are second in the team's history, behind Oleg Blokhin's 42. It should be considered that his first name is often spelled as Oleg on most of international rosters, particularly during his playing career.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Oleh Protasov started playing football at the age of 8 years old in his hometown of Dnipropetrovsk in Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, where he played until 1987. In 1987, Protasov moved to play for the Soviet-Ukrainian football giants, Dynamo Kyiv. In all, in the Soviet Union, he won the Soviet Championship twice and was named Soviet Footballer of the Year in 1987. He scored 125 goals in the Soviet Championship, making him the 8th best scorer of all-time of the Championship.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Oleh Protasov got a chance to play abroad. In 1990, he joined Greek side Olympiacos Piraeus. Leaving Olympiacos in 1994, he played in Gamba Osaka, Veria FC, and finally Proodeftiki FC, from where he retired in 1999.

International career

[edit]

Protasov played for the Soviet Union 68 times, including at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, as well as Euro 88, where he scored two goals. He also played one game for the Ukraine national team, in 1994.

In 1983, Protasov took part in the Summer Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR, representing the Ukrainian SSR.[2]

Coaching career

[edit]

After retiring as a player, Protasov went into coaching, and led Olympiacos Piraeus to the Greek title in 2003. In 2005, he coached Romanian team Steaua București.

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk

[edit]

In December 2005, Oleh Protasov returned in Ukraine to coach his hometown team, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, after an impressive UEFA Cup performance with Steaua București. Protasov left by his own choice and was on very good terms with the entire team and owners of the club.[3]

In his first 2005–06 season as Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's coach, Oleh Protasov led the team to a 6th-place finish in the Ukrainian Premier League. In the next, 2006–07 season, Protasov improved on this, finishing 4th in the league.

In the 2007–08 season his side unexpectedly led the title race ahead of the winter break, before a poor second half left his side in 4th once again. Dnipro sacked him on 29 August 2008 after an embarrassing defeat from AC Bellinzona in UEFA cup qualification match.[4]

Kuban Krasnodar

[edit]

After that, Protasov took over FC Kuban Krasnodar in the nearby region of Russia. Kuban had been recently relegated to the Russian First League. Under Protasov's leadership, the club finished 2nd in the league, with an 8-point lead over their nearest competitors. This finish earned them right to be promoted to the Russian Premier League.

However FC Kuban was affected by the 2008 financial crisis, which greatly decreased the club's budget. In a mutual agreement with the club, Protasov left the club on 19 November 2008.[5]

Iraklis Thessaloniki

[edit]

Then, he signed a two-year deal worth 400,000 euro per year with Iraklis Thessaloniki, starting from the summer of 2009. On 30 October, it was announced by Iraklis F.C. the termination of their contract, after 5 continual defeats in Super League and Greek Cup.

Astra Giurgiu

[edit]

On 13 October 2014, Oleg became manager of FC Astra Giurgiu.[6] He was sacked on 2 March 2015.[7]

Aris Thessaloniki

[edit]

Protasov agreed on a three years contract with Aris Thessaloniki, though Arvanitidis expulsion as head of the football department of the club, led to amateur Aris to terminate the deal after 15 minutes of its announcement.[8]

Personal life

[edit]

Protasov is married to Natalia (née – Lemeshko), a daughter of Yevhen Lemeshko.[citation needed] He is a naturalised citizen of Greece and is able to speak Greek, alongside English, Russian and his native Ukrainian.[9][10]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[11]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 1982 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 1
1983 21 7 2 0 0 0 23 7
1984 34 17 2 2 6 0 42 19
1985 33 35 2 1 6 4 41 40
1986 23 17 1 1 2 0 26 18
1987 30 18 4 3 0 0 34 21
Dynamo Kyiv 1988 29 11 5 2 0 0 34 13
1989 26 7 6 2 3 1 35 10
1990 16 12 1 1 0 0 17 13
Olympiacos 1990–91 29 11 2 1 0 0 31 12
1991–92 21 15 6 3 0 0 27 18
1992–93 24 14 9 3 4 1 37 18
1993–94 9 8 4 1 1 0 14 9
Gamba Osaka 1994 27 11 4 4 3 0 34 15
1995 28 13 0 0 0 0 28 13
Veria 1997 30 4 4 1 0 0 34 5
1998 32 7 1 0 0 0 33 7
Proodeftiki 1998 28 5 0 0 0 0 28 5
Career total 444 213 53 25 25 6 522 244

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[12]
National team Year Apps Goals
Soviet Union 1984 5 2
1985 12 8
1986 3 0
1987 9 2
1988 18 10
1989 8 3
1990 11 3
1991 2 1
Total 68 29
Ukraine 1994 1 0
Total 1 0
Scores and results list the Soviet Union's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Protasov goal.
List of international goals scored by Oleh Protasov
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 15 May 1984 Kouvolan keskuskenttä, Kouvola, Finland  Finland 3–1 3–1 Friendly
2 2 June 1984 Wembley Stadium (1923), London, England  England 2–0 2–0 Friendly
3 28 January 1985 Maharaja College Stadium, Kochi, India  Iran 2–0 2–0 Nehru Cup 1985
4 27 March 1985 Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi, Soviet Union  Austria 2–0 2–0 Friendly
5 2 May 1985 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union   Switzerland 1–0 4–0 1986 World Cup qualification
6 2 May 1985 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union   Switzerland 2–0 4–0 1986 World Cup qualification
7 5 June 1985 Idrætsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark  Denmark 1–2 2–4 1986 World Cup qualification
8 7 August 1985 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union  Romania 1–0 2–0 Friendly
9 25 September 1985 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union  Denmark 1–0 1–0 1986 World Cup qualification
10 16 October 1985 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union  Republic of Ireland 2–0 2–0 1986 World Cup qualification
11 23 September 1987 Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Soviet Union  Greece 2–0 3–0 Friendly
12 28 October 1987 Lokomotiv Stadium (Tavriya), Simferopol, Soviet Union  Iceland 2–0 2–0 Euro 1988 qualifying
13 23 March 1988 Olympic Stadium (Athens), Athens, Greece  Greece 1–0 4–0 Friendly
14 23 March 1988 Olympic Stadium (Athens), Athens, Greece  Greece 3–0 4–0 Friendly
15 23 March 1988 Olympic Stadium (Athens), Athens, Greece  Greece 4–0 4–0 Friendly
16 31 March 1988 Olympic Stadium (Berlin), Berlin, West Germany  Argentina 3–1 4–2 Four Nations Tournament
17 31 March 1988 Olympic Stadium (Berlin), Berlin, West Germany  Argentina 4–2 4–2 Four Nations Tournament
18 27 April 1988 Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava, Czechoslovakia  Czechoslovakia 1–1 1–1 Friendly
19 1 June 1988 Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow), Moscow, Soviet Union  Poland 2–1 2–1 Friendly
20 15 June 1988 AWD-Arena, Hanover, West Germany  Republic of Ireland 1–1 1–1 Euro 1988 Group Stage
21 22 June 1988 Neckarstadion, Stuttgart, West Germany  Italy 2–0 2–0 Euro 1988 Semi-finals
22 27 November 1988 Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait  Kuwait 1–0 2–0 Friendly
23 26 April 1989 Olimpiysky National Sports Complex, Kyiv, Soviet Union  East Germany 3–0 3–0 1990 World Cup qualification
24 15 November 1989 Lokomotiv Stadium (Tavriya), Simferopol, Soviet Union  Turkey 1–0 2–0 1990 World Cup qualification
25 15 November 1989 Lokomotiv Stadium (Tavriya), Simferopol, Soviet Union  Turkey 2–0 2–0 1990 World Cup qualification
26 24 February 1990 Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, United States of America  United States 3–1 3–1 Friendly
27 28 March 1990 Olimpiysky National Sports Complex, Kyiv, Soviet Union  Netherlands 1–0 2–1 Friendly
28 18 June 1990 Stadio San Nicola, Bari, Italy  Cameroon 1–0 4–0 World Cup 1990 Group Stage
29 13 November 1991 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca, Cyprus  Cyprus 1–0 3–0 Euro 1992 qualifying

Honours

[edit]

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk

Dynamo Kyiv

Olympiacos

Soviet Union

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Oleh Protasov

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Oleh Valeriyovych Protasov (born 4 February 1964) is a Ukrainian former professional footballer and manager who played primarily as a centre-forward, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring in the and his contributions to the national team. Born in Dnipropetrovsk (now ), Ukrainian SSR, he began his career with in 1981, emerging as one of the league's top talents. Protasov retired as a player in 2000 after stints in and , later transitioning to coaching, where he led Olympiacos to the Greek Super League title in 2003. Protasov's club career spanned two decades, beginning with , where he made 145 appearances and scored 95 goals, helping the team win the Soviet League in 1983. He was the league's top scorer three times (1985, 1987, and 1990), finishing his Soviet-era career with , which secured another league title in 1990 under his leadership. Moving abroad in 1990, Protasov joined Olympiacos in , scoring 48 goals in 83 matches and contributing to their Greek Cup victory in 1992; he later played for in (1994–1995) and other Greek clubs before retiring with Panelefsiniakos. His international record includes 68 caps and 29 goals for the between 1984 and 1991, making him the team's second-highest all-time scorer behind , with notable appearances in the 1988 UEFA European Championship final and the . He earned one cap for independent in 1994. Recognized as the USSR Footballer of the Year in 1987, Protasov's powerful heading ability and clinical finishing defined his playing style, amassing over 200 career goals across domestic and international competitions. As a manager, he coached several clubs across and , including Steaua București in (2005), (2006–2008), and FC Rostov in (2009–2011), though his most successful tenure was at Olympiacos, where he achieved domestic dominance. Protasov's legacy endures as a key figure in Ukrainian and Soviet football history, bridging the eras of the USSR and post-independence national teams.

Early life

Childhood and family

Oleh Valeriyovych Protasov was born on 4 February 1964 in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian SSR, (now , ). Protasov grew up in a modest working-class family amid the industrial landscape of Dnipropetrovsk, a key Soviet manufacturing hub known for its heavy industry and aerospace production. His father, Valery Nikolaevich Protasov, worked as an engineer at Yuzhmash, the city's prominent state-owned plant specializing in rocket and space technology, which contributed to the family's stable but unremarkable circumstances. Protasov's interest in football was sparked when his father took him to a Dnipro game at the Meteor stadium. Public details on Protasov's and personal upbringing remain limited, with little documented about his or siblings. He completed in Dnipropetrovsk before transitioning to structured activities. At the age of eight, Protasov began formal involvement in football, marking the start of his sporting journey.

Youth football development

Oleh Protasov began his involvement in organized football at the age of eight, joining the academy of Dnipropetrovsk in 1972. Born in Dnipropetrovsk, he was scouted for his early talent and integrated into the club's structure, which emphasized foundational skills development for local prospects. From 1972 to 1981, Protasov advanced through Dnipro's various age-group teams, starting with the youngest categories and gradually moving to older squads as he matured physically and technically. This progression allowed him to refine his positioning and movement, establishing himself as a forward-oriented player within the academy's competitive environment. The club's program, rooted in Soviet football traditions, focused on disciplined sessions that built endurance and tactical awareness, contributing to his growth as a goal-scoring talent.

Playing career

Club career in the Soviet Union

Oleh Protasov began his professional career with Dnipropetrovsk in 1982, making his debut in the during the 1981 season where he appeared in 4 matches and scored 1 goal. Over the next five full seasons (1982 to 1986), he became a cornerstone of the team, accumulating 141 league appearances and 94 goals, including a league-high 35 goals in the 1985 season that earned him the top scorer award. He also won the top scorer award in 1987 (16 goals) with and in 1990 (12 goals) with Dynamo Kyiv. His prolific scoring was instrumental in 's 1983 title win, their first-ever championship, where he contributed 7 goals in 21 appearances during the triumphant season. In total, Protasov made 145 appearances and scored 95 goals in Soviet league competitions for across his tenure from 1981 to 1987. Protasov's impact extended to European competitions during his Dnipro years, where he showcased his scoring prowess in the Cup. In the 1985/86 edition, he netted 4 goals across 6 matches, including a brace in a 2-2 draw against in the second round first leg, helping secure a vital away result en route to the quarter-finals. Another highlight was his two goals in the 2-1 home victory over BSG Wismut in the first round second leg, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate win. These performances underscored his ability to deliver in high-stakes continental ties, with reaching the UEFA Cup quarter-finals that season before elimination by . In January 1988, Protasov transferred to Kyiv ahead of the 1988 season, continuing through 1990. He quickly integrated into the squad, scoring 11 goals in 29 league appearances in his debut season, followed by 7 goals in 26 matches in and 12 in 16 during 1990. His contributions were pivotal in 's 1990 Soviet Top League title victory, where his goals helped secure the championship in Lobanovskyi's high-pressing system. Overall, Protasov recorded 71 appearances and 30 goals in Soviet league play for . A physical centre-forward standing at 1.85 meters, Protasov was renowned for his pace, strength, and clinical finishing, often exploiting spaces with powerful runs and precise shots. At , he formed an effective attacking partnership with veteran striker during the 1988 season, combining Blokhin's experience with his own goal-scoring instincts to bolster the team's offensive output before Blokhin's retirement. During this Soviet club phase, Protasov earned the bulk of his 68 international caps for the , scoring 28 goals.

Club career abroad

In 1990, following the conclusion of his prominent career in the Soviet Union, Oleh Protasov transferred to the Greek club Olympiacos , marking his entry into European football outside the . Over four seasons from 1990 to 1994, he featured in 84 league matches, scoring 49 goals, and contributed significantly to the team's attacking prowess with his clinical finishing and aerial ability. During this period, Protasov helped Olympiacos secure the Greek Cup in 1992, defeating in the final. Protasov's time at Olympiacos also included European competitions, where he made appearances in the UEFA Cup and , adding to his experience against top continental opposition. His goal-scoring form, particularly in the 1991/92 and 1992/93 seasons with 15 and 14 league goals respectively, established him as a key figure in the squad despite the club's challenges in securing league titles during those years. In 1994, Protasov ventured further afield to , signing with side for a two-year stint until 1995. He adapted to the fast-paced, technically demanding style of Asian football, appearing in 55 league matches and netting 24 goals across the split-season format, with a standout 13 goals in the 1995 first stage. This period overlapped briefly with his debut for the newly independent national team in 1994, providing a bridge between his club and international commitments. Returning to in 1996, Protasov joined , where he played for two seasons until 1998, logging 62 appearances and 11 goals in the while serving as a veteran leader in midfield and attack. He then moved to Proodeftiki in 1998–1999, contributing 28 league appearances and 5 goals, before a brief final spell at Panelefsiniakos in 1999–2000, where he made 2 appearances and scored 1 goal in the second division. These later engagements reflected a gradual wind-down of his playing career, culminating in retirement at age 36 after over two decades in professional football.

International career

Oleh Protasov was a prominent forward for the from 1984 to 1991, accumulating 68 caps and scoring 28 goals during this period. His international debut came in 1984, and he quickly established himself as a key attacking option under coaches like , leveraging his aerial prowess and clinical finishing to contribute to the team's competitive campaigns. Protasov featured in major tournaments, including the in , where he played one group stage match against without scoring as the advanced to the round of 16 before elimination. In the in , he appeared in all three group matches, scoring once in a 4-0 win over with a header from a , though the team exited in the group stage. At in , Protasov played a pivotal role in the 's run to the final as runners-up, featuring in five matches and netting two goals: one in the 1-0 group stage victory over and another in the 2-0 semi-final win against the . His standout individual performance came in 1987, when he was awarded Soviet Footballer of the Year, recognizing his 15 goals in 28 appearances that year, including contributions in qualifiers where he tied for the team's leading scorer with three goals. Protasov's overall tally placed him second on the Soviet Union's all-time scoring list behind , underscoring his status as one of the era's premier strikers. Following the Soviet Union's dissolution, Protasov earned a solitary cap for the independent national team on September 7, 1994, in a 0-2 defeat to , where he played the full 90 minutes without scoring. This brief appearance marked the end of his international playing career at age 30.

Managerial career

Early coaching roles

Protasov's inaugural coaching position came at in the Greek Second Division, where he served as manager from October 1999 to March 2000 while still active as a player. During this stint, he contributed to stabilizing the club's position in the lower tier, drawing on his prior playing experience with the team from 1996 to 1998. Following a period of transition, Protasov took charge of Olympiacos in the Greek Super League as head coach starting in February 2003. In his debut season, he guided the club to the 2002–03 league title, ending a dominant run for the team. His tenure extended into the 2003–04 campaign, but ended prematurely in March 2004 after Olympiacos fell two points behind leaders Panathinaikos following a home loss to , prompting his dismissal. In January 2005, Protasov was appointed manager of in the , signing a two-year contract and bringing in Panos Sidiropoulos as his assistant. The role lasted only until March 2005, during which he oversaw seven matches with two victories. Protasov's next move was to Romanian champions Steaua București in , where he signed a two-year deal in June 2005 as head coach. He managed 26 games through December 2005, focusing on European qualification efforts amid squad challenges like suspensions.

Major club managements

Protasov returned to Dnipropetrovsk in December 2005 as manager, marking a to the club where he had spent much of his playing career. In his debut 2005–06 season, he guided the team to a solid sixth-place finish, accumulating 48 points from 30 matches and securing Cup qualification. The following campaigns saw continued competitiveness. Despite these highlights, Protasov's tenure ended abruptly in August 2008 following a heavy aggregate defeat to in Cup qualifying, amid mounting pressure from inconsistent league results. In October 2008, Protasov took over Kuban Krasnodar in Russia's First Division, inheriting a side recently relegated and tasked with an immediate promotion push. Over seven matches, he achieved a strong points-per-match average of 2.57, contributing to the club's overall second-place finish and ascent to the . However, his stint was cut short in November 2008, reportedly due to internal club disagreements and a desire for a longer-term elsewhere. Protasov moved to Greece in July 2009, signing a two-year contract with Iraklis Thessaloniki in the Super League amid financial constraints at the club. His nine-month spell focused on a relegation survival battle, with the team managing just six points from nine league games under his leadership, averaging 0.78 points per match. Iraklis ultimately finished ninth in the 2009–10 standings, avoiding the drop but highlighting defensive frailties. He was dismissed on October 30, 2009, as results failed to improve sufficiently against the backdrop of ongoing ownership instability. Joining in December 2009, Protasov aimed to stabilize the club in the . In the 2010 season, Rostov secured a mid-table tenth position with 34 points from 30 matches, emphasizing pragmatic play to avoid relegation threats. His extended tenure through 2011 saw similar consolidation, though a winless run toward the season's end led to his departure in May 2011, with the team finishing eleventh overall. Protasov's brief role at began in November 2011, positioning him to challenge for the Kazakh Premier League title with a squad blending local talent and imports. Over six matches in early 2012, he recorded a 1.17 points-per-match rate, but the team struggled with cohesion, leading to his resignation in amid a transitional phase that saw Astana end the season fifth. Finally, in July , Protasov was appointed at Dinamo Minsk in the , where he implemented a disciplined, defensively oriented approach to rebuild the squad. Across 29 matches, he achieved a 1.93 points-per-match average, helping secure a third-place finish in the season and contributing to a competitive fourth place in 2013 before his contract expired in June. This period underscored his tactical emphasis on solidity, though European qualification eluded the club.

Later coaching and administrative roles

In October 2014, Protasov was appointed manager of Astra Giurgiu in Romania's , taking over during the club's participation in the group stage. Under his guidance, Astra finished the 2014–15 season in fourth place, securing qualification for the following season's second qualifying round. He managed 15 matches with an average of 1.33 points per game before being sacked on 2 2015. In March 2017, Protasov was appointed technical director for the Ukrainian national team, a role he held until May 2018. In May 2018, he was elected first vice-president of the (UAF), serving in the position until January 2024. In November 2022, Protasov resigned from the of amid allegations of pro-Russian bias in the organization, following a series of high-profile departures. His departure from the UAF in January 2024 marked the end of his active involvement in football management and administration.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Oleh Protasov has been married to Natalia Protasova (née Lemeshko) since 1986. The couple met through correspondence initiated in 1985, when Natalia, then a fan, wrote to him after reading about his performances in a newspaper; Protasov replied several months later while undergoing treatment in . They met in person shortly after, and he proposed marriage just five days into their acquaintance, with the wedding held the following year at a restaurant in . Natalia is the daughter of the prominent Soviet and Ukrainian football coach Yevhen Lemeshko. The couple has three children: two sons, Nikita and Ilya, and a daughter (born circa 2009). Public details about their children remain limited, reflecting the family's preference for privacy. Protasov's extensive abroad, spanning , , and other countries since 1990, necessitated frequent family relocations, with the family eventually settling near in a seaside home where they have resided for much of the past three decades. This mobility shaped their domestic life, including the children's upbringing abroad and acquisition of Greek citizenship (at least for the sons).

Citizenship and languages

Oleh Protasov holds dual citizenship, as a native Ukrainian and a naturalized citizen of . His Greek citizenship, acquired through , complements his Ukrainian nationality and underscores his deep ties to both countries following an extensive professional career spanning the , , and . Protasov demonstrates fluency in multiple languages, including Greek, English, Russian, and Ukrainian. As a native speaker of Ukrainian, he is also proficient in Russian from his upbringing in the Soviet era, while his command of Greek emerged from years residing and working in Greece. His English proficiency is evident in international interviews and professional interactions. These language skills have been instrumental in facilitating Protasov's seamless integration into Greek society and football structures, enabling his successful playing stints and coaching positions abroad, as well as contributions to administrative roles in multilingual international contexts.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Oleh Protasov amassed 446 appearances and 214 goals throughout his club career, spanning the , Greek Super League, , and other domestic and European competitions. These figures encompass league matches, domestic cups, and continental tournaments, reflecting his prolific scoring record as a forward across multiple countries. His contributions were particularly notable at Dnipropetrovsk, where he recorded 145 league appearances and 95 league goals between 1982 and 1987 (total appearances and goals across all competitions higher, exceeding 180 appearances and 100 goals), establishing himself as one of the league's top scorers. At Dynamo Kyiv from 1988 to 1990, he added 71 appearances and 30 goals, including key performances in the . Protasov's stint with Olympiacos from 1990 to 1994 yielded 83 appearances and 48 goals in the Greek Super League and cups, while at Gamba Osaka in 1994–1995, he contributed 55 appearances and 24 goals in the . The remaining statistics came from later clubs such as Veria (62 appearances and 11 goals from 1996 to 1998) and minor Greek sides like Proodeftiki and Panelefsiniakos (30 appearances and 6 goals combined). The following table summarizes his club statistics by major club, focusing on aggregate appearances and goals across domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk1982–1987145+95+
Dynamo Kyiv1988–19907130
Olympiacos1990–19948348
1994–19955524
1996–19986211
Other clubs1998–2000306
Total1982–2000446214
Protasov's totals were impacted by several incomplete seasons due to injuries, notably a knee injury in 1989 that limited his play at Dynamo Kyiv to partial campaigns, and recurring issues during his time in that affected his availability in European ties. For instance, in the with , he appeared in 9 matches but missed some due to minor ailments, contributing 5 goals overall in continental play across his career.

International statistics

Oleh Protasov represented the national team from 1984 to 1991, accumulating 68 caps and scoring 29 goals during that period. His debut came on 28 March 1984 in a 1–2 friendly loss to in . Protasov featured prominently in major competitions, including the 1986 and 1990 World Cups and the 1988 . He later earned a single cap for without scoring. Protasov's caps for the Soviet Union break down by competition as follows: 28 appearances and 12 goals in friendlies; 15 appearances and 8 goals in World Cup qualifiers; 4 appearances and 1 goal in World Cup finals matches; 10 appearances and 6 goals in qualifiers; 5 appearances and 2 goals in finals matches; and 6 appearances with no goals in other tournaments. These figures underscore his role as a prolific forward in both competitive and preparatory fixtures. His sole appearance for Ukraine occurred on 7 September 1994 in a 0–2 UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying loss to Lithuania in Kyiv. The table below summarizes Protasov's appearances for the Soviet Union by year, including total caps, goals, and an example opponent with the match result:
YearCapsGoalsExample Opponent (Result, Competition)
198454West Germany (L 1–2, Friendly)
1985117Switzerland (W 4–0, Friendly)
198630Canada (W 2–0, World Cup)
198774Greece (W 3–0, Friendly)
1988146Italy (W 2–0, European Championship)
198983East Germany (W 3–0, World Cup Qualifier)
1990125Cameroon (W 4–0, World Cup)
199180Cyprus (W 3–0, European Championship Qualifier)
Total6829
World Cup Goal Log:
  • 18 June 1990: Soviet Union 4–0 Cameroon (Group B, scored the fourth goal in the 85th minute).
European Championship Goal Log:
  • 13 June 1988: Soviet Union 1–1 Republic of Ireland (Group 2, equalizing goal in the 72nd minute).
  • 22 June 1988: Soviet Union 2–0 Italy (Semi-final, second goal in the 62nd minute).

Honours

Player honours

During his playing career, Oleh Protasov achieved significant success at both club and international levels, contributing to multiple league titles and earning individual accolades for his goal-scoring prowess. Club honours
  • Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
    : 1983
    Soviet Cup: 1987
  • Dynamo Kyiv
    : 1990
  • Olympiacos
    Greek Cup: 1991–92
    Greek Super Cup: 1992
Individual honours International honours
Protasov represented the at , where the team finished as runners-up; he notably scored the decisive goal in the 2–0 semi-final victory over , helping secure their place in the final.

Managerial honours

As a manager, Oleh Protasov achieved several notable successes across multiple leagues, particularly in the early 2000s. His most prominent club title came in 2002–03 when he led Olympiacos to the championship, securing the club's 11th league honor and qualifying for the group stage. In , Protasov contributed to Steaua București's title during the 2005–06 season by managing the team from July to December 2005, helping build momentum before handing over to , who saw the club to their 23rd national championship. With Dinamo Minsk in 2013, Protasov helped lay the groundwork for the title—their ninth domestic crown—by managing from the start of the season until June 2013; his successor maintained the position to clinch the championship. Protasov's tenures also featured significant cup and European near-misses. At , he took the team to the 2008 final, where they fell 2–0 to Shakhtar on 11 May 2008, marking their first final appearance since 1999. In European competition, during his brief stint at Astra Giurgiu from October 2014 to March 2015, Protasov oversaw the team's group stage campaign in Group D, where they competed against Celtic, , and Dinamo , finishing last with draws against Celtic but exiting without advancement. On an individual level, Protasov was named Coach of the Year in 2005 by Gazeta Sporturilor for his impactful work with Steaua București, recognizing his role in stabilizing the squad post-appointment. Beyond these, Protasov's managerial record includes promotions and consistent top-half finishes, such as guiding Rostov to survival in 2010–11 and achieving third place with in the 2006–07 , though no further major titles followed after 2013, with emphasis on building competitive squads amid transitional roles.

References

  1. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe7742/oleg-protasov/
  2. https://www.tovima.com/sports/looking-down-from-the-heights/
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.com/oleg-protasov/erfolge/spieler/106921
  4. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/protasov-intl.html
  5. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/19048/Oleh_Protasov.html
  6. https://www.transfermarkt.us/oleg-protasov/profil/spieler/106921
  7. https://www.euro-football.ru/person/oleg-protasov
  8. https://www.footballtop.com/coaches/oleh-protasov
  9. https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/14/dnipro-europa-league-yevhen-kucherevskyi-napoli
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.us/oleg-protasov/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/106921
  11. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/ussrchamp.html
  12. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01a2-0e6b3208a9b5-3ae264813ff6-1000--utrecht-need-to-make-home-form-count/
  13. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesd/duitec-wismut86.html
  14. https://www.dx84tech.com/oleg-protasov/
  15. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=17080
  16. https://fbref.com/en/players/6ed7e9cf/Oleh-Protasov
  17. https://www.worldcuppro.com/world-cup-1986/players/oleh-protasov
  18. https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/oleh-protasov-goal-20-cameroon-vs-soviet-union-1990-fifa-world-cup-italy/58300391-8285-4251-90ff-79f84a945ecf
  19. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/oleg-protasov/34008
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.com/oleh-protasov/nationalmannschaft/spieler/106921
  21. https://www.transfermarkt.us/oleg-protasov/profil/trainer/2370
  22. http://www.cnn.com/2005/SPORT/football/06/27/romania.steaua/
  23. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/019b-0f8452c0d798-4fcbb7cc1be4-1000--protasov-pushed-out-by-olympiacos/
  24. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01a4-0f8460f66379-1dcea3541c6a-1000--ael-assignment-for-protasov/
  25. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01aa-0ea7c49e7cc4-3dd1dc4be4e1-1000--steaua-settle-for-protasov/
  26. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0ea9f90ca4aa-4a1d118bb0fe-1000--protasov-senses-opportunity/
  27. https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/oekr06.html
  28. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/rus2-08.html
  29. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/rus2010.html
  30. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0253-0d7faa31bfd9-bdbd90c88fb1-1000--protasov-positive-as-he-takes-charge-at-astra/
  31. https://www.transfermarkt.com/oleg-protasov/profil/trainer/2370
  32. https://www.transfermarkt.com/oleg-protasov/stationen/trainer/2370
  33. https://dynamo.kiev.ua/en/news/515361-oleh-protasov-ukraine-national-team-has-a-real-chance-to-qualify-for-euro-2024
  34. https://babel.ua/en/news/88380-the-ukrainian-football-association-was-warned-of-a-possible-expulsion-from-fifa-and-uefa-due-to-plans-to-hold-extraordinary-elections
  35. https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1130824/oleg-protasov-resigns-from-nocu-russia
  36. https://football.ua/countrieselse/58185-protasov-pjat-ynteresnykh-faktov-yz-zhyzny.html
  37. https://www.rostov.kp.ru/daily/24436.4/603145/
  38. https://qfl.kz/news/oleg-protasov-futbolisty-pokazyvayut-neplokhoy-uroven-i-bolshoe-zhelanie-rabotat-1016/
  39. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/3410-oleh-protasov
  40. https://www.huffingtonpost.gr/kinonia/olegk-protasof-enas-trelos-skotoni-ta-pedia-mas-ke-mas-lei-nazistes
  41. https://dynamo.kiev.ua/en/news/598496-oleg-protasov-i-cant-handle-being-a-coach-anymore-im-burnt-out
  42. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0195-0e6a716c05c6-ef9db1d659a2-1000--juve-ready-to-show-respect/
  43. https://www.transfermarkt.com/oleg-protasov/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/106921
  44. https://fcdynamo.com/en/news/oleg_protasov_proti_dinamo_kiiv
  45. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/oleg-protasov/
  46. https://www.givemesport.com/greatest-ukraine-players-in-football-soccer-history-ranked/
  47. https://fbref.com/en/players/6ed7e9cf/matchlogs/nat_tm/Oleh-Protasov-Match-Logs
  48. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e531eb8-4dfe6def7e81-1000--ireland-and-ussr-level-at-group-2-summit-after-euro-1988/
  49. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b3364df10-304983f5b504-1000--stylish-ussr-overcome-youthful-italy-in-euro-1988-semi-final/
  50. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/ussrcuphist.html
  51. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesg/grkcuphist.html
  52. https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/su85.html
  53. https://www.european-soccer.com/competitions/european-silver-boot/1984
  54. https://fbref.com/en/awards/soviet_foy/Soviet-Union-Footballer-of-the-Year
  55. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0193-0e6a6625b546-6b479f13314c-1000--olympiacos-thrive-in-greece/
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