Aleksandr Prokopenko

Who was Aleksandr Prokopenko?

Aleksandr Timofeyevich Prokopenko was a Soviet football player. After retiring he suffered from alcoholism, he died from choking on food in a restaurant age 35.

Part of Eduard Malofeev's Dinamo Minsk side which preached 'sincere football', Prokopenko was the flawed genius that made them tick. He carried a speech impediment, because of which he refused to ever undertake an interview. Despite that he was a firm fans' favourite because his thirst for alcohol meant he drank alongside the supporters. He was technically astute and had the vision to unlock defences and, despite the level at which he drank, was always willing to run his heart out for an entire match.