Football in Belarus


In Belarus, a country that gained independence in 1991, football is the most popular sport, closely followed by ice hockey. The national association takes part in all competitions organized by FIFA and UEFA at senior and youth level, as well as in women’s football.

History

In 1910 was when football first began in Belarus with a club called First Gymnasium Football Team in Gomel. Dinamo Minsk were once one of the powerhouses in the top flight of Soviet Union football, sometimes playing in European club competitions. A number of Belarusians, such as Sergei Aleinikov, Sergei Borovsky, Sergei Gotsmanov, Ihar Hurynovich, Georgi Kondratiev, Aleksandr Prokopenko, Andrei Zygmantovich and Eduard Malofeyev, represented the Soviet Union. Today, the star of Belarusian football is Alexander Hleb, who currently plays for BATE Borisov.

Domestic League

In 2020, the Belarusian League gained international recognition during the coronavirus pandemic due to the fact it continued when many other leagues were suspended.

League system

Women's Football

The top women's football league in Belarus is Belarusian Premier League.