Spartak’s all-time leading scorer, Nikita Simonyan, who celebrated his 99th birthday on October 12, has died. This was reported by Match TV on their Telegram channel.
“Nikita Pavlovich fell ill on November 20 and was hospitalized. He passed away today,” stated Alexander Mirzoyan, president of the Union of Veterans of Russian Football.
On October 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the former footballer the title of Hero of Labor of Russia. Simonyan received the award for his outstanding service to the state and his significant contribution to the development and popularization of Russian football.
Simonyan won the USSR championship four times with Spartak Moscow. He scored 160 goals for the Red and Whites, making him their all-time leading scorer. He also won an Olympic gold medal with the Soviet national team, retiring from professional football in 1959.
For his outstanding achievements in football, Simonyan was awarded the Orders of the IOC and FIFA, the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (3rd and 4th Class), and the honorary title of “Honorary Worker of Physical Culture of the Russian Federation.” In October, Simonyan received the title of Hero of Labor of Russia for his exceptional service to the state and his significant contribution to the development and popularization of Russian football.
