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 organised by FIFA and UEFA at senior and youth level, as well as in women's football. Dynamo Minsk were once one of the powerhouses in the top flight of Soviet Union football, sometimes playing in European club competitions. A number of Belarusian players and coaches, such as Sergei Aleinikov, Andrei Zygmantovich (1986) and Eduard Malofeyev (1966 as player, 1984 as coach), represented the Soviet Union at FIFA World Cups and Olympic Football Tournaments. Today, the star of Belarusian football is Alexander Hleb, who currently plays for FC Arsenal in the English Premier League.
