Belarusian soccer legend Valyantsin Byalkevich died a sudden death on August 1, said the Belarusian Football Federation (BFF). The retired player was 41.
The death was caused by a blood clot, according to media reports.
Born in Minsk, Mr. Byalkevich played for FC Dinamo Minsk between 1991 and 1996 before joining FC Dinamo Kyiv. His outstanding playmaking skills helped the Ukrainian club reach the semifinals of the Champions League in 1999.
The star midfielder was named Belarus' Player of the Year in 1995 and won the title of the Ukrainian top league's best player in 2001.
Mr. Byalkevich scored 10 times in his 56 games for the Belarusian national team.
He coached Dinamo Kyiv's reserve teams after ending his playing career in 2009.
He is survived by a daughter from his marriage to pop music star Anna Sedokova.
