Valeri Minko

Valeri Vikentyevich Minko (Валерий Викентьевич Минько; born 8 August 1971) is a former association footballer who played defender and now head coach.

He capped for USSR U-20 team at 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship.

In 1993, he was subjected to nephrectomy after being injured when playing a 1994 U-21 European Championship qualifying game against Greece (1–1). Nevertheless, he decided to continue his career with one kidney remaining and played over 200 games after his injury. Now he is considered by CSKA fans as one of symbols of courage and team spirit.