One of the finest Russian players ever, Ivanov was noted for his pace, dribbling quality and technical ability.

Ivanov's four goals in the 1962 World Cup saw him named the tournament's top-scorer, along with five other players;[1] he also scored one in the 1958 edition.

He spent most of his club career with Torpedo Moscow, scoring 124 goals in 286 appearances in the Soviet Championship, the 9th all-time best record.

Their son, also named Valentin (born 1961), is a retired international football referee.

[1] Ivanov died on 8 November 2011, shortly before his 77th birthday, following a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.