Discover important Russian figures who made history - In 2018, all eyes will be on Russia as the FIFA World Cup is set to take place there. The country is one of the world's economic powers and has long been influential in literature, music, politics, and sports? Learn a little more about Russia's historical greats.

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Maria Sharapova - From a young age, Sharapova attracted attention for her beauty, but her real purpose was located far from the runway.

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Maria Sharapova - She became a successful tennis player in 2010 and is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

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Pyotr Tchaikovsky - He is considered one of the biggest names in music history. He authored more than 80 works.

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Pyotr Tchaikovsky - Tchaikovsky's compositions are still widely used today. His work can be heard in the Opera, Eugene Onegin.

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Vladimir Lenin - If you learned about the 1917 Russian Revolution, you already know a bit about Lenin.

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Vladimir Lenin - His views were considered revolutionary and he was able to influence many people. His ideas even started a movement, known as Leninism.

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Vladimir Lenin - His real name was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov.

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Mikhail Gorbachev - Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union. He ruled from 1985 to 1991.

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Mikhail Gorbachev - He involved in the negotiations bringing an end to the Cold War.

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Anna Kournikova - The beautiful ex-tennis player has less-than-beautiful origins—her parents had to sell their TV to buy her first racket.

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Anna Kournikova - The investment paid off. Kournikova became a star and reached the No. 1 WTA ranking in doubles.

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Fyodor Dostoyevsky - You have probably heard of one of the greatest writers of all time.

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Fyodor Dostoyevsky - His most famous work is 'Crime and Punishment.'

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Boris Yeltsin - He was the first democratically elected president in Russia.

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Boris Yeltsin - His government was scrutinized for its economic reforms and unsuccessful policies.

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Igor Stravinsky - Stravinski was a globally known conductor but he was also a pianist and composer.

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Igor Stravinsky - According to TIME magazine, Stravinski was one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

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Ekaterina Gamova - Gamova is the most famous volleyball player ever to play for the Russian team.

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Ekaterina Gamova - During her career, she won many important titles, including the Volleyball Women's World Championships in both 2006 and 2010 and two Olympic silver medals.

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Alexander Pushkin - Pushkin was considered the best Russian poet of the Romantic era for his diverse poems and theater pieces.

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Alexander Pushkin - There is a giant statue of the poet in St. Petersburg.

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Dmitry Medvedev - The professor and judge was the third president of Russia between 2008 and 2012.

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Dmitry Medvedev - The Russo-Georgian War took place under his leadership.

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Joseph Stalin - Stalin was the most well-known leader of the Soviet Union. He led the country until his death in 1953.

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Joseph Stalin - His given name was Ioseb Besarionis Dze Jughashvili, but he became famous as Stalin, which means "man of steel."

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Joseph Stalin - Each year, Russia celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Germany during World War II.

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Vladimir Putin - Putin has been either Prime Minister or President of Russia since 1999.

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Vladimir Putin - Before his leadership roles, he was a KGB agent.

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Vladmir Putin - He continues to lead the country today.

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