The Kings Of Football

It has been a long time since i had written here. I had forgotten how much i liked doing this in the past. With that said, let me jot down a few words on my favorite topic "Football" or lets be more specific "Soccer".

I have been a devoted follower of the game for 15 years or so, i have enjoyed playing the sport as much as i enjoy watching the game till date. Football today has evolved and it has had some big names who will forever be remembered by fans across the globe. Lets look at some of these big names who have revolutionized the sport.

Alfredo Di Stéfano

I have never seen him play live,  but when i heard about how great he was from other football legends, i couldn't help myself from checking out some of his videos on YouTube.I must say that he was a complete footballer. He can dribble, has a foot made out of silk and combined with an outstanding ability to read the game, he can burst into space with tremendous power to score goals. 

Di Stefanos success had notably come while wearing the all white of the spanish giants

Real Madrid, where he has won back to back European Championhip Cup for a remarkable 5 consecutive years. 

In the Pic Alfredo Di Stefano with the 5 European Championship Cups

Pelé

The undisputed King of Kings, Pele has been the brightest gem of the game. Whether it may be his contribution to the national team or for the short but influential spell that he had at New York Cosmos, this legend has seen it all and done it all. The only player to win 3 World Cups has had an eye for spectacular goals. One among those was that incredible over head kick which he scored for the New York Cosmos after he had been kicked, stamped and punched on the chest by the opposition players. This video is still played world wide as a motivational video. Pele has been a fighter since he was 15 and till date his record as highest scorer for the national is still to be breached.

In the pic Pele celebrates while on duty for Brazil

Johan Cruyff

The inventor of “Total Football” in many ways, Johan Cruyff has influenced the world of football unlike no other. Whether it may be the mighty Ajax of early 90s to present Barcelona so renowned in playing the “tiki-taka” , Cruyff has his legacy flowing on football pitches across the globe.

The “Cruyff turn” is a famous trick invented by this legend and is taught as a textbook move in famous soccer schools in the world. On the field Cruyff has been known for his time with Ajax and Barcelona. Most notably was his performance at the 1974 FIFA world cup for The Netherlands where they put up quite a show with Total Football on their way to the finals against West Germany. Johan Cruyff has won the Ballon d’Or three times to cap of his fine career on the field. 

     
                          In the pic Johan Cruyff in the famous Oranje jersey

 

Diego Maradona

The first thing which would come into your mind when you mention Diego Maradona will be that stunning solo goal that he had scored against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup weaving past the three lions defense like a kite set afloat. The world had not seen anything like that before .. then! Diego almost single handedly won the world cup for Argentina and is idolized in his home country. Not to mention was the infamous ‘hand of god’ incident against England in the same match. Maradona has represented Barcelona of Spain and Napoli of Italy at club level and was loved by football fans for his exceptional vision on the field combined with exquisite passing and dribbling skills.

In the Pic Diego Maradona exults after scoring for Argentina

Zinedine Zidane

Arguably one of the greatest footballers to grace the football field, Zidane had such elegant touch on the football which made it look all so easy. It was just a mere treat to watch him on the football with his short passes, long passes, ball control, trickeries, goals you name it, this legend had it all. He has represented two of the biggest clubs in world football namely Juventus and Real Madrid FC winning all the major trophies at club level. Representing France, Zidane had played in two World Cup Finals in 1998 and 2006 winning the former for his country against a talented Brazil side. He has also won the Euro 2000 with France.

In the pic Zidane sets himself to blast one for France

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi in modern football terms is a player from a different planet. The all time leading scorer in La Liga and the all time leading scorer in Europe's elite competition, the UEFA champions league at just 27 years of age signifies his relevance in the history of the game. Not to mention is his collection of individual honor’s including the record of winning Ballon d’Ors. Keeping his awards and accolades aside, Leo has this knack of playing football with such grace on the field that it is just so mesmerizing to see him run with the ball glued to his feet. Messi is known for his meticulous ball control, dribbling and goal scoring abilities. He represents the Argentinian national team and Barcelona of Spain at club level

In the pic Messi wheels away after scoring for Barcelona