One of the youngest and exciting heart-throb of football is Cristiano Ronaldo, from Portugal. He is known for his excellent footwork, especially his soccer dribbling moves. Wow! You could just go on looking at his ball play! Even the football connoisseurs are enchanted when he shows his skills. This winger and a forward became one of the world's richest football players when he was transferred from Manchester United to Spanish Giant Real Madrid for £80 million.
A terrific presence on the field, Lionel Messi, according to some, has reserved a spot for himself in the ranks of all time great players like, Pelé and Maradona. You can find him in the right wing of the Barcelona attack, trying to concoct a blend of speed and trickery to frustrate and get past multiple defenders. Born on June 24, 1987, this Argentinian footballer has joined the Barcelona when he was 13 years old. Winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2009 and 2010, Messi has won five league titles, and in the 2008 - 09 forming a triad with Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, scored 38 goals only to better the record, in next two seasons, to glorious 45 and 50. He started playing for his country in August, 2005, and participated in 2006 World Cup. Olympic Games 2008 held in China saw him win the gold medal for his country. Put on a display of his sublime talent in the 2010 World Cup.
Ronaldinho is another jewel from Brazil. He is famous for his natural play and terrific control over the ball. He was a part of the Brazilian team, for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Korea and Japan. The highlight of this prestigious tournament was the goal, a 35 meter free kick, scored by the Ronaldinho against England. Brazil went on to win the 2002 FIFA World Cup. In June 2005, Ronaldinho captained the Brazilian side to their second FIFA Confederations Cup title by beating Argentina in final match 4 - 1. In the past, he has played for the Gremio, Paris SG, FC Barcelona soccer clubs. This skillful footballer has won many awards and acclaims. He was chosen twice, for the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.
There is no doubt that Ronaldo is one of the most celebrated players from Brazil, after Pelé. He is also known as the Phenomenon, because of his speed, dribbling and passion for scoring again and again. His full name is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima. Born in the poor suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he was influenced by another legend of the footballer, Zico. Ronaldo played for Brazil in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in which Brazil lost to the French side in the final match. However, in the year 2002, as a member of Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored eight goals in only seven games. Top scorer of the tournament, Ronaldo helped the Brazilian team to win their 5th FIFA World Cup title.
Zinedine Zidane played as an attacking midfielder for France, and was a part of the team that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship. In the 2006 World Cup, he was the best player of the tournament, and won the 'Golden Ball' award. But in the same event, in the finals, he was involved in a controversial incident, in which he headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi. He represented France from 1994 to 2006, and in his 108 appearances, he scored 31 goals and was the play maker for hundred others. At the club level, he played for Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. For these clubs, he managed to score 95 goals in total.
Maradona is the most celebrated Argentine football player. Throughout his career, Maradona enthralled his fans and the opponents with his extraordinary footwork and balance. His career lasted for 26 years from 1975 to 2001. Diego Armando Maradona is an icon and hero for many footballers. Even though he was involved in many controversies, on and off the field, he is still regarded as one of the greatest footballer of all time.
One of the most importants football players in England is Wayne Rooney.One of the spearheads of Manchester United attack is he. He has made his mark on the football scene since around 2002. He has great footwork and never leaves a chance to attack. He was the youngest in the English squad ever in the year 2003. He is undoubtedly one of England's most expensive players.
