TOP TEN COLLECTION THIS WEEK WE LOOK AT THE TOP 10 ECCENTRIC FOOTBALLERS EVER....
10 JOSE LUIS CHILAVERT
They say all goalkeepers are mad. And this one certainly lives up to this view. Not only did he manage to score an incredible 27 goals for his country Paraguay and countless more for his clubs, he also stole the cap off a ball boy and threatened to beat-up a photographer by the pitch for taking too long to throw the ball back. The sight of him sprinting back to goal after an unsuccessful free-kick fully deserves the title eccentric.
9
PAUL GASCIOGNE
No list of eccentrics, footballers or otherwise would be complete without a mention of Gazza. His close relationship with Vinnie Jones and extraordinary celebration after scoring against Scotland in Euro ’96 epitomised his unique character.
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8
GEORGE BEST
7
STUART PEARCE
6
ERIC CANTONA
Whether or not he was truly eccentric, his actions off the pitch were at best memorable. Of particular note was his legendary popularity with women and his constant enjoyment of going out when meant to be training or even a match. Although by today’s standards he may seem tame, in his day Best was a bit special in many ways.
Anyone whose nickname is ‘psycho’ surely deserves a place in this list. Pearce’s toughtackling and thunderous free-kicks were not his only notable features with his shouting and extraordinary celebrations during his playing career and also evident on the touchline as a manager.
Cantona was one of those players that for 99% of the time was sheer brilliance and for the rest of it was a bit barmy. Whilst some remember his FA. Cup Final goal and his sublime skill, he will largely be known for his karate kick on a Crystal Palace supporter and numerous stamps on opposition players.
