Myself, soccer, and this book. Just starting at three years old soccer was a part
Looking back on my soccer career I have
of my life. I started playing in the little leagues
realized more than what I had thought about it.
where my dad would be my coach and then made
Throughout the countless hours of practice and
my way up to my first club team in which I started
traveling, to the intense, exhausting workouts, and
becoming super serious about the sport. I played
the success to the failures, it has meant more to
on multiple select club teams up to high school
me than just a sport. I learned and received many
including NKunited, Classic Hammers FC, Kings
things throughout it all including leadership skills,
Soccer Academy, and NKSA. My freshman year of
hard work pays off, dedication, friendships, and so
high school I made the varsity team and started
forth. During my life I have watched higher levels
every game from there. During my high school
of play, such as professional level games, and
career I was shadowed behind a great group of
numerous different leagues. In this book I want
players just a year above me. I would say I was the
to share with you the top 15 players that have
“assist of the assist” for a while but each year my
influenced me in different ways through soccer on
stats and name would grow. Starting freshman year
and off the pitch.
with zero goals and zero assists transforming up to my senior year where I bloomed with 21 goals and 17 assists. My hard work had paid off and I was scouted by a division 3 school in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had made it to the college level which was my goal along. Unfortunately the school itself didn’t work out for me so I transferred schools and attended the University of Louisville. I played for the competitive club team here for a semester but I became too busy with school. When I can, and in the fraternity / intramural leagues, I find time to keep playing the sport that has been such a large part of my life for the past 17 years.
“I think we have a great team, and I expect to go just as far as last year, even farther. There’s no reason we can’t. We have the talent and the dedication.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Center Mid Defensive Mid
754
219 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
1995-2001 2001-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016
West Ham United Chelsea Manchester City NY City FC
BPL BPL BPL MLS
Who?
Why?
Frank James Lampard (born 20 June 1978) is
prolific scorer at the west London club and was
Frankie Lampard is on the best center defense
an English professional footballer who plays
a key part of the sides which won back-to-back
mid-fielders of all time. He is also one of the best
as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or
Premier League titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06
Chelsea F.C. and world class players to ever live.
defensive midfielder for Manchester City on
and a domestic cup double in 2007. He signed
He is passionately loyal to the Blues and always
loan from New York City FC. He is the all-time
a new contract in 2008, becoming the highest-
will be. He has a great touch on the ball and a
leading goalscorer for Chelsea, where he played
paid Premier League footballer at that time, and
wonderful sense of what to do with it and when to
for 13 years, and is considered by a number of
scored in his first Champions League Final that
do it. He is a role model and leader on the field
journalists and football experts to be one of the
year. He won a second FA Cup winners’ medal
that has helped bring his team to many victories
best midfielders of his generation. He has been
in 2009, scoring the winning goal in the final.
throughout his careers. Lampard is and will always
described by previous record goal-scorer Bobby
In the 2009–10 season, Lampard helped Chelsea
be remembered as a legend in my eyes, and in
Tambling and long-term teammate John Terry as
secure their first league and FA Cup Double, and
the eyes of the soccer community as a whole.
Chelsea’s greatest ever player.
also had his most prolific season with the club,
Lampard began his career at West Ham
scoring 22 league goals and 17 league assists.
United, for whom his father Frank Lampard, Sr.
In 2012, Lampard captained Chelsea to their
had also played. He secured a place in the first
first UEFA Champions League success and a
team by the 1997–98 season, and the following
year later to their first UEFA Europa League title.
year helped the team finish 5th in the Premier
He was released by the club after the 2013–14
League, their highest-ever Premier League
season.
placing. In 2001, he moved to rival London
A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year,
club Chelsea for £11 million. In 2014, he was
Lampard is the club’s all-time top goalscorer
released by Chelsea after 13 years of service.
with 211 goals in all competitions. Lampard is
Lampard then joined New York City FC on a
one of seven players, and the only midfielder,
two-year deal, in preparation for the club’s Major
to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier
League Soccer debut in 2015, as a free transfer,
League. He is second in the Premier League’s all-
being loaned out to Manchester City in the
time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs. In 2005,
meantime.
Lampard was voted FWA Footballer of the Year
From his début, he was ever-present in the
and was runner-up in both the FIFA World Player
Chelsea first team and made 164 consecutive
of the Year and the Ballon d’Or. In 2010 he
Premier League appearances, a record for an
received the FWA Tribute Award.
outfield player. He established himself as a
“I can’t stress the importance of working hard enough, work on all aspects of your game. If you do that and you have the ability, you’ll come through.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Winger Striker
235
87 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2006-2007 2007-2010 2010-2013 2013-2014 2014-2016
Lumezzane Inter Milan Manchester City AC Milan Liverpool
Lega Pro Serie A BPL Serie A BPL
Who?
Why?
Mario Barwuah Balotelli, born Mario Barwuah;
Mario Balotelli is a great soccer player for his
(12 August 1990) is an Italian professional
age. He has a lot of potential and room to grow.
footballer who plays as a striker for Premier
His strength up top as a center forward is his
League club Liverpool and the Italian national
key role. He is great body position when he has
team. Balotelli is nicknamed Super Mario by fans
the ball and can shield off defenders. When he
because of his surprising actions on and off the
gets a look at goal he can take a deadly rip on
pitch.
target that most likely will be finished. Outside
He started his professional football career
of the stadium and field Mario is a whole other
at Lumezzane and played for the first team
character in himself. He has placed himself in
twice before having an unsuccessful trial at FC
certain situations that are hysterical and makes
Barcelona, and subsequently joining Inter Milan
his appearance on the news the next day. He has
in 2007. Inter manager Roberto Mancini brought
matured a lot in the past couple of years, but his
Balotelli into the first team, but when Mancini
prior actions will never be forgotten.
left, Balotelli’s disciplinary record fell away. He had a strained relationship with new manager José Mourinho and was suspended from Inter’s first team in January 2009 after a number of disciplinary problems. In March 2010, he came under criticism by Inter fans after he appeared on the Italian TV show Striscia la notizia, wearing an A.C. Milan jersey. This damaged the prospect of him having a long career at Inter, but he did make several appearances after that. With doubts over his career at Inter, former coach Roberto Mancini had since moved to Manchester City and decided to give Balotelli a fresh chance at a new club. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities continued to be enigmatic and unpredictable. Balotelli eventually fell out of favour with Mancini after a “training ground bust up” between the two in January 2013. His departure from City and return to Italy with A.C. Milan followed several weeks later. After 18 months at Milan, he returned to the Premier League with Liverpool. Balotelli also plays for the Italian national team, earning his first cap for Italy in a friendly match against Côte d’Ivoire on 10 August 2010. He has since amassed over 30 caps and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, helping them reach the final of the former.
“I think I am a man, but I don’t believe I need to say it. But I could also be Peter Pan because I do things my own way and I am free.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Goal Keeper
433
1 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
1997-1997 1998-2003 2003-2007 2006-2016
NJ Imperials Metro Stars Manchester United Everton
USL MLS BPL BPL
Who?
Why?
Timothy Matthew “Tim” Howard (born March 6,
Due to his deadball specialist ability, he has
1979) is an American soccer player who plays as
always been on of the best free kick takers in the
a goalkeeper for English club Everton and the
game. He may be short, but is extremely fast,
United States national team.
agile, and strong. It has always been a pleasure
Howard started his career with the North
watching Sneijder control the midfield during
Jersey Imperials before making a move to the
games and creating chances for his teammates
MetroStars. His appearances soon attracted the
that you could never imagine possible. His touch
attention of Manchester United, who signed him
on the ball is one of the best. Just as much as I
in 2003. He enjoyed relative success with them
have enjoyed his style of play and confidence, his
as they won the 2003 FA Community Shield, the
personality is also a major component to making
2003–04 FA Cup and the 2005–06 League Cup.
it onto my list. He never gives up and is always
However, after United signed Edwin van der
trying to improve himself as a player and person.
Sar, Howard went out on loan to Everton to play more first-team football and eventually signed permanently with them in February 2007. On January 4, 2012, Howard scored a goal, his first as a professional, against Bolton Wanderers. This made him only the fourth goalkeeper to score a goal in a Premier League match. Howard first represented the United States national team in 2002 and was an unused substitute for the 2006 World Cup. He later established himself as first-choice and started all of the United States’ games at the 2010 World Cup as they reached the Round of 16. He has a reputation for playing through pain. In September 2007 he accepted a call-up from the United States for a friendly against Brazil, and after an hour of the game his finger was dislocated in a collision. In March 2013, during an FA Cup game against Oldham Athletic he broke two bones in his back. In both incidents, he continued playing until the final whistle.
“In terms of my focus, that has never changed. I have been wholeheartedly part of Everton football club since August. I made sure that I was going to do that.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Winger Striker Attacking Mid Left Mid
547
212 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2000-2005 2005-2014
Bayer Leverkusen Los Angeles Galaxy
Bundesliga MLS
Why?
Who? Landon Timothy Donovan (born March 4, 1982)
assists, and has the most caps of all active
From a young age Landon had always been one
is an American soccer player who plays for the
players. Donovan is the only American player to
of my favorite players. He was one of the first
LA Galaxy. He has previously played for Bayer
reach the 50 goals/50 assists mark. He is a four-
names I came to know and watched him play
Leverkusen, San Jose Earthquakes, Bayern
time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the
in almost every United States game. Landon is
Munich, Everton, and the United States men’s
Year award (the only man to do so and the first
a very special player. He has helped grow the
national soccer team. He usually plays as a
man to win in consecutive years), as well as the
sport of soccer more than most people know.
withdrawn forward for the Galaxy, but can also
only seven-time winner of the Honda Player of
Easily the most influential player to the sport
play as an attacking midfielder on either wing.
the Year award. Donovan starred in the U.S. team
here in the states to this date. He has great skill
that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA
and amazing knowledge / vision on the field. He
U.S. Soccer residency program in Bradenton,
World Cup where he received the Best Young
was a role model from the get-go and a game
Florida, Donovan was declared player of the
Player Award. His three goals in the 2010 FIFA
changer on the field mentally and physically.
tournament for his role in the United States
World Cup made Donovan the highest scoring
Donovan is, and will always be one of the
U17 that finished fourth in the 1999 FIFA U-17
male American player in World Cup history and
greatest American soccer players of all time.
World Championship, Donovan later signed
one of the three male American players to score
with the German team Bayer Leverkusen. After
in more than one World Cup (along with Brian
six years with the club, the majority of which
McBride and Clint Dempsey).
A member of the inaugural class of the
was spent on loan at the San Jose Earthquakes,
Donovan is widely considered to be the best
Donovan moved to the Los Angeles Galaxy in
player to ever come out of the United States. On
2005, though he returned to the Bundesliga for
August 7, 2014, Donovan announced his plans
a three-month spell at the start of 2009 on loan
to retire at the end of the 2014 MLS season.
to Bayern Munich. He went on loan again from January to March 2010 with English Premier League team Everton. In Major League Soccer, Donovan has won five MLS Cups and is the league’s all-time top scorer with 136 goals. For the United States men’s national team, Donovan is the all-time leader in scoring and
“I want to be a positive influence. I want to be someone who they want to call in and want here consistently, regardless of my role.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Defensive Mid Attacking Mid
638
243 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
1998-2015 2015-2016
Liverpool Los Angeles Galaxy
BPL MLS
Who?
Why?
Steven George Gerrard (born 30 May 1980) is
Stevie G is one of the best center defense mids
an English footballer who plays for and captains
in the BPL as well as in the whole sport of soccer.
Premier League club Liverpool. He has played
His loyalty to Liverpool is absolutely appalling.
much of his career as a central midfielder, but he
His love and passion for them is deep. He has
has also been used as a second striker, holding
great knowledge of the game considering his
midfielder, attacking midfielder, right back and
age and is definitely a major role model on the
right winger.
field as being captain. He has a great sense of
Gerrard has spent his entire career at Anfield,
when to play balls through as well as hold back
making his debut in 1998, cementing his place
and just keep possession away from the opposing
in the first team in 2000, and succeeding Sami
team. He is and will always be one of my favorite
Hyypiä as team captain in 2003. His honors
players, and he will always be one of the best
include two FA Cups, three League Cups, one
world class players to ever set foot on the pitch.
UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup, and two UEFA Super Cups. Gerrard made his international debut for the England national football team in 2000, and represented his country at the 2000, 2004 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships, as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups – captaining the team at the latter two tournaments. He was named as the permanent England captain shortly before UEFA Euro 2012, where he was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. Gerrard became the sixth player to win 100 caps for England in 2012, and is currently third in the country’s all time appearance list. He ended his international career in July 2014, having won 114 caps. Gerrard came second to Kenny Dalglish in the “100 Players Who Shook The Kop”, a 2008 Liverpool fan poll, and first in 2013. Zinedine Zidane said in 2009 that he considered Gerrard to be the best footballer in the world. In 2005, Gerrard was honoured as the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and won the Ballon d’Or Bronze Award. He has also been named in the PFA Team of the Year a record eight times, the UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA World XI three times, and was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2006 and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2009. He is, to date, the only footballer ever to have scored a goal in an FA Cup Final, a League Cup Final, a UEFA Cup Final and a Champions League Final.
“In football, the hero and legend status is given out far too easily for me.”
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2001-2003 2003-2005 2005-2010 2010-2013 2013-2014 2014-2016
Sporting Gijon Zaragoza Valencia Barcelona Athletico Madrid NY City FC
La Liga Segunda La Liga La Liga La Liga MLS
POSITIONS PLAYED Winger Striker
317 Career Goals
608 Appearances
Who?
Why?
David Villa Sánchez (born 3 December 1981)
What stands out to me about David Villa was his
is a Spanish professional footballer who plays
performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He had
as a striker for A-League club Melbourne City,
an amazing tournament and helped Spain win
on loan from New York City. He is nicknamed
the title. What specifically stood out to me was
El Guaje (The Kid in Asturian) because as a
his skill on the ball, his knowledge of the game,
youngster he frequently played football with
and his quickness. Even though he is a player
children much older than him.
that is aging and coming to the end of his prime,
Despite sustaining a serious injury as a child,
he still is a great player to watch who will help
Villa started his professional career with Sporting
grow soccer over here in the United States while
de Gijón. He moved to Real Zaragoza after two
playing for New York City FC.
seasons, where he made his La Liga début, winning the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. He joined Valencia CF in 2005 for a transfer fee of 12 million and was part of the Valencia team that won the Copa del Rey in the 2007–08 season. In 2010 he moved to FC Barcelona for 40 million where he won his first La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. After a 5.1 million transfer, he spent the 2013–14 season at Atlético Madrid, winning another La Liga title before leaving for New York City. Villa made his international début for Spain in 2005. He has since participated in four major tournaments, becoming an integral member of the Spain teams that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. He scored three goals at the 2006 World Cup, was the top scorer at Euro 2008 and earned the Silver Boot at the 2010 World Cup. He is the first Spanish player to ever reach 50 international goals and retired from internationals after the 2014 World Cup with 59 in 97 matches, making him Spain’s all-time top goalscorer as well as the country’s top scorer in the World Cup with 9 goals. The goals-to-games ratio he has achieved for the national team has not been matched by any player since Alfredo Di Stéfano.
“Physically, I’m at my best – I’ve gotten over all those little problems that were bothering me and I’m happy to be feeling fine again.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Winger Striker Attacking Mid
101 Career Goals
227 Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2006-2007 2007-2009 2009-2012 2012-2016
Rott Weiss Ahlen II Rott Weiss Ahlen Mรถnchengladbach Borussia Dortmund
Regionalliga Regionalliga Bundesliga Bundesliga
Who?
Why?
Marco Reus (born 31 May 1989) is a German
Marco Reus is an outstanding winger for
professional footballer who plays as an attacking
Borussia Dortmund. The loyalty to his club
midfielder or winger for the German Bundesliga
makes him that much more lovable after you
club Borussia Dortmund and the Germany
analyze his skills overall. His quickness on the
national football team. Reus is known for his
field is a key attribute to his own and his team’s
versatility, speed and technique.
success. He has a strong work ethic and is never
Reus spent his youth career at Borussia
ceasing to give up no matter the deficit. He is
Dortmund, prior to leaving for Rot Weiss Ahlen.
definitely a game changer when he is on the
He has played for three clubs in his senior career,
pitch due to his overall skill, shooting, and pace.
most notably, and with the most influence, in
A wonderful player to watch.
Borussia Mönchengladbach of the German Bundesliga. Reus plays primarily as a left attacker for BVB; however, he is capable of playing on the right also and through the middle, due to his ability to closely control the ball with both feet. [citation needed] 2012 was his most successful season when, scoring 18 and assisting 8, he helped Borussia Mönchengladbach secure a place in the following season’s UEFA Champions League. Reus agreed a move to his home club Borussia Dortmund at the end of that season. Reus wears number 11 for Dortmund. With Dortmund, Reus won the 2013 DFLSupercup. Reus was the Footballer of the Year in Germany in 2012 and was on the UEFA Team of the Year in 2013. Franz Beckenbauer spoke about Reus, along with Mario Götze, saying, “...as a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Götze.” In 2013, Reus was ranked as the fourth best footballer in Europe by Bloomberg.
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live your dreams.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Right Wing Right Mid
265 Career Goals
556 Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2000-2002 2002-2004 2004-2007 2007-2009 2009-2016
Groningen PSV Chelsea Real Madrid Bayern Munich
Eredivisie Eredivisie BPL La Liga Bundesliga
Who? Arjen Robben (born 23 January 1984) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays for German
Why? negotiations he joined Chelsea in 2004. Robben’s Chelsea debut was delayed through
Arjen Robben is a vicious attacking minded player who has nothing in mind but slamming the ball in
Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Netherlands
injury, but upon returning to fitness he helped
the back of the opposing team’s net. His speed,
national team. Robben has appeared at the 2004,
Chelsea bring home two consecutive Premier
quick dribbling, and deadly finishing makes him
2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships, and
League titles, and was the FA Premier League Player
one of the best players in the Bundesliga as well as
the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. He is
of the Month in November 2005. After a third season
on my top list. His endurance seems to never run
a forward who usually plays as a left or right sided
in England which was punctuated by injury, Robben
out and if he loses the ball in attack you best guess
winger. Robben is known for his dribbling skills,
moved to Spanish club Real Madrid for 35 million. In
he will be right back to win it back for his team.
speed, crossing ability and his accurate left foot
August 2009, Robben transferred to Bayern Munich
Robben is a world class player that I would greatly
long-range shots from the right wing.
for a fee of around 25 million, scoring two goals
enjoy to see play in person.
Robben first came to prominence with Groningen,
on his debut. In his first season in Munich, Bayern
for whom he was player of the year for the 2000–01
won the league title, Robben’s fifth league title in
Eredivisie season. Two years later he signed for
eight years, and Robben scored the winning goal in
PSV, where he became the Netherlands’ Young
the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final. After his
Player of the Year and won an Eredivisie title. The
first season with Bayern, Robben was also named
following season Robben’s signature was pursued by
Footballer of the Year in Germany.
leading English clubs, and after protracted transfer
“I’m not a player who will just sit and pick up my wages if I am not playing.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Forward Attacking Mid
635
360 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
1999-2001 2001-2004 2004-2006 2009-2011 2011-2013 2013-2016
Malmo FF Ajax Juventus Barcelona AC Milan PSG
Allsvenskan Eredivisie Serie A La Liga Serie A Ligue 1
Who?
Why?
Zlatan Ibrahimovi (born 3 October 1981) is a
Zlatan is a one of a kind soccer player, as well
Swedish professional footballer who plays as a
as person in general. He has the biggest ego
striker for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the
and head which makes him one of the most
Swedish national team for which he is captain.
respected / humorous players out there. He
Ibrahimovi started his career at Malmö FF in
has the right to be like this due to his amazing
the late 1990s before being signed by Ajax, where
talents and ability to play the game. He is
made a name for himself under Ronald Koeman.
a monster target forward who has a power
He later signed with Juventus for 16 million, and
shot like no other. He is definitely one of my
gained fame in Serie A by benefiting from his
favorite players on this list due to his mysterious
strike partnership with David Trezeguet. In 2006,
unexpected actions and just his personality in
Ibrahimovi signed with rivals Internazionale, where
general.
he won individual awards such as the Italian Oscar del Calcio and the Swedish Guldbollen, and was named in the 2007 and 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, in addition to finishing as the league’s highest scorer in 2008–09 while winning three straight Scudetti. In the summer of 2009, he transferred to Barcelona. His time at Barcelona was short-lived, however, moving back to Serie A football with A.C. Milan the following season, in a deal which made him one of the highest paid footballers in the world and cost the Italian club 24 million. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2012. Ibrahimovi is one of ten players to have made 100 or more appearances for the Swedish national team, and is the country’s all time leading goalscorer in international matches with 50 goals. He has represented Sweden at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. With his playing style compared to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, Ibrahimovi is one of the best finishers in the game and is regarded to be one of the best footballers of his generation. His spectacular bicycle kick for Sweden against England won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year. In December 2013, Ibrahimovi was ranked by The Guardian as the third-best player in the world.
“One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Center Mid Attacking Mid
378
73 Career Goals
Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2006-2008 2008-2010 2010-2013 2014-2016
Schalke 04 Werder Bremen Real Madrid Arsenal
Bundesliga Bundesliga La Liga BPL
Who?
Why?
Mesut Özil ( born 15 October 1988) is a German
Ozil is one of the most creative, agile mid-fielders
professional footballer who plays for English
out there in the soccer world. After seeing him
club Arsenal and the German national team. Özil
on the pitch for the first time I instantly fell in love
has been a youth national team member since
with his style of play. His ability to place the ball
2006, and a member of the German national
on his attacking teammates feet in full motion is
team since 2009. He gained international
incredible. He is a hard working player who has
attention during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and
a strong love and passion for the game and is
was nominated for the Golden Ball Award, which
always trying to improve and never gives up. I
is awarded to the tournament’s best player.
was ecstatic after I heard he was transferring to
Özil started his senior career at hometown club
Arsenal F.C. in London for they are my favorite
Schalke in the Bundesliga in 2006, transferred
team in the BPL. He has definitely made a
to Werder Bremen in 2008 and was signed by
difference since his time there.
Real Madrid in August 2010 following his breakout performance at the FIFA World Cup with Germany. On transfer deadline day of summer 2013, he moved to Arsenal for a club-record fee of £42.5 million. The transfer makes him the most expensive German football player of all time. Özil is acclaimed for his finesse and improvisation as an attacking midfielder. His style and ability for providing assists for his team-mates has been compared by former manager José Mourinho to that of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. In 2011, Özil ranked first in assists in major European and domestic competitions with 25. In 2012, he ranked first in assists in La Liga with 17. He was also one of the top assist providers in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 with three in both tournaments.
“It makes me very happy when I create goals or score goals myself, but the most important thing is that the team reaches its goal and plays positive football.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Center Mid Attacking Mid
149 Career Goals
481 Appearances
YEARS
CLUB
LEAGUE
2002-2007 2007-2009 2009-2013 2014-2016
Ajax Real Madrid Internazionale Galatasaray
Eredivisie La Liga Serie A Super Lig
Who?
Why?
Wesley Sneijder born 9 June 1984, is a Dutch
Due to his deadball specialist ability, he has
professional footballer who plays for the Turkish
always been on of the best free kick takers in the
club Galatasaray and the Netherlands national
game. He may be short, but is extremely fast,
team. He was named UEFA midfielder of the
agile, and strong. It has always been a pleasure
season and one of the three best midfielders
watching Sneijder control the midfield during
in the world for 2010 by FIFA. A product of the
games and creating chances for his teammates
AFC Ajax Academy, he previously played for
that you could never imagine possible. His touch
Ajax, with whom he won seven trophies and
on the ball is one of the best. Just as much as I
was awarded the Johan Cruijff Award in 2004.
have enjoyed his style of play and confidence, his
He was sold to Real Madrid for 27 million in
personality is also a major component to making
2007, winning La Liga in his first season with
it onto my list. He never gives up and is always
the club and later being sold to Internazionale
trying to improve himself as a player and person.
for 15 million. At Inter, he won Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and two Coppa Italia. After being sold to Galatasaray for 7.5 million in 2013, he helped the club win the Süper Lig in his first season, following with the capture of the Turkish Super Cup, after a 1–0 win against rivals Fenerbahçe. Sneijder previously represented various youth squads for the Netherlands. He is now a regular player for the Dutch national team, making his debut in April 2003 at the age of 18, and representing his country at the 2006, 2010 (where the Netherlands were defeated 1–0 in the final) and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships. Individually, he was awarded the 2010 Bronze Boot, the 2010 Silver Ball, and included in the team of the tournament for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, as well as named man of the match for six out of eleven games played by the Oranje at these two tournaments. The Dutch national team has never lost a game in which Sneijder has scored.
“I always feel guilty if we lose ... If we lose, I can’t have played well, you know? Playing well means winning games.”
YEARS 2004-2006 2007-2012 2012-2013 2014-2016
CLUB New England Fulham Tottenham Seattle Sounders POSITIONS PLAYED Striker Winger Center Mid
187
478
Career Goals Appearances
LEAGUE MLS BPL BPL MLS
Who?
Why?
Clinton Drew “Clint” Dempsey (born March 9,
Easily one of my favorite USMNT (United
1983) is an American soccer player who plays for
States Men’s National Team) players of all
Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. He
time as well favorite players in general.
is the captain of the United States national team.
Dempsey has always been one of my idol
He has also played for New England Revolution,
soccer players growing up and I have always
Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
enjoyed watching him play. Just like all of the
Growing up in Nacogdoches, Texas, Dempsey
players on the U.S. team his drive to win and
played for one of the top youth soccer clubs in
his “never out of the fight” attitude is what
the state, the Dallas Texans, before playing for
makes him one of the greatest players. Magic
Furman University’s men’s soccer team. In 2004,
can happen when Clint is on the field due to
Dempsey was drafted by Major League Soccer
his knowledge of the game, his vision on the
club New England Revolution, where he quickly
field, his technically sounded dribbling and his
integrated himself into the starting lineup.
deadly finishing. One of my favorite memories
Hindered initially by a jaw injury, he would
about him is when he scored against Ghana
eventually score 25 goals in 71 appearances
in the first 30 seconds of play during the 2014
with the Revolution. Between 2007 and 2012,
FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Dempsey played for Premier League team Fulham and is the club’s highest Premier League goalscorer of all time. Dempsey became the first American player to score a hat-trick in the English Premier League, in the 5–2 win over Newcastle United in January 2012. Dempsey first represented the United States at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. He made his first appearance with the senior team on November 17, 2004, against Jamaica; he was then named to the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and scored the team’s only goal of the tournament. Dempsey recorded the fastest goal in US World Cup qualifying history by scoring after 53 seconds of an eventual 8–0 defeat of Barbados. He later bested that feat in 2012 scoring just 36 seconds into a 2–1 qualifying loss at Jamaica. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Dempsey scored against England, becoming the second American, after Brian McBride, to score goals in multiple World Cup tournaments. In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Dempsey again bested his previous feat, scoring 30 seconds into a match against Ghana, the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history.
“You can’t go out there and just chill and be lackadaisical. You’re not going to win games. You’ve got to go out there and fight.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Right Mid Center Mid Defensive Mid
45 Career Goals YEARS 2006-2008 2008-2016
283 Appearances CLUB Cardiff City Arsenal
LEAGUE BPL BPL
Who? Aaron James Ramsey, born 26 December 1990, is a Welsh footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal and the Wales national football team. Ramsey mainly plays as a box-to-box midfielder, but has also been deployed on the left and right wings. He played as a schoolboy for Cardiff City, where he spent eight years in youth football,
“I have dreamt about this day for many years as a young kid coming through and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
became the club’s youngest ever first team player, and made 22 appearances for the senior team – including the 2008 FA Cup Final. Ramsey moved to Arsenal in 2008 in a £5 million deal, where he quickly gained first team experience. However, his career stalled significantly after he suffered a broken leg in a match against Stoke City in February 2010. After two loan spells away from Arsenal, he returned to full fitness and re-established himself as a regular starter during the 2011–12 season. Ramsey was a key player for Arsenal in the 2013–14 season campaign, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, including the winner in the 2014 FA Cup Final.
Why? One of the top up and coming Barclay’s Premier League players that I absolutely adore. Whether it is his fluent, precise movement in the midfield, or his last minute game clutching goals Ramsey is one of the best players in the BPL and one of most recent favorites. His high work rating is one of his defining qualities that any team desires out of their midfielders. His determination to never give up is another of his qualities that was proven after breaking his leg in 2010 but coming back stronger than ever. Ramsey delivers and is always on the creative end of playmaking and one of the role models on the field. He also plays for my favorite BPL team, Arsenal, which gives him that much more of a bonus towards my list.
POSITIONS PLAYED Defensive Mid Right Mid
719
129 Career Goals YEARS 1992-2003 2003-2007 2007-2012 2012-2013
Appearances
CLUB Man. United Real Madrid LA Galaxy Paris Saint Germain
LEAGUE BPL La Liga MLS Ligue 1
Who? David Robert Joseph Beckham (born 2 May
Why? In international football, Beckham made his
Easily one of my favorite players, as well as many
1975) is a retired English footballer. He has
England debut on 1 September 1996, at the
other soccer fanatics, of all time. More than just
played for Manchester United, Preston North
age of 21. He was captain for six years during
a soccer player David is a world wide known
End, Real Madrid, Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy,
which he played 58 times. He made 115 career
celebrity. He is one of the best free-kick takers
Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national
appearances in total, appearing at three FIFA
in the business as well as assist / playmaker as
team for which he holds the appearance record
World Cup editions (1998, 2002 and 2006) and
well. I have always enjoyed watching David play
for an outfield player. He was the first English
two UEFA European Championship tournaments
in a center attacking midfield position where
player to win league titles in four countries,
(2000 and 2004).
distributing the ball is at his finest. His vision and
England, Spain, the United States and France.
Renowned for his range of passing and
knowledge of the game is another of his many
He announced his retirement at the end of the
bending free-kicks, he has twice been runner-up
exquisite qualities on the field. I was extremely
2012–13 season and, on 18 May 2013, played
for FIFA World Player of the Year, and in 2004
excited when I heard he was transferring to the
the final game of his 20-year career.
he was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s
L.A. Galaxy in the MLS over here in the United
greatest living players. Consistently ranked
States. He helped grow the game in this country
Manchester United, where he made his first-team
among the sport’s highest earners, in 2013
more than people give him credit for and I am
debut in 1992 aged 17. With United, Beckham
Beckham was listed as the best paid player in the
forever thankful for his assistance to this beautiful
won the Premier League title six times, the FA
world, earning over $50 million in the previous
game.
Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League
12 months.
Beckham’s professional career began with
in 1999. He then played four seasons with Real
He has been married to Victoria Beckham
Madrid, winning the La Liga championship
since 1999, and they have four children. In
in his final season with the club. In July 2007
February 2014, MLS announced Beckham and
Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major
a group of investors would own an expansion
League Soccer club LA Galaxy. While a Galaxy
team in Miami, which would begin play in 2016
player, he spent two loan spells in Italy with
or 2017.
Milan in 2009 and 2010. Beckham was the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League games.
“I just want people to see me as a hard-working footballer and someone who is passionate about the game.”
POSITIONS PLAYED Striker Winger Center Mid
362
792
Career Goals Appearances
YEARS 1994-1998 1998-1999 1999-2007 2007-2010 2010-2014
CLUB Monaco Juventus Arsenal Barcelona NY Red Bulls
LEAGUE Ligue 1 Serie A BPL La Liga MLS
Who?
Why?
Thierry Daniel Henry is a French footballer who
seasons with Arsenal as club captain, leading
Henry is an absolute monster. Whenever I am
plays as a striker for New York Red Bulls in Major
them to the 2006 UEFA Champions League
watching him play on the pitch you know magic
League Soccer.
Final.
is bound to happen. He is easily one of the best
Henry was born in Les Ulis, Essonne (a
In June 2007, after eight years with Arsenal,
players to step on a pitch of all time and more
suburb of Paris) where he played for an array
he transferred to Barcelona for a fee of 24
specifically he is a legend at Arsenal F.C. over in
of local sides as a youngster and showed great
million. In 2009, he was an integral part of the
London in the Barclay’s Premier League. Henry is
promise as a goal-scorer. He was spotted by AS
club’s historic treble when they won La Liga, the
a brute up top as a forward. His skill on the ball
Monaco in 1990 and signed instantly, making
Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
is one of a kind the way he takes on defenders
his professional debut in 1994. Good form led
He went on to achieve an unprecedented
and leaves them in the dust. His great vision on
to an international call-up in 1998, after which
sextuple by also winning the Supercopa de
the field helps his outstanding passes that most
he signed for the Serie A defending champions
España, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club
players couldn’t slot through and his shooting
Juventus. He had a disappointing season playing
World Cup. In total, Henry has been named in
is just incredible to say the least. Overall his
on the wing, before joining Arsenal for £11
the UEFA Team of the Year five times. In 2010,
passion and knowledge of the game has helped
million in 1999.
he joined the New York Red Bulls of the Major
make Henry one of most well known world class
League Soccer, and won the Eastern Conference
players and the number one player on my list.
It was at Arsenal that Henry made his name as a world-class player. Despite initially struggling in
title with them in 2010. He returned to Arsenal
the Premier League, he emerged as Arsenal’s top
on loan for two months in 2012. In 2013 Henry
goal-scorer for almost every season of his tenure
with the New York Red Bulls won the MLS
there. Under long-time mentor and coach Arsène
Supporters’ Shield.
Wenger, Henry became a prolific striker and
Henry enjoyed success with the French
Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals in
national team, winning the 1998 FIFA
all competitions. The Frenchman won two league
World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000 and 2003 FIFA
titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners; he
Confederations Cup. In October 2007, he
was runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the
surpassed Michel Platini’s record to become
Year twice, was named the PFA Players’ Player
France’s top goal-scorer of all time. Henry retired
of the Year twice, and the FWA Footballer of
from international football after the 2010 FIFA
the Year three times. Henry spent his final two
World Cup.
“I only deal in what is real. To be honest, I’ve never thought about what I could get out of football or where it would take me. I just wanted to play. I’m the same now.”
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