10. Fernandinho 

Arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 following a £34 million transfer, Fernandino proved quickly that he was worth every penny. A box-to-box defensive midfielder, he appeared for the club in 383 in all competitions.  

Able to shoot from distance, his work-rate and energy was instrumental in leading City both defensive and on attack and is arguably the greatest Brazilian in Premier League history. 

9. Paul Doherty

We’ve got to go back to the 1940s and 1950s when Northern Irishman Paul Doherty was making a significant impact at Manchester City. Known for his exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and prolific goal-scoring, he scored 74 goals for the club in 119 games. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, and Manchester City Hall of Fame in 2004.  

8. Bert Trautmann

Former Nazi soldier and Manchester City legend Bert Trautmann is our 8th best Manchester City player of all time. Despite vocal protests from fans, he fast became a fan favourite and featured in 508 league games for the club. 

Trautmann was a shot-stopping genius and saved 60% of penalties during his career. He was renowned for dedication and famously playing the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck.

7. Yaya Touré 

Powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure was a driving force behind City’s rise to dominance after joining the club from Barcelona in 2010. Toure bossed the midfield from box-to-box with his physicality, skill and ability to score. In 8 seasons he won the Premier League three times as well as the 2010-11 FA Cup. 

6. Kevin De Bruyne

How Chelsea only used Kevin De Bruyne sparingly is beyond me and to Manchester City’s benefit, they gained one of the best players to ever play for the club. A complete footballer, De Bruyne’s playmaking ability took the club to even greater heights since joining in 2015. Joining for a then-record £54 million, there’s no doubt he repaid the fee with a third place finish for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, in addition to an abundance of trophies and individual accolades. 

5. Tony Book

Despite only joining the club as a 31-year old, Tony Book became one of the greatest ever defenders for the club. Playing at right back, he was forever consistent and helped to guide the club to four major trophies as captain – the 1970s European Cup Winners’ Cup the greatest of those achievements. 

4. Vincent Kompany 

A case could be made for Vincent Kompany being the best centre back in Premier League history. In 2008 he joined the club from Hamburger SV and quickly became a rock at the back, as well as one of the greatest leaders in world football. During his 11 seasons at Manchester City, Kompany served as captain in eight of those and he helped guide the club to four titles. 

3. Colin Bell 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Manchester City players of all time, Colin Bell epitomized skill, versatility, and dedication. Known as “The King of the Kippax,” his performances in midfield during the late ’60s and ’70s earned him iconic status among fans. He finished his career having played 394 league games and scoring 117 times. 

2. David Silva

David Silva is second on our list of the best Manchester City players of all time. A magician with the ball, Silva’s vision, creativity, and technical brilliance helped propel Manchester City into one of the best clubs in world football. His ability to dictate play and create opportunities was exceptional and he played a total of 309 Premier League games, scoring 60 times and registering 93 assists.  

1. Sergio Agüero

Sergio Aguero is the best Manchester City player of all time. The club’s all-time leading scorer until his departure, Agüero’s impact on City’s success in the modern era is immeasurable. His knack for crucial goals, agility, and remarkable goal-scoring ability made him a legend.

Aguero scored 184 goals in the Premier League for City from 275 games, none more important than the title-winning injury time winner to clinch the 2011-12 Premier League title. 

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10. Clarence Seedorf

A highly decorated midfielder, Seedorf played a significant role in Milan’s success during the 2000s. A magician from midfield, Seedorf’s impact is proven by the fact he’s the only player in history to win the Champions League with three different clubs. 

In 10 years at Milan he was able to dominate in arguably the most talent-filled era in Serie A history and as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. Ultimately he would play in 432 total appearances for the club and scored 62 goals. 

9. Ronaldinho 

One of the most flamboyant players in history, Ronaldinho was the greatest player of the 2000s and joined Milan from Barcelona in 2008. Ronaldinho is in the conversation for the most technically gifted player of all time with his skillful ball control and dribbling ability helped him become one of the most difficult players to defend. 

Able to create and score goals from nothing, he was also a set piece genius and could score from range. It only took him three seasons to become one of the best AC Milan players of all time despite only winning a single Serie A title in 2011.  

8. Alessandro Nesta

There’s a case that Alessandro Nesta is the greatest centre-back in history thanks to his physicality and ability to be at the right place at the right time. He’s the sort of player that no attacker wanted to face and after arriving from Lazio in 2002, went on to play in 10 seasons where he made 326 total appearances. 

Nesta won the Champions League and Serie A twice before a move to Major League Soccer. Among the greatest tacklers of all time, he displayed a level of acrobatic and elegance about his game that we haven’t seen from a centre-back since retiring from the game in 2014.  

7. Andrea Pirlo

Before Andrea Pirlo’s controversial exit to Juventus, he tore it up at Milan across a 10-year span which saw him win both Serie A and the Champions League twice. From midfield he was a visionary, able to control and hit passes that were seemingly impossible and before anybody could actually see it as a possibility. 

After 401 games and 41 goals, Pirlo became a free agent in 2011 and joined rivals Juventus, as Milan weren’t willing to sign him beyond a one-year contract. 

6. Ruud Gullit

Gullit became an icon in world football and was a complete player. He was versatility personified, able to play anywhere on the pitch and help his team either offensively or defensively. Typically deployed as an attacking midfielder where he was most effective, but he also played upfront, on the wing and even as a sweeper. 

5. Andriy Shevchenko

Gullit is one of the best AC Milan players in history, arriving from PSV in 1987 where he won the Ballon d’Or in his first season. In seven seasons at the club he had a profound impact helping guide the side to three Serie A titles. 

Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko in his prime was one of the most lethal strikers in the world after joining Milan from Dynamo Kyiv in 1999. He won the Champions League in 2003 and the Serie A the following season, the same year he won the Ballon d’Or. 

While at the club Shevchenko scored 173 goals in 296 appearances thanks to his physical stature, excellent finishing ability and his positional awareness. 

4. Marco van Basten

Dutch legend Marco Van Basten was an incredible striker with exceptional technical ability and an eye for goal. One of the best strikers of his generation, he scored with spectacular strikes, vicious volleys and impeccable headers. 

His time at Milan was marked by numerous stunning goals and individual awards. After moving from Ajax to Milan in 1987, he went on to win the Ballon d’Or three times in 1988, 1989 and 1992. In 205 appearances for the club across eight seasons, van Basten scored 129 goals and is one of the best AC Milan players of all time. 

3. Kaká

A key figure in Milan’s success in the mid-2000s, Kaká’s pace, dribbling, and creativity made him one of the best midfielders of his generation. At the height of his game he was the best in the world and during his first stint at the club he beat both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the 2007 Ballon d’Or. 

Kaka could split open any defence with his explosive runs during his prime. Able to score and assist with finesse, he made 307 appearances and scored 104 goals for Milan. 

2. Franco Baresi

Another defensive great that Rossoneri has produced is Franco Baresi. One of the greatest ever defenders, Baresi is our second best AC Milan player of all time and he spent his entire 20-year career at the club. An exceptional tackler, he played most of his career as a sweeper. 

Baresi played the game at a level ahead of everyone else on the pitch both tactically, physically and ability wise. A true leader, he was the clubs captain for 15 years. 

1. Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini is the best AC Milan player of all time and an icon, spending his entire 25-year career at the club. He won 26 major trophies including seven Serie A and five Champions League titles, and his duels with the greatest Juventus player of all time Alessandro Del Piero was arguably the pinnacle of Serie A football. 

Primarily a left back and considered by many to be the best in history at the position, Maldini shifted to a centre-back role toward the latter part of his career. He appeared in 902 games as the heartbeat of Milan, and played with a level of elegance and defensive ability that has given him immortal status.  

The post 10 Best AC Milan Players in History appeared first on Football Blog FC.

10. Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is one of the best defenders in Premier League history and one of the greatest Manchester United players. When he arrived from Leeds as a 23-year old for £30m he was the most expensive defender and British footballer ever at the time. 

Ferdinand helped transform United’s defense into one of the world’s best throughout the 2000s. An excellent tackler, passer and leader, Ferdinand won six Premier League titles in 12 seasons as well as the Champions League in 2008. 

9. Bryan Robson 

Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Robson is Manchester United’s longest ever serving captain and one of the club’s greatest leaders. His 345 league games, 74 goals, two Premier League titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup doesn’t do justice to the impact he had. A midfield boss he controlled the game with crunching tackles and forward runs. 

8. Roy Keane

Roy Keane was a fearless leader on the pitch and he helped guide United to 17 major titles. The Irishman delivered iconic performances from midfield and was an inspiration to both his team and Red Devils fans. Keane is one of the best Manchester United players of all time and was the reliable presence needed as he owned the midfield through 366 Premier League games, registering 39 goals and 33 assists. 

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the best soccer players of all time Ronaldo had a massive impact on the club. At 18 years of age he moved to Manchester United and won his first of five Ballon d’Or awards at age 23. 

While at the club he won three successive Premier League titles and the Champions League. Before a 2009 move to Real Madrid for a then-world record £80 million, Ronaldo finished his Manchester United career with 292 appearances and 118 goals. 

6. Eric Cantona

French bad boy Eric Cantona is one of Manchester United’s best ever players and was a key part of the club’s 1990s resurgence. Before Messi, there was Cantona and his presence upfront was colossal. There was some method to his madness and he wanted to win at all costs. His raw aggression caused issues we won’t talk about, but United were better for it and won four titles with Cantona in the team. 

5. Wayne Rooney 

One of the best players of his generation, Wayne Rooney was a genius upfront and is one of the greatest United players in history. Even his natural-born striker instincts run in the family with his son Kai following in his footsteps in the United youth academy. 

Rooney finished his career at United with a club-record 253 goals. His 183 goals in the Premier League has him behind only Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero for most goals at a single club. 

4. Ryan Giggs

A one-club man, Ryan Giggs won an astonishing 34 major trophies including 13 Premier League and two Champions League titles with Manchester United. Across a 24-year career, Giggs made 963 total appearances for the club with 672 of those in the top flight. Giggs was extremely versatile and could line up anywhere in attack. Toward the end of his career he even played as a defensive midfielder or as a fullback. 

3. Paul Scholes

The greatest one club player in Premier League history Paul Scholes started his career at Manchester United as a 14-year old in an academy player. A midfield maestro he went on to make 700 total appearances for the club, with 499 of those in the Premier League.

Scholes was known for his incredible passing and vision. So consistent was Scholes he scored 107 goals in the Premier League and found the back of the net in 19 consecutive seasons. He went on to win 11 Premier League titles, the most by any Englishman, and also won two Champions League titles. 

2. George Best

George Best is the second best Manchester United player ever. The Northern Irishman is one of the greatest wingers and was known for his incredible dribbling skills. In his 11 seasons with the club he won two First Division titles and the European Cup in 1968, the same year he was crowned Ballon d’Or winner. 

In total he made 474 appearances for United and scored 181 goals. So special was Best, even opposition fans would give him standing ovations because of his dazzling skills. 

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

The best English striker of all time, Sir Bobby Charlton helped guide England to World Cup glory in 1966, the same year he won the Ballon d’Or. Charlton joined United’s academy in 1953 and quickly excelled with his attacking instincts and a ferocious shot. 

Charlton is the best Manchester United player in history and he held the record for most games for the club with 758, since surpassed by Ryan Giggs in 2008. His 249 goals for the club was also a record until Wayne Rooney overtook his tally in 2017. 

The post 10 Best Manchester United Players in History appeared first on Football Blog FC.

10. Arsenal (93.7 million)

For a team that hasn’t won the Premier League since The Invincibles era in 2004, Arsenal have done well to remain one of the most popular football teams in the world. 

Players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are their current generation of stars and the signing of Declan Rice for £105m from West Ham shows they mean business. 

9. Bayern Munich (127 million)

Over the years German giants Bayern Munich has attracted generations of fans with some of the greatest players ever. With almost 60 million Facebook fans and over 38 million Instagram followers, the club is known for its strong youth academy and world-class players. 

The recent signing of Harry Kane that could exceed £100m with add-ons is proof of the pulling power the club has.

8. Liverpool FC (131 million)

Liverpool arguably has the best football fans in England and with 131 million fans on social media is one of the most popular football teams in the world. 

There’s an aura with Liverpool, whether it’s the fans belting out the “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem, or the chants from “The Kop” at Anfield. Everyone loves backing a winner, and Liverpool is just that with the most combined English and European trophies.  

7. Manchester City (131 million)

Since the 2008 takeover of Manchester City by Sheikh Mansour the club has seen billions of dollars invested into it and has rapidly become one of the most popular football teams in the world. The club won its seventh Premier League title and first ever Champions League crown in 2023 and continues to grow in popularity as everybody loves a winner. 

6. Chelsea (134 million)

Chelsea have had their struggles in the post-Abramovich despite the big money being thrown around in the transfer market by Todd Boehly. It was Abramovich’s billions that helped Chelsea’s rise to worldwide popularity with superstars such as Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole winning Premier League titles. The club will need to turnaround their recent poor seasons with other clubs surging in popularity because of their success and big name players.

5. Juventus (144 million) 

Juventus is a legendary football club located in Turin, Italy. The club is synonymous with Italian football excellence and has consistently dominated Serie A. Juventus has a global fanbase and has been home to football legends like Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio.

4. Paris Saint-Germain (187 million)

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has emerged as a global football powerhouse ever since Qatar Sports Investments became a major stakeholder in 2011. The dominance in Ligue 1 and superstar signings including Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi has helped PSG become one of the most popular teams in the world. 

3. Manchester United (206 million)

Similar to Chelsea’s situation, Manchester United’s lack of recent success is taking a hit on the club’s popularity. The Red Devils are still the fourth most popular football club in the world thanks largely to Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy during his 27-year managerial career at the club.

A massive global fanbase exploded on the back of players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney to name a few. Old Trafford is the best stadium in the league and if you look beyond the “Glory Hunter” fans, the United fanbase is arguably the best in England.

2. FC Barcelona (342 million)

The second most popular football club in the world is Barcelona with 342 million followers on social media and climbing. A European powerhouse, they trail only behind fierce rivals Real Madrid both in Spanish and European football. 

Barcelona’s cultural and social relevance is arguably the most important of any football club in the world, and Lionel Messi was the perfect complement to the club’s history of attractive football during his 20 years at the club.  

1. Real Madrid (363 million)

Real Madrid is the most popular football club in the world with 363 million fans. Madrid won a record eighth Champions League title in 2022 and have been crowned champions of Europe 16 times.

Madrid also won a 35th La Liga crown in 2022 and their success both in Spain and Europe has earned them generations of fans. Cristiano Ronaldo’s nine glorious seasons in Madrid only fuelled Real’s global popularity as the world’s most popular football team.

The post Most Popular Football Teams in the World: 2023 Edition appeared first on Football Blog FC.

10. Ian Wright

One of the best Arsenal players of all time, Ian Wright dominated the early years of the Premier League and scored 185 goals in 288 appearances for Arsenal. Despite his goal scoring exploits, he never played in a major tournament for England, often overlooked for players including Nigel Clough, Paul Stewart, David Hirst and Brian Deane. 

9. Kevin Keegan

Kevin Keegan is one of best English strikers of all time, winning the Ballon d’Or back-to-back in 1978 and 1979. After beginning his career at Scunthorpe United, he became a star at Liverpool and Hamburger SV.

Keegan’s career for England is a case of what could have been. Capped 31 times, the Three Lions failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 World Cup tournaments. He did captain England at Euro 1980 and played 26 minutes at the 1982 World Cup which was limited by a chronic back injury.

8. Teddy Sheringham

Teddy Sheringham’s career was marked by longevity and consistency across a 24-year career.  He had an excellent presence in the box and an ability to score crucial goals which made him a beloved figure whenever he went. 

Sheringham earned 51 caps for England, and only made his first appearance as a 27-year old. He scored 11 times, forming a formidable partnership up front with Alan Shearer until the emergence of Michael Owen limited his game time.

7. Michael Owen

Michael Owen burst onto the scene with blistering pace, which took game time off the much slower Teddy Sheringham for England. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and became the first Englishman to do so since Kevin Keegan in 1979. Owen scored 150 goals in 326 Premier League appearances, and scored 40 goals for England while featuring in five major tournaments, scoring in four of those.

One of England’s greatest ever strikers Owen is best remembered for his time at Liverpool but his move to Manchester United remains one of the most controversial Premier League transfers of all time.

6. Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney exploded onto the scene with Everton in 2002 as a 16-year old, and he went on to score 208 goals and won five Premier League titles. He was second all-time goal scorer in the EPL behind Shearer, before Harry Kane surpassed him in May 2023.

In 2003 he became the youngest player ever for England at 17 years and 111 days when he made an appearance against Australia. He made his first major competition at Euro 2004, scored 53 goals for England and played his last tournament at Euro 2016. Rooney is one of the best English football strikers of all time but could have been much higher on the list had he done better than the single World Cup goal he scored from 11 appearances in the tournament.

5. Gary Lineker

When Gary Lineker played his last game for the Three Lions at Euro 92, he fell one goal short of Bobby Charlton’s 49-goal record for the Three Lions. Before the tournament he missed a penalty against Brazil that would have brought him level with Charlton. Lineker was the ultimate goal-poacher and is fifth on our list of best English football strikers of all time. To this date he remains the only player to finish top scorer in the top-tier of England with three different teams.

4. Harry Kane

Before Harry Kane’s big money move to Bayern Munich he became Tottenham’s all time top goalscorer in March 2023. In the same month he became England’s highest ever goalscorer with his 54th goal for the Three Lions. The three-time Golden Boot winner is also the second highest goal scorer in EPL history with 213 goals and he led England to the Euro 2020 Final.

3. Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer is the greatest English striker in the Premier League era. A three-time Golden Boot winner, Shearer was unstoppable during his prime helping guide Blackburn Rovers to a shock league title in 1994-95. He’s also the greatest scorer in EPL history with 260 goals from 441 games. 

Shearer appeared for the England national team 63 times and scored 30 goals. He peaked at Euro 1996 scoring five goals to help England reach the semi-finals before being knocked out by Germany. 

2. Jimmy Greaves

Jimmy Greaves was a goal-scoring machine and he owns the record to this day of most goals in the English top-flight with 357 goals from 516 games. Greaves played with a natural scoring instinct banging in goals nonchalantly with the composure of a hitman. He finished third in the 1963 Ballon d’Or rankings and scored a very efficient 44 goals in only 57 games for England.  

1. Sir Bobby Charlton

Manchester United and English legend Sir Bobby Charlton is the best English striker of all time. He finished his international career in 1970 with 49 goals and it took until 2015 for Wayne Rooney to overtake his goalscoring record for the Three Lions. 

Charlton’s achievements in 1966 is to this day is the pinnacle of English football. He played a pivotal role in England’s 1966 World Cup victory with a brace in the semi-final, the same year he won the Ballon d’Or. 

The post 10 Best English Football Strikers of All Time appeared first on Football Blog FC.

Best Juventus Players of All Time

Italy’s most successful football club, we take a look at the 10 players to have had the greatest impact on the club. 

10. Giampiero Boniperti 

Giampiero Boniperti won five Serie A titles and is one of the best Juventus players of all time. A one-club player, he was a crucial part of the Juventus setup across 15 seasons. 

For more than 40 years he was the club’s highest goalscorer with 182 goals in all competitions. He could score with both feet and was prolific in the air. After his playing career he also served as a CEO and chairman of Juventus. 

9. Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini is one of the greatest defenders in history. A commanding presence at the back, he was exceptional at man-marking, was extremely physical and had an ability to cover a lot of ground.  

One of the best Juventus players of all time, Chiellini played 561 games for the club. He won nine Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia five times and was twice runner-up in the Champions League. 

8. David Trezeguet

A complete striker with clinical finishing ability and a natural eye for goal, David Trezeguet found the net consistently for Juventus. In 320 appearances for the club he scored 171 goals, including 25 Champions League goals. 

Trezeguet won the Serie A twice with Juventus. As a result of the 2006 Italian football scandal Juventus were relegated to the second division and lost many of its stars. Trezeguet remained at Juventus and helped the club win the Serie B title in 2006–07 and promotion to the top division. 

7. Pavel Nedved

One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Pavel Nedved was dynamic, versatile and had an ability to whip in the perfect cross. In 327 games for Juventus he scored 65 goals and had 77 assists. 

Nedved helped guide Juventus to two Serie A titles and like Trezeguet, stayed with the club during their stint in Serie B. He led the club to a UEFA Champions League Final and on an individual level earned himself the Ballon d’Or in 2003. 

6. Paolo Rossi

Paolo Rossi was a prolific striker who scored many important goals that helped win several titles for Juventus. The 1982 Ballon d’Or winner was one of the most deadly players from inside the box. 

Rossi scored 44 goals in 137 games for Juventus and guided the club to two Serie A titles. He helped win the European Cup in 1984-85 and was runner-up in 1982-83. 

5. Dino Zoff 

World-class goalkeeper Dino Zoff was a wall at the back for Juventus. He played with a high level of caution, and he had great athleticism and strength. Zoff helped guide Juventus to six Serie A titles, a UEFA Cup and was twice runner-up in the European Cup. 

Zoff was Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1973 and was extremely consistent, keeping 227 clean sheets in 473 games for Juventus. On an international level he still holds the record for the longest playing time without conceding a goal at 1,142 minutes. 

4. Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the best Juventus players of all time. Across a 28-year career he appeared 685 times for Juventus and kept 322 clean sheets. He holds the record for most appearances in the Champions League for the club with 117. 

Not only did Buffon have excellent shot-stopping abilities and reflexes, he was one of the club’s greatest leaders and was very well respected. Buffon won 10 Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia five times with Juventus. 

3. Zinedine Zidane

One of the best soccer players of all time, Zinedine Zidane was a generational talent who was unstoppable in his prime. He played with a level of elegance and was mesmerising in the Juventus midfield. 

He made a huge impact in the five years he spent at the club. Zidane helped guide Juventus to back-to-back Serie A titles, was twice runner-up in the Champions League, and was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 1998. 

2. Michel Platini 

After stints at Nancy and Saint-Étienne, Michel Platini played his final five years of his career at Juventus. The midfield maestro was at his creative best and he played the game with precision, style and flair. So good was Platini, he won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards while at the club.

The second best Juventus player of all time, Platini appeared in 223 games for the club, scored 104 times and had 49 assists. He won Serie A twice and the European Cup in 1985. 

1. Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero is the best Juventus player of all time and played a record 705 times for the club. He was technically brilliant, was a hard worker, creative, and had excellent finishing ability. 

An icon for the club, Del Piero scored 290 goals (including 42 in the Champions League) and 178 assists. He helped guide Juventus to six Serie A titles and a Champions League in 1996. 

The post 10 Best Juventus Players of All Time  appeared first on Football Blog FC.

Best Bayern Munich Players

A club that is undisputed the greatest in German history, we take a look at the 10 best Bayern Munich players of all time. 

10. Arjen Robben 

With his pace, dribbling skills and ball control, Arjen Robben helped transition Bayern Munich into the modern era of speedy wingers. His iconic left-footed cuts from the right wing became his trademark move during his 10-year career in Munich. 

Robben won 20 trophies while at Bayern Munich including eight Bundesliga titles. He scored 143 goals in 309 appearances, none more important than the 2013 Champions League Final winner which cemented his legendary status at Bayern. 

9. Philipp Lahm 

Phillip Lahm is one of the greatest fullbacks in football history and his versatility made him one of Bayern Munich’s biggest assets as he was able to play in midfield as well as on both sides of the pitch. 

Midway through the 2010-11 season Lahm became Bayern Munich captain. A true leader, he led the club to a historic treble in 2013 including a Champions League win. He also won eight Bundesliga titles and was never red carded in his entire career.  

8. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the best Bayern Munich players in history. He spent 17 seasons at the club after coming through the youth academy and he played in 500 matches across all competitions, scoring 68 goals.

Schweinsteiger played with an incredible work rate and he controlled the midfield with his excellent passing, strength, skills, and an incredible shot from range. He won eight Bundesliga titles, the DFB-Pokal seven times and the Champions League in 2013. 

7. Sepp Maier 

Across an 18-year career with Bayern Munich, Sepp Maier played a key role in 473 Bundesliga games for Bayern Munich including an incredible 442 consecutive games, a Bundesliga record. 

Maier was able to dominate the box and he kept 137 clean sheets thanks to his speed, agility and his reflexes. A remarkably consistent goalkeeper, he’s seventh on our list of best Bayern Munich players ever. 

6. Lothar Matthäus

Lothar Matthäus was intelligence and versatility personified. He excelled either as a box-to-box midfielder, as a deep-lying playmaker or even as a sweeper. He was so technically gifted he could score no matter where he played. 

Matthäus never won the Champions League but in 12 seasons with Bayern Munich he scored an impressive 121 goals from 464 games. In 1990 he also earned himself the Ballon d’or while at Inter Milan. 

5. Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn was one of the most commanding presences in football history, playing with an aggressive style combined with great mental strength, excellent reflexes, agility and technique. He won eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals and the Champions League in 2001. 

Kahn played 557 games in the Bundesliga with 429 of those at Bayern Munich. One of the greatest ever goalkeepers, he kept a-then record 204 clean sheets before Manuel Neuer overtook him in 2001. 

4. Manuel Neuer

Considered by many to be the greatest keeper of all time, Manuel Neuer is credited with revolutionising the modern day goalkeeper and is the definition of a sweeper-keeper. Tall, physically strong and athletic, he’s known for his composure and ability to adapt to any in-game situation. 

Neuer has always had complete command over his area and beyond, as he’s able to read the game and anticipate opposition plays by rushing off his line. He’s won the Bundesliga eleven times and the Champions League twice with Bayern Munich.  

3. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is one of Bayern Munich’s greatest ever players. Strong with both feet, he was physically imposing and was versatile, able to play both through the middle or out wide. 

With his pace, dribbling and heading skills he could score from both close and long range. Rummenigge helped the club earn back-to-back European Cup wins in 1983 and 1984, won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal twice, and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1980 and 1981.

2. Gerd Müller

Gerd Müller was a predator in front of goal. He was a clinical finisher, especially from close range, and he had a natural instinct for the game, able to score with his left and right feet as well as with his head. 

Muller was a four-time Bundesliga champion and he won the European Cup three times. In 607 games for Bayern Munich Muller scored 566 goals. One of football’s greatest goalscorers, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1970

1. Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer is the best Bayern Munich player in history and one of the greatest defenders of all time. He dominated in defence and he helped Bayern to four Bundesliga championships and three consecutive European Cup victories from 1974 to 1976.

Beckenbauer started out as a midfielder before making his name as a central defender, credited with popularising the modern sweeper role. So versatile was Beckenbauer he scored 57 goals in 535 games for Bayern Munich and he’s the only defender in history to win the Ballon d’Or twice. 

The post 10 Best Bayern Munich Players of All Time appeared first on Football Blog FC.

Worst Football Jersey Sponsors

It’s necessary for a football club’s survival to take on jersey sponsors. These sponsorship arrangements reek of desperation though. Let’s take a look at the worst football jersey sponsors of all time.

14. Lyon – Le69

One of the funniest and worst football jersey sponsors of all time was with the partnership between Lyon and le69. Le69 was a classified ads section in the local paper with 69 being the region number for Lyon. Did they have to print the 69 so big?

Mick McCarthy lining out (back row, far right) at Lyon giving that deathly stare #Le69 pic.twitter.com/ffg0CAzul8

— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) April 13, 2021

13. Atletico Madrid – Columbia Pictures

You can probably tell that Atletico Madrid’s jersey sponsorship with Columbia Pictures was a desperate money grab for a club that was struggling financially at the time. From Spiderman, to Bad Boys 2 and even White Chicks, there weren’t any limits to the god awful jersey designs.

Em meados do anos 2000, o Atlético de Madrid fechou uma parceria com a Columbia Pictures para estampar diversos filmes em sua camisa. O patrocínio mudava, é claro, de acordo com os novos lançamentos do cinema.

Se liga nessa nostalgia! pic.twitter.com/cTNzxFiWAc

— PELEJA (@PELEJA) April 5, 2023

12. Hull – Flamingo Land

Hull City’s jersey sponsorship deal with Flamingo Land certainly grabbed people’s attention. It’s an anticlimax for fans when a Google search reveals its just your average zoo and theme park in Hull and so Flamingo Land ends as up as one of the worst football jersey sponsors.

Every now and again I think about the time Hull unveiled Flamingo Land as their shirt sponsor pic.twitter.com/jBDD9kIjQ6

— Jack Woody (@jwoddz01) August 13, 2023

11. West Brom – No Smoking

It was common for football fans to smoke in stadiums during the 80’s. West Brom banned it at the Hawthorns in 1984 which coincided with a public service sponsorship deal with West Midlands Health Authority, serving as a reminder for fans not to smoke inside the stadium.

One of the more unusual sponsorship deals of the 80s was the one between West Brom & the West Midlands Health Authority who opted to promote their ‘no smoking’ campaign on the shirts.#wba #westbrom #westbromwichalbion #wbakit #wbashirt #footballshirtsponsor #umbro pic.twitter.com/0f3tnI8uRw

— John Devlin (@TrueColoursKits) July 27, 2021

10. Portsmouth – TY

The Portsmouth deal with TY, the makers of Beanie Babies, was an odd relationship and made for a funny jersey sponsorship deal. It’s not the sort of deal that would strike fear in the hearts of opposing teams.

Portsmouth had the plush toy company TY (Beanie Babies) as their sponsor in late 90’s/early 00’s. The advert was actual fuzzy cotton plush material! pic.twitter.com/k1DbvYjCrt

— Snax Scherzer (@TezzaCFS) October 6, 2019

9. Getafe – Burger King

You’d be forgiven for thinking Getafe players were making fast food burgers for a living. The Spanish club signed a shirt sponsorship deal with Burger King in 2009 and 10 years later, English club Stevenage did the same too.

Very happy to see that Burger King are making a comeback in the shirt sponsorship game, adorning the new @StevenageFC kits.

Fond memories of their time with @GetafeCF. pic.twitter.com/MUxPkukF3Q

— Phil Delves (@phildelves) July 2, 2019

8. Fulham – Pizza Hut

One of the worst football jersey sponsors was when Louis Saha and Co looked more like pizza delivery drivers than professional footballers with the Pizza Hut logo across the shirt front. Nevertheless it’s still a cool jersey and one of the funniest football sponsorship deals of all-time.

Louis Saha wearing Fulham’s iconic 2001/02 Pizza Hut sponsored shirt. pic.twitter.com/1KI6Wa7vlz

— Football Tweet  (@Football__Tweet) July 3, 2020

7. Scunthorpe – Pleasure Island

English club Scunthorpe had a disgusting looking jersey in 1994 which appears inspired by confetti at a kids party. There’s no doubt however the jersey sponsor Pleasure Island made every fan curious where the island of debauchery was. Unfortunately it was only the name of an amusement park which ended up closing in 2016.

A REMINDER:

Scunthorpe’s away kit in 1994, sponsored by Pleasure Island was one of the worst kits we have seen. Does anything beat it? pic.twitter.com/f5w1pOl7L5

— Football Remind (@FootballRemind) February 16, 2017

6. AC Milan – Pooh Jeans

AC Milan’s Pooh Jeans jersey sponsorship is one of the funniest and worst football jersey sponsors of all time. Milan jerseys were emblazoned with the word “Pooh” across the front much to the delight of rival fans. Unfortunately in Italian the word doesn’t refer to human excrement and is the name of a casual jeans clothing brand.

When sponsors go bad!

“Pooh Jeans” – AC Milan

What else you folks got for me? pic.twitter.com/4SNsU3iiTx

— The Kitsman (@The_Kitsman) November 2, 2019

5. Oxford United – Wang

Oxford United’s jersey sponsorship deal with Wang Laboratories is one of the funniest of all-time and seems a ridiculous sponsorship deal today. It wasn’t a deal with someone’s male anatomy. Wang was a computer company that tried to complete with IBM and Oxford won the League Cup in front of 90,000 with their Wang’s proudly on the front of their jerseys.

#OTD in 1986, Oxford Utd won the League Cup in front of a crowd of 90,000 at Wembley.

All the while with WANG emblazoned proudly across their chests. Marvellous stuff. pic.twitter.com/hgTPTFkB8E

— These Football Times (@thesefootytimes) April 20, 2022

4. St. Johnstone FC – Bonar Textiles

One of the funny and worst football jersey sponsors of all-time was Bonar Textiles sponsoring St Johnstone FC’s. It did accurately reflect the mood of the clubs fans during the early 90s following strong top tier performances after spending some time in the lower divisions of Scotland. Bonar Textiles is a textile company, but just the word Bonar appears across the front of the jersey.

DEADLOCK: Oxford United’s Wang vs St Johnstone’s Bonar pic.twitter.com/VHBMjG2GP0

— AC Black★J0ck (@ACBlackJ0ck) July 4, 2017

3. Deportivo Wanka – D.Wanka

Although not a sponsor, Peruvian football club Deportivo Wanka has their club name written on the front of their jersey in the form of D.Wanka. There’s an innocent and less entertaining explanation to the jersey reference with the previous inhabitants of the area known as the Wanka people which the club is named after.

There but for the grace of God go I !
Deportivo Wanka Wanker Polmer Home Shirt Peru 2002/03 pic.twitter.com/fS4Q6e4XxN

— Phil Lowe – Derby County Shirts (@phillowe1) November 15, 2020

2. Everton – Angry Birds

Angry Birds developer Rovio became one of the worst football jersey sponsors when they partnered with Everton in 2017 on a £1 million a season sleeve sponsorship deal. Wayne Rooney was always seen as a ticking time bomb waiting to explode so the partnership between Rooney and Red makes it one of the most funny football jersey sponsorship deals of all-time.

#RedisABlue! We’re now official partners of @Everton F.C.! Check out the new Angry Birds sponsored jersey during today’s Premier League game pic.twitter.com/jZdgO0gzbG

— Red the Angry Bird (@AngryBirds) September 17, 2017

1. Club America – Bimbo

Multinational Mexican company Bimbo has around 200 bakery plants producing mostly bread, cookies and pastries. A bimbo is an attractive but unintelligent young woman. Club America’s shirt sponsorship deal with Bimbo formed an all-time legendary cocktail with Corona and Coke.

Club America #soccer team jerseys sound like quite the party…Coke, Corona & a Bimbo. #sportsbiz #sponsorship pic.twitter.com/WAjSA4OvjQ

— J.W. Cannon (@cannonjw) August 17, 2013

The post The Worst Football Jersey Sponsors of All Time appeared first on Football Blog FC.

Best Liverpool Players

Some of the greatest players of all time have called Anfield home. We take a look at the players that have had the biggest impact at the club and are the 10 best Liverpool players in history. 

10. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez’s time in England was controversial at times but he’s one of the best Liverpool players of all time as well as one of the greatest Premier League strikers ever. In four seasons at Anfield he scored 69 goals.

His 31 goals in 33 games in 2013-14 goes down as one of the greatest ever seasons by any Liverpool player. Suarez had the pace, skill and finishing that elevated him to icon status but it’s the tenacity and passion that he played with that cements his status as a Liverpool legend. 

9. Graeme Souness

Graeme Souness only needed seven seasons at Liverpool to become one of the clubs greatest icons. The midfield general had the ability to dictate the tempo and take complete control of games. A commanding presence, he was a strong tackler and a creative maestro. 

Souness won five league titles and three European Cups at Liverpool, and he returned as manager in 1991 and led the club to FA Cup success in his first season in charge. 

8. Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher may have been playing in the wrong era, but his old-fashioned approach to defending worked as he had an impressive workrate, was strong and versatile. Carragher had a no-nonsense approach and is arguably the most loyal Liverpool player of all time. 

A one-club player, a rarity in modern football, he played 737 times for Liverpool and he won the Champions League in 2005, the UEFA Cup in 2001 and the FA Cup in 2001 and 2006.

7. Alan Hansen

Technically gifted and extremely intelligent, Alan Hansen dominated during his 13 years at Liverpool and was a major part of the club’s success during the 1980s. Jamie Carragher himself even recognised Hansen as the best centre-back to play for the club. 

Hansen was able to read the game almost telepathically and was able to anticipate plays and shutdown attacks. He won 8 league titles and three European Cups with the club and will be remembered as one of the best Liverpool players in history.

6. John Barnes

John Barnes played 314 league games and scored 84 times for Liverpool. He had speed, agility and power which made him one of the most devastating left wingers to contend with. He also shifted to central midfield with success later on in his career. 

So impactful was Barnes during his 10-year spell at the club he was Steven Gerrard’s greatest Liverpool hero growing up as is the case for many other supporters.

5. Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk joined Liverpool for £75 million in January 2018, a then-world record for a defender. Through his leadership, aerial prowess and ability to distribute the ball from the back, Van Dijk established himself quickly as one of the club’s best defenders ever.  

Van Dijk helped guide Liverpool to a Champions League title in 2019, the same year he earned Ballon d’Or runner-up. He also won the Premier League in 2020 helping to end a 30-year league title drought.

4. Ian Rush

Ian Rush enjoyed multiple spells at Liverpool and was a goal-scoring machine. In all competitions Rush is the leading scorer in the club’s history with 346 goals from 660 appearances.

Rush had predatory instincts as a striker. Naturally he could finish, had the power, speed, a great touch and intelligent positioning. While at Liverpool he helped guide the club to five league titles and the European Cup twice.

3. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is both an Egyptian and Liverpool icon and is one of the clubs best players ever. Signing from Roma for a then-club record fee of £36.9 million, Salah has excelled at Liverpool with his generational combination of dribbling, finishing and speed.   

Salah’s 32 goals from 36 games in 2017-18 is one of the greatest Premier League seasons of all time by a forward and was one of three Golden Boot seasons for him. He was also a key part of the 2018-19 Champions League winning team. 

2. Kenny Dalglish

Arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever player, Kenny Dalglish played 355 league games and scored 118 goals for the club. “King Kenny” was Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1983, won six league titles and three European Cups during the club’s golden era. 

Admired worldwide he had lightning speed which contributed to a technically brilliant pass-and-move-game. Dalglish also had great awareness, excellent vision and creativity.

Further cementing his status as a club legend was his managerial success. He won the league three times as manager of Liverpool.

1. Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard may not share the same amount of trophies as other Liverpool greats.but he was the ultimate competitor and was a hero for the entire city of Liverpool during his career. A hardworking box-to-box midfielder, he had exceptional intelligence, tactical awareness, had great skill, and was born to be a leader.

Gerrard played 504 Premier League games and scored 120 goals. He never won the league title but it wasn’t through a lack of passion or dedication. He’ll forever be remembered for his Man of the Match performance in the 2005 Champions League final. 

His goal sparked a comeback from 3-0 down and his leadership on the night forever cements his legacy as the greatest Liverpool player of all time.    

The post 10 Best Liverpool Players of All Time appeared first on Football Blog FC.

Best Barcelona Players of All Time

These legendary individuals left their mark at one of the greatest clubs ever. Let’s take a look at the best players in Barcelona’s history. 

10. Pep Guardiola

Before Pep Guardiola became a legendary coach he became a Barcelona icon as a player. Joining the club’s La Masia youth academy as a 13-year old he rose through the ranks and made his senior debut six years later in 1990. An intelligent and technically gifted defensive midfielder, he was a part of six La Liga titles for the club, and he helped win Barcelona’s first European Cup in 1992. 

9. Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique formed one of the most commanding centre back partnerships in history with Carles Puyol. Pique’s defensive ability was world class and he displayed excellent positioning, composure, intelligence and leadership. Another product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia, he returned in 2008 from a stint with Manchester United and featured in 307 league games in La Liga. He is a 9-time La Liga champion and won three Champions League crowns with Barcelona. 

8. Cesar

Cesar was one of the best centre forwards to ever play for Barcelona with an ability to score with a powerful header and by using both feet. One of the best Barcelona players ever, he won the Spanish title five times during his career. 

In addition to his excellent finishing he could create opportunities with his excellent dribbling skills and he held the record for most league goals for sixty years until Lionel Messi overtook his goal tally in 2012. 

7. Rivaldo

Rivaldo was an unstoppable force at Barcelona, winning two La Liga titles in his five years at the club. Across his 157 league games he scored 86 goals, dazzling across the pitch with his enthralling dribbling, pace, passing and finishing ability. Rivaldo’s career peaked in 1999 after winning the Ballon d’Or, the ultimate rags to riches story after overcoming physical hurdles and a tough upbringing. 

6. Johan Cruyff

The greatest player never to win the World Cup Johan Cruyff revolutionized Barcelona’s style of play. His elegance, intelligence, and technical brilliance earned him many accolades including being crowned the Ballon d’Or three times. Cruyff managed to win one La Liga title in 1973-74 and scored 48 goals in 143 league games. He also helped guide Barcelona to their first La Liga title in nearly 15 years as manager in 1990. 

5. Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol starred for Barcelona across a fifteen-year career, with ten of those spent as club captain. Beginning his career as a right-back he fast became one of the world’s best centrebacks and had a formidable partnership at the back with Gerard Pique. 

Despite his 5-foot-10 height he was physically imposing, great in the air, showed immense bravery and had a no-nonsense mentality which made him one of the most consistent defenders in the world. He won La Liga six times and the Champions League on three occasions.  

4. Ronaldinho

During his prime Ronaldinho was one of the most exciting players to watch in football history. He joined Barcelona from PSG in 2003 and in five seasons, won the Champions League in 2006, and La Liga on two occasions. His silky skill, flair and speed was a key part of the beginning of Barcelona’s domination in European football.

Ronaldinho earned himself the Ballon d’Or in 2005, the same year he became the first person since Diego Maradona to earn a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu.

3. Andrés Iniesta

Andres Iniesta was a huge part of Barcelona’s golden generation and is one of the best Barcelona players of all time. Indispensable in midfield, he had immense skill, composure and flair, and he formed a legendary trio with Xavi and Lionel Messi. 

Iniesta played 442 games in La Liga and provided 86 assists. He had an ability to take his game to another level the bigger the occasion was, earning nine La Liga championships, four Champions League titles, was awarded Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2010 and third place in 2012. 

2. Xavi

Xavi is one of the greatest midfielders ever. Beginning his career at the club as a 11-year old he was instrumental in over 500 league games for Barcelona. Able to dictate the pace of games, he could easily find space and is one of the greatest passers in history with 129 La Liga assists. In 17 years with the club he won La Liga eight times and added four Champions League titles. Xavi never won the Ballon d’Or but arguably deserved to in 2010. 

1. Lionel Messi

Arguably the best soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi is certainly the greatest player to ever play for Barcelona. The Argentine joined Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy at the age of 13 in 2000. At 17 years of age he would make his competitive debut for the club against rivals Espanyol wearing the number 30. 

By the time he left in 2021 he made the #10 his own and created an unmatched legacy in his 21 years at Barcelona. Personal accomplishments for Messi include a record 7 Ballon d’Or awards, 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League crowns, and 474 goals in 520 league games. Messi is no doubt the undisputed best Barcelona player of all time. 

The post 10 Best Barcelona Players of All Time appeared first on Football Blog FC.