1. Pele
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| "It seems that God brought me to Earth with a mission to play soccer," Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (Pelé) |
Born Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (better known as Pelé) is known as a legend and the best soccer player to ever play the game. He was raised in a very poor family in Tres Coracos, Brazil and his parents, Dondinho and Celeste Nascimento called Edson "Dico," growing up. He first learned the game of soccer from his father, Dondinho, who was a decent center forward until his career was halted by a fractured leg
Pelé began playing soccer for a local minor-league club when he was a teenager. When he wasn't playing soccer he shined shoes for pennies. He was discovered at the age of 11 by one of the country's premier players, Waldemar de Brito. When Brito brought Pelé to Sao Paulo he declared to the disbelieving directors of the professional team in Santos, "This boy will be the greatest soccer player in the world."
He was right! Pelé's impact was immediate! On his first appearance for the team, against Corinthians F.C., he scored a goal right away. He was only 16.
Pelé went on to play in four World Cups with Brazil's National Team. At the 1958 World Cup in Sweden -- one he nearly missed because of a knee injury -- Pelé stunned the world scoring six goals, including two in the championship game to help Brazil win its first World Cup 5-2 over Sweden. He was only 17 years-old, but a legend was born.
An average-sized man, he was blessed with speed, great balance, tremendous vision, the ability to control the ball superbly, and the ability to shoot powerfully and accurately with either foot and with his head.
Four years later he played on Brazil's World Cup team at in the finals in Chile, but an injury suffered in the first game of the tournament prevented him from helping Brazil win its second title.
Wealthy European clubs offered massive fees to sign the young player, but the government of Brazil declared Pelé an official national treasure to prevent him from being transferred out of the country.
At the 1966 World Cup in England, Pelé was the victim of some brutal tackles from Bulgarian and Portuguese defenders and left the finals injured and in tears. But the best of Pelé was still to come.
At the 1970 finals in Mexico, the 29-year-old Pelé, led one of the greatest teams ever assembled to win Brazil's third World Cup. In the 4-1 title triumph over Italy, Pelé, scored a glorious goal. It was Brazil's 100th World Cup goal, and the one he remembers the most.
"I have a special feeling for that goal because I scored it with my head," he said. "My father was a soccer player and once scored five goals in a game, all with his head. That was one record I was never able to break."
Pelé's statistics are staggering. During his career he scored 1,280 goals in 1,360 games, second only to another Brazilian, Arthur Friedenreich, who recorded 1,329 goals. He scored an average of a goal in every international game he played--the equivalent of a baseball player's hitting a home run in every World Series game over 15 years.
At the club level he shattered records in Brazil. He scored 127 goals for Santos F.C. in 1959, 110 in 1961 and 101 goals in 1965, and led the club to two World Club championships.
Pelé also holds the world record for hat tricks (92) and the number of goals scored on the international level (97). His statistics are all the more amazing when compared to today's top players who can barely score more that 30 goals in a season.
He retired from the game in 1974, but came out of retirement the following year to play in the North American Soccer League for the New York Cosmos for just over two seasons. A reported 7-million-dollar contract for three years made him the highest paid soccer player of the North American Soccer League.
His appearance in the NASL gave the American League instant credibility and made millions of Americans aware of the sport, he dubbed the "beautiful game." He said he came out of retirement, not for the money, but to "make soccer truly popular in the United States."
During his career he played in 93 full internationals for Brazil and in all first class matches scored a remarkable 1,280 goals, second only to Artur Friedenreich, another Brazilian, who holds the world record with 1,329.
In many ways, Pelé was the complete athlete. With his skill and agility, he could have played in any position on the field, but he chose on wearing the number-10 shirt as an inside-left forward. He had great balance, which enabled him to dribble effortlessly around defenders, and his heading ability was remarkable.
On Oct. 1, 1977, Pelé's mission in the NASL ended. His last match, an exhibition game between the Cosmos and Santos, was sold out six weeks beforehand, covered by 650 journalists and broadcast in 38 nations.
Muhammad Ali embraced him in the locker room before the match and said, "Now there are two of the greatest." In a speech to dignitaries, celebrities and more than 75,000 fans, Pelé urged his audience to pay attention to the children of the world. At his request, the assemblage shouted, "Love! Love! Love!"
Then he went out and played the first half for the Cosmos -- scoring a goal on a rocket from 30 yards out -- and the second half for Santos.
On Pelé's retirement, J.B. Pinheiro, Brazil's ambassador to the U.N., said Pelé had "spent 22 years playing soccer, and in that time he has done more for goodwill and friendship than all of the ambassadors ever appointed."
In addition to his great accomplishments in soccer, he published several best-selling autobiographies, starred in several documentary and semi-documentary films, and composed numerous musical pieces, including the entire sound track for the film 'Pelé' (1977). He was the 1978 recipient of the International Peace Award, and in 1980 he was named athlete of the century.
In 1993, Pelé was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and is the former ambassador of sports in Brazil. He has also done extensive work for children's causes through UNICEF.
In 2000, Pelé was named second for the "Sportsman of the Century" award. The legendary Muhammad Ali got the honors.
www.latinosportslegends.com (Written by Ozzie Gonzalez)
2. Maradona
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| "I don't for a second regret scoring that goal with my hand."- Diego Maradona |
Diego Armando Maradona is arguably the greatest footballer that has ever put on a pair of boots. He is born in the slums of Villa Fiorito near Buenos Aires as the fifth of eight children. Maradona enters professional football at the astonishing age of 15. By the time he turns 16, Diego is called in the senior national squad of Argentina. Regardless of his talent, Diego is considered too young by coach Cesar Menotti, who rejects him from his selection for the 1978 World Cup. Bitterly disappointed, Maradona watches the tournament from home as his country wins gold. In the following four years, Diego dominates his country's domestic league and is eventually added to the Argentine squad for Spain 1982.
Argentina advances from the first stage of the tournament by losing to Belgium, but beating Hungary and Salvador. Maradona manages to leave his mark with two beautiful, yet not critical goals. In the the second stage of the tournament, Maradona is manhandled by his Italian marker Claudio Gentile. Diego's frustration gets him sent off. Argentina fails to advance and Diego is again suppressed from unleashing his full potential. Although unsuccessful, the brilliance of the Argentine footballer does not go unnoticed and after the World Cup, he is picked up by European powerhouse Barcelona. By 1984, Maradona had established himself in Barca and is picked up by the Italian club Napoli.
At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Maradona makes his return on the World stage in a spectacular fashion. After leading his team to a quarter final against England, Diego steals the attention of millions with both his controversial character and technical brilliance. The fuss around the Argentina-England encounter is further elevated by the Falkland Islands conflict, which at that time had turned both countries against each other. Diego opens the game 1-0 by striking the ball with his hand over the English goalkeeper Shilton. Unnoticed by the referees, the mishap is ruled a goal. Five minutes later, Maradona single handedly takes the ball through the entire English defense with a slalom from midfield right down to the goal line. After the match, when confronted with the video footage of the illegal goal, Maradona replies simply "Even if there was a hand, it must have been the hand of God." Maradona silenced his critics by deciding the following semi and final matches. By scoring two goals in the first and with an assist in the second, Maradona practically earns the World Cup for his nation.
Maradona's influence on his teammates was carried over to his club side Napoli, as they reached unprecedented heights, winning their very first and second Scudetto (1997 and 1990) and the UEFA Cup in 1988/99.
At Italy 1990, all eyes are on Argentina and its brightest star Diego Maradona. Diego comes close to replicating his success from four years ago. With Maradona's ability, Argentina defeats Brazil, Yugoslavia and Italy on its way to the final. Most memorable is the semi-final match between Argentina and Italy played at Diego's club home Naples. To the torment of Maradona, the fans at his own club stadium boo him during the match. Nevertheless, Argentina eliminates Italy after a penalty shootout. The final of the 1990 World Cup, leaves Diego helpless as Argentina are defeated 0-1 by West Germany with a goal from a questionable penalty.
The 1994 World Cup confirms that Diego's career in international football is over. He is suspended again after failing yet another doping test. Hurt by his absence, Argentina is eventually eliminated by Romania in the second stage.
Shortly after, Diego takes on a new career path as a coach. He fails miserably again, unable to remain at a single club for more than four months. By 1995, Maradona is forced to return to the game as a player. He goes back to his former club Boca Juniors, and remains there until his last match on 25th of October 1997. Five days later, during his 37th birthday, Maradona announces his retirement from football. Up until 2001, Diego remains away from the playing pitch, periodically entering rehab for cocaine abuse. Diego plays his farewell match on the 10th of November 2001 against a select team comprised by some of the greatest footballers in the game including Ferrara, Suker, Stoichkov, Cantona, Higuita, and Romario. One year earlier, Maradona is voted Best Football Player of the Century by a global Internet poll. Controversy is stirred yet again, by his nearly unanimous victory. FIFA, who find Maradona's personal image as the 'King of Football' unacceptable, decide to give the same award to Pelé as the Best Footballer for the first half of the century.
http://expertfootball.com/players/maradona/biography.php
3. Gerd Muller
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| We didn't notice the pressure, we were shielded (from it..)-Gerd Muller |
Gerd Muller is one of the greatest goal scorers in world football. Muller is a Bayern Munich legend. Muller represented West Germany at International level. Muller is currently an assistant manager of Bayern Munich second team. Muller won the European footballer of the year award in 1970.He holds the records of all-time top goal scorer in Bundesliga as well as the all time top goal scorer for West Germany. He won world cup with West Germany in 1974.In 2000, Muller was named as the all time greatest goal scorer in world football. In Nordlingen, there is a stadium renamed after his name, “Gerd-Muller-Stadion.”
Gerhard “Gerd” Muller was born at Nordlingen in Germany on 3rd November 1945.Der Bomber, Bomber der nation are two of his nicknames. Muller started his football journey with youth team of TSV 1861 Nordlingen, in 1960. In 1963, he made it to the senior team of Nordlingen. Amazingly, he scored 51 goals in just 32 matches for Nordlingen. In 1964, Muller moved to then Regionalliga Sud team Bayern Munich. He was an integral part of the Bayern Munich’s golden era. Muller helped Bayern to win German cup in 1966, 1967, 1969, and 1971.In 1967, he won the cup winners cup with Munich. Muller was the German Footballer of the year in 1967 as well as 1969.In 1976, he helped Munich to win Intercontinental cup. Muller was the top scorer in Germany in 1967, 1969, 1970,1972,1973,1974 and 1978.Muller helped Bayern Munich to win Bundesliga title in 1969. 1972,1973 and 1974.He helped Bayern Munich to win three consecutive European Champions cup from 1974 to 1976.He was the top scorer in European champions cup during 1973,1974,1975 and 1977. Muller scored 66 goals in European club competitions and it is a record. He was the European top scorer in 1970 and 1972.He holds the record of highest number of goals scored in single Bundesliga season with 40 and he set it in 1972.Muller has scored 365 goals in Bundesliga for Bayern Munich from 427 matches.
In 1979, Muller moved to USA and signed up for NASL side Fort Lauderdale Strikers team. Muller scored 40 goals in 80 matches for Fort Lauderdale. In 1981, he bid adieu to football. Muller scored staggering 572 goals in 669 matches during his club level career. He became a coach of Bayern Munich second team and he is with them for almost 3 decades.
Muller made his debut for West Germany in 1966.He was the top scorer in 1970 world cup with 10 goals. Muller helped West Germany to win world cup in 1974.He scored four goals during the world cup and winning goal was his contribution. He is the second highest goal scorer in world cups with 14 goals. Muller helped West Germany to win the 1972 European championships. He was the top scorer in that tournament with four goals. Muller scored 68 goals for West Germany in just 62 goals, which is a remarkable feat. Gerd Muller is certainly in the league of players like Pele, Maradona etc, with his amazing goal scoring feats.
http://www.footballteamplayers.com/gerd-muller-biography.html
4. Lev Yashin
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Bobby Charlton
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| “I'd like to see it. It's either a goal or it's not and at least we'd know. It would only take 15 seconds for a decision. Why not, when the stakes are so high?”-sir Bobby Charlton |
Sir
Bobby Charlton is certainly among the greatest footballers ever to play
for Manchester united and England. Sir Bobby Charlton led England to
world cup win in 1966.He won European footballer of the year in 1966.
He survived 1958 Munich air tragedy to came back and play major role in
Manchester United’s resurgence. He is still very much a part of current
successful era. He got the knighthood for his accomplishments on
football field. He captained Manchester United to European cup win in
1968, and it is unique as they were the first English team to achieve
that feat. He held the record for maximum number of appearances (758)
for Manchester united until Ryan Giggs surpassed it. Bobby Charlton
still holds the record of most number of goals scored for Manchester
United as well as England. Bobby Charlton has been an ambassador of
Manchester United and he promoted the club globally in a big way.
Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton was born on October 11th
1937 at Ashington in England. Joe Armstrong a renowned scot for
Manchester united spotted Bobby Charlton at an age of 15 and he took
him to youth squad. Amazingly, Charlton was from a family with
professional footballers. His older brother played for Leeds united,
while his uncle in his playing days represented Newcastle United.
Charlton played his first senior level match for Manchester united in
1956.He was a part of the famous Busby Babes group under Sir Matt
Busby. Charlton won the league with Manchester United in his first
season. In 1958, Manchester united reached the semi-finals of European
cup and they were the first English team to participate in that
competition.
However sadly on February 6th
1958, the aircraft carrying Manchester united players after the match
against Red Star Belgrade, crashed in Munich. Eight Manchester united
players along with other 15 people passed away that day. However,
20-year-old Charlton survived the crash as he exchanged his seat with
his teammate. Death of the players affected the strength of the team.
Weakened Manchester united team lost the European cup semi finals,
against AC Milan. Moreover, they lost the FA cup final to Bolton
wanderers 2-1. In 1960/1961 season, Charlton scored 20 goals to be the
top scorer for Manchester united that season. In 1962/1963 season,
Charlton won FA cup with Manchester United. This marked the renaissance
of Manchester united under Sir Matt Busby. In 1963/1964 season
Manchester united made it to the quarterfinals of European cup winners’
cup as well as they finished runners-up in the league. In 1965,
Charlton won the league again with Manchester united. Charlton again
won the league in 1967 though he had a subdued season. Charlton scored
two goals in the 4-1 win over Benefica in that 1968 European cup final.
Charlton lifted the European cup as Manchester United captain. The
following years were not successful ones for Manchester United. In
1973, Charlton left Manchester united. Bobby Charlton is still the top
goal scorer for Manchester United with 249 goals. During the final
seasons of his career, he played for Preston North End, Waterford,
Arcadi Shepherds, Bangor City, Newcastle KB, and Black Town City.
Bobby
Charlton managed Preston North End as caretaker during 1973.he worked
as caretaker manager of Wigan Athletic. In addition, he worked there as
director for some time. After Sir Matt Busby’s resignation, Bobby
Charlton became a director of Manchester United and he is very much
active even now. City of Manchester showed their appreciation to
Charlton by giving him Freedom of the city, in 2009.
Bobby
Charlton started his England career while playing against Scotland in
the British Home Championship match that England won 4-0.He was in the
1958 world cup squad. However, he did not play any match. In 1962 world
cup, he was a regular in the England team. Charlton scored against
Argentina, which England won 3-1 to enter quarterfinals. 1966-world cup
turned out to be glorious one for Charlton. England drew their first
match against Uruguay. They won 2-0 against Mexico and Charlton scored
a goal in that match. They won 2-0 against France to reach
quarterfinals. They went past Argentina 1-0 to reach semi final.
Charlton scored two goals in the match against Portugal as England
entered the final. England won its first world cup 4-2 in the extra
time. Charlton won the European footballer of the year in 1966.He
scored record-breaking 45th goal for England while playing
against Sweden. England reached the semi-finals of the European
championship held in 1968.England clinched the third place defeating
Soviet Union by a score of 2-0. He scored 49 goals for England and it
remains as the most number of goals scored by an English player. He
played his fourth and final world cup in 1970.England reached the
quarterfinals where they lost to Germany. After the world, cup Charlton
bid adieu to international football at an age of 32.
http://www.footballteamplayers.com/sir-bobby-charlton.html
6. Eusebio
Full name: Eusébio da Silva Ferreira
Date of birth: 25 January 1942 (1942-01-25) (age 68)Place of birth: Lourenço Marques, Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique)
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Forward
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, known by the playing name of Eusébio,
(born January 25, 1942 in Lourenço Marques [now Maputo], Mozambique)
nicknamed “The Black Pearl or “The Black Panther” is a Portuguese
football icon. He is considered to be one of the best of his time and
is arguably one of the great all-time players. His trademarks were his
speed, quick dribble and a fierce, tremendously accurate right-footed
strike.In 1961, Eusébio joined Benfica as a 19 year old from his local club, Sporting Club of Lourenço Marques, for £7500, and immediately became a crucial element on the team. He made his debut for the Portuguese national team that year as well, against Luxembourg, in 19 October 1961, even if his country lost 2-4. In 1962, he won the European Cup, scoring two goals in the final against Puskás’ and Di Stéfano’s Real Madrid CF. Benfica won 5-3.
He was the leading scorer in the 1966 World Cup where he scored nine goals, including four against North Korea. He was the 1965 European Footballer of the Year and in 1968 was the first winner of the Golden Boot Award, as Europe’s leading scorer, a feat he repeated five years later. The Portuguese League’s top scorer seven times from 1964 to 1973, he helped Benfica to 10 league championships and 5 cup wins. He scored an outrageous 727 goals in 715 matches wearing Benfica’s jersey. Eusébio was the all-time leading scorer for his country, with 41 goals (in 64 matches), until Pauleta surpassed his record against Latvia on October 12, 2005. His last game for the National Team was a 2-2 draw with Bulgaria on October 19, 1973 in a World Cup qualifier.
In 1976/77 and 1977/78, Eusébio played for two minor Portuguese teams, SC Beira-Mar, in I Division, and União de Tomar, in the II Division. He scored a total of 733 goals in the Portuguese League.
He also played in the North American Soccer League, for three different teams, from 1975 to 1977: Boston Minutemen (1975), Toronto Metros-Croatia (1976) and Las Vegas Quicksilver (1977). His most successful season in the NASL was in 1976 with the Toronto Metros. He scored in their 3-0 victory at the 76 Soccer Bowl to win the NASL title.
1976 was a busy year for Eusébio, he also played ten games for CF Monterrey in the Mexican league.
The following season (1977) he signed for the Las Vegas Quicksilvers. This was to be a very disappointing end to Eusébio’s glorious career. By this time injuries had taken their toll on the Black Panther, and he was constantly receiving medical treatment whilst playing for the Quicksilvers. During the season he only managed to score 2 goals, a poor return for a striker of his calibre. At the end of the 1977 season Eusébio’s knees finally “called it a day” and he later returned to Portugal. However, some sources state that Eusébio did play some games for the “New Jersey Americans” of the American Soccer League II during their 1978 campaign.
Despite being retired, Eusébio is a constant presence among the Portuguese national team where the players see him as a sort of inspiration and source of moral support.
http://sportsvideo24.com/eusebio-biography.html
7. Alfredo di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano is right up there with Pele and Maradona if you list
out the best footballers’ ever. He was an absolute revelation during
his Real Madrid days, helping them to five consecutive European cups.
He initially played for Argentina, Columbia national teams and later he
changed his allegiance to Spain where he made his mark. Royal Spanish
Football Federation selected Di Stefano as their Golden player of last
five decades in 2003. Currently he is Real Madrid’s honorary president.
He was the European footballer of the year in 1957 and 1959.real Madrid
has named their practise ground as Alfredo di Stefano stadium. You can have di Stefano wallpapers from here.
Alfredo Di Stefano Laulhe was born on 4th July in 1926 at
Buenos Aires. “Saeta Rubia” is his nickname. At the age of 17, Di
Stefano started his football career with one of the top Argentinean
club, River Plate in 1943.He played for Huracan during 1946 season as
loanee. He won Argentinean league during 1945 and 1947 seasons with
River plate. He was league top scorer in 1947.He scored 49 goals for
River plate during his stint with them. He moved to Columbian league
team Millionaires of Bogota in 1949 following a strike by footballers
in Argentina. He won four Columbian championships with Bogotá. He also
won Columbian cup, and two other cups with Bogota. He was the top
scorer in Columbian league during 1951 and 1952 seasons.
He moved to real Madrid in 1953.This transfer involved bitter dispute
between Barcelona and real Madrid, which lead to government
intervention. It happened as there was too much confusion and bullying
involved .At first Di Stefano signed a contract with Barcelona in 1953,
with permission from FIFA, as they thought that he moved from River
Plate club who had rights over him. However, they were not aware of the
fact that Stefano left Millionaires club without their permission.
Spanish football federation did not ratify the deal. His ownership was
a complex deal as Millionaires had rights over him until 1954 and river
plate had rights from 1955 onwards, so that meant, any transfer deal
must involve the consent of two clubs. Millionaires’ club complained
about Di Stefano’s transfer, with FIFA. The responsibility fell on
Spanish football federation to solve it. There were division of
opinions in Barcelona’s board regarding the transfer. While Di Stefano
came to Spain, president of Real Madrid convinced him to join the
Madrid club. However Spanish government made a decision, which allowed
Stefano to play for 2 seasons with Barcelona and 2 seasons with Real
Madrid. This lead to the resignation of Barcelona president as public
went furious about this. However, Di Stefano went to play for Real
Madrid until 1964.
He is certainly a legend of Real Madrid. He was part of a great
striking pair, which involved Puskas. Di Stefano won eight Spanish
league titles with Real Madrid. He won the top scorers trophy five
times during his stint with real Madrid. He was instrumental in five
consecutive European cup wins of Real Madrid from 1956 to 1960.He won
two Latin cups, intercontinental cup in 1960,copa del Rey in 1962 and
pequena copa del Mundo de clubes in 1956 with Real Madrid. He won
European player of the year awards twice, in 1957 and 1959.He scored 49
goals in 58 European cup matches for real Madrid. His performances
yielded him four “Spanish player of the year” awards. He joined
Espanyol in 1964 and retired from club football in 1966.He scored 227
goals while playing in Spain. He scored 377 goals in 521 matches he
played during his career. Watch out for amazing Alfredo goals here.
Di Stefano played for Argentina, Columbia, and Spain. He played overall
41 games .He never had the chance to play in world cup due to
circumstances. Argentina did not participate in 1950 world cup. In 1954
he was ineligible for Spain. He got citizenship in 1956. He helped
Spain, to qualify for 1962-world cup. However he did not play in it due
to injury. He bid adieu to International football that year.
fter retiring from playing career, he became manager. He coached Elche,
Boca juniors (1969/1970, 1985) Valencia (1970to1974, 1979/1980,
1986-1988), sporting, Rayo Vallecano, Castellon, River Plate, and Real
Madrid (1982-1984, 1990/1991). He won Argentinean league titles with
Boca Juniors as well as River Plate. He won Spanish league, European
cup winners’ cup Copa Del Rey while managing Valencia.
http://www.footballteamplayers.com/alfredo-di-stefano-biography.html
