Filled with tenacity, talent and a drive bred from a love of Real Madrid, Los Blancos’ homegrown heroes of the 1980s made the Bernabéu bounce again
Despite ultimately failing, the Netherlands rarely fail to entertain at the World Cup. In 1998 they came mighty close with a brilliant squad
Eden Hazard came through at Lille as a budding youngster from Belgium, made an early mark, learned from his mistakes, and left as a legend
The greatest son of his nation and a true African legend, Samuel Eto’o would forge a unique path to immortality at Barcelona in 2000s
Manchester soccer school, Fletcher Moss Rangers, have been around for 33 years and have developed professional players of both talent and decency
While the legend of Zinedine Zidane was cemented at Real Madrid and for France, his Juventus years were crucial in his path to greatness
While a generation of fans may only see him as a manager, it’s important to remember that Ronald Koeman was, long before this, a footballer like no other
A world-class goalkeeper only truly appreciated at Goodison Park, Neville Southall remains a an icon and role model for his football and his politics
Peter Schmeichel remains a legend in Manchester, believed by most to be the greatest goalkeeper ever to have protected the Old Trafford nets
Having dropped down to the third tier and faced oblivion, Real Mallorca’s rise back to LaLiga – where they surely belong – has been dramatic
One of Madrid’s lesser lights, Getafe in their short existence have risen quickly through the leagues – and they’re now in Europe under Jose Bordalas
He came in as one of football’s most intense managers and took Athletic Club to new heights – but, typically, Marcelo Bielsa left empty-handed
He came as a relative unknown in Europe, but Manuel Pellegrini would guide a host of star names to unprecedented success during five years at Villarreal
Coverciano is a glittering venue that celebrates football above all else, protecting the past while looking to the future as it shapes Italian coaches
Despite their heartbreak, the Czech Republic class of 2004 is amongst the very best to have not lifted a major international trophy
Beyond just his brilliant use of the bicycle kick, mesmerising fans the world over, Leônidas da Silva remains one of Brazil’s greatest attacking talents
While he would sadly pass away due to illness with little to his name, José Leandro Andrade remains one of South America’s greatest footballers
Ask any football follower about the greatest players to play the sport and Diego Maradona will gloriously be at the very top of most lists. A career that started and ended in…