Addie Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 No: 7 Raul Position: Striker Clubs: Real Madrid, Shalke Champions League Appearances / Goals: 142 / 71 Born winner, undisputed leader, Madrid fan at heart Widely considered to be one of the greatest players Spain has ever produced, Raul started his career with Atletico Madrid in 1990 before moving across the city to their hated rivals Real Madrid in 1992. He spent 16 years at the Spanish giants making, 741 appearances, scoring 323 goals. His time at Real was highly successful and he won 6 league titles, 3 Champions League winners medals, two Intercontinental Cups and one European Supercup. "When he plays, in his mind there is only the goal; it's the football essence. Every time they do something, you stand up over your seat" Thierry Henry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p74trcWCluo In 2009, Raul transferred to German side Shalke. He continued to play in the Champions League making 12 appearances and 5 goals. After a brief spell in the Middle East, Raul now plays in the MLS. Fun Fact: He never once received a red card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 No: 6 Ronaldo Position: Forward Clubs: Inter Milan, Real Madrid Born in one of Rio's poorest areas in 1976, Ronaldo Luis' Nazario de Lima became one of the greatest strikers of all time winning two World Cups and World Player of the Year three times. The Champions League did however allude him. He didn't make as many appearances in the Champions League as some may think; he is not on the all time appearances list (minimum of 50, but records at hand claim he scored 14 goals in the competition). This is largly down to his choice in clubs perhaps. Barcelona didn't compete in the competition during the season he was there. Inter Milan did qualify but made little impact. He started his career with Cruzero and quickly earned a call up tot he Brazilian national team. He was selected for the 1994 World Cup int he USA, but didn't play. He soon joined PSV afterwards and becoe an instant hit in the Dutch league. After scoring 42 league goals in 46 appearances, a transfer to Barcelona was next in 1996/97. Although he won the Cup Winners Cup that season scoring 47 goals in 49 appearances. This included the wonder goal below: He transferred to Inter for a world record £20m that summer as Massio Moratti began investing heavily to take Inter back tot he top of Serie A. Ronaldo settled into the Italian league well and won the UEFA cup in 1998. After a prolific few years at the San Siro, Ronald was signed for another world record (this time £30m) in 2002. His five years at Real Madrid is where he scored the majority of his Champions League goals: With Real, he won La Liga in 2002/03. Reflecting on not winning the Champions League, "Football has given me many things," he told UEFA.com. "But I live football with a passion which doesn't let me have peace for not winning the Champions League – it's surely a trophy everyone would like to win." Despite not winning the trophy, there is no denying that Ronaldo was one of the greatest players to grace the Champions League. Fun Fact: Roanldo is looking at making a comeback and playing in the MLS. Watch this space! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albino Rover Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris. Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 That's four of my five out now: MessiBrazilian Ronaldo (6th)Inzaghi (13th)Kaka (18th)Del Piero (16th) I expect Mess will be first. Surprised Kaka and Del Piero are so low down, particularly being behind Carles Puyol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albino Rover Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Disgusting behaviour, Milesy. Vanilla milkshake or GTFO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 4, 2015 Author Share Posted April 4, 2015 Raul was never an attacking midfielder. Ever. Well spotted. A typo on my part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P45 Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I'm loving they Raul goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomGuy. Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Raul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albino Rover Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Strawberry ice cream is too good to be wasted on a milkshake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ginger Prince Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I think you'll find that from BK, a chocolate milkshake is the correct answer. Anything else borders on beast territory IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 5, 2015 Author Share Posted April 5, 2015 No: 5 Clarence Seedorf Position:Midfielder Clubs: Ajax, AC Milan, Real Madrid Champions League Appearances: 125 Winner of the Champions League for a record 4 times with three difference clubs, Clarence Seedorf is the 5th highest player in Champions League appearances with 125 and chipped in 11 goals. After graduating from the much famed academy, Seedorf started his career at Ajax Amsterdam and made his debut at the age of 16 in 1993/94 season. He went on to make 90 appearances for the Dutch Giants, scoring 11 goals. It was with Ajax, he won his first Champions League in 1994/95. He also won two Dutch titles and a cup. His time at Ajax was highly successful and a transfer to Sampdoria was finalised in 1995. After a successful, individual season in Genoa, Seedorf was transferred to Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. An ever present in the Madrid side, he made 159 appearances, scoring 20 goals. He won La Liga in 1996/97 season and the Champions League the following season. Massio Moratti's heavy investment into Inter Milan sparked a 23m Euro transfer to the San Siro in 1999. Although he made 93 appearances in just two seasons, Inter failed to land any silverware in the two seasons there. In 2002, Seedorf transferred across to rivals AC MIlan. A club he would go on to spend 10 seasons with and win two League Titles and two Champions League Trophies in 2002/03 & 2006/07. Seedorf's website also states: 'He has also won many individual accolades like being awarded the Dutch Talent of the Year title in 1993 and 1994. He has also been quoted in the FIFA 100 list. He was included in the UEFA Team of the Year on two occasions – 2002 and 2007.' After a spell in Brazil, Seedorf returned to AC Milan for a brief spell as manager in Jan 2014. He was allegedly sacked by email in June 2014 but continues to be a highly rated pundit. Speaking with Four Four Two, Seedorf reflects back on the Champions League: "Emotions, memories – more good ones than bad ones, fortunately," he said as he reflected on the competition. "But specifically great moments of entertainment, great football, unforgettable evenings. I think that's what it's all about: experience, emotions and the special touch that the Champions League brings on and off the field." Fun Fact: Clarence Seedorf received a Dutch Knighthood in 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONKMAN Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 With Maldini and Seedorf occupying 8th and 5th respectively, it's looking like my 5 picks will all place within the top 8. Not bad at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 5, 2015 Author Share Posted April 5, 2015 No: 4 Ronaldinho Position: Attacking Midfield / Forward Clubs: Barcelona, AC Milan Champions League Goals: 18 One of the most gifted players of his generation, Ronaldinho started his career in his native Brazil with Gremio before transferring to PSG in 2001 for two seasons. His time in France wasn't really successful and was marred by rifts with coach, Luis Fernandez (he claimed Ronaldinho liked the Paris nightlife). He did make an impact ont he pitch individually though and Barcelone snapped him up in 2003. His 5 years at Barcelona was the most memorable of his career. He won the Champions League in 2005/06 beating Arsenal in the final. He made a total of 207 appearances scoring a remarkable 94 goals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tleu8jv_zeE He was one of the few palyers to recieve an standing ovation at the Bernabeau for tearing apart Real in El Classico in the 05-06 season. Ronaldinho liked a good night out still; and his physical condition was deteriorating and Barcelona felt it was time for a new challenge for him and the club. After turning down Manchester City, he joined Milan in July 2008. With Milan, he won the Scudetto in 2010/11 but failed to win the Champions League. He made 95 appearances, scoring 26 goals. Ronaldinho now plays in the Mexican league, but is rumoured to be joining a side in Angola. Fun Fact: Ronaldinho nearly moved to St Mirren on loan. 'I learned all about life with the ball at my feet' Ronaldinho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONKMAN Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 Zidane, Cristiano and Messi to occupy top 3 spots. Fairly reasonably considering they're the 3 best players of my lifetime and the champions league era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 5, 2015 Author Share Posted April 5, 2015 So then. 3 to go. Who do you think will be third? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smurph Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albertlegend Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 Great list and a great write up, I was very surprised Ronaldinho only scored 18 goals in the Champions League Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 5, 2015 Author Share Posted April 5, 2015 No 3 Cristiano Ronaldo Position: Forward Clubs: Man Utd, Real Madrid Champions League Appearances / Goals: 111 / 75 Cristiano Ronaldo was born in 1985 in Madeira, Portugal and signed for Lisbon Giants Sporting in 2002. His 31 appearances and 5 goals in a season where he played for all their youth teams and first team (being on the only Sporting player to do so in one season) caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson who paid over £12m to bring him to Old Trafford in 2003/04 season. Sir Alex Ferguson said of the new signing: "After we played Sporting last week the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly, and on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him - that's how highly they rated him. He is one of the most exciting young players I have ever seen.' Ronaldo was an instant hit at Man Utd. He made 292 appearances, scoring 118 goals. It was with the Red Devils, that Ronaldo made his debut in the Champions League. He made 52 appearances with Man Utd in the competition, scoring 15 goals. With Man Utd, he won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and the Champions League in 2007/08. He was also a runner up in 2008/09. In 2009, Real Madrid made a world record £80m transfer. Ronaldo didn't worry too much about the record fee and quickly settled into the side, scoring on his debut in La Liga. To date he has made 286 appearances, scoring 294 goals. Here is 250 of them... With Real, he has won La Liga, two Copa Del Rey's and the Champions League in 2013/14 in Lison, beating local rivals Atletico Madrid, scoring a penalty in extra time. "He has magic in his boots. The first thing you notice about him is that he is incredibly quick and very, very powerful for such a young man. He has great, close control and his technique is excellent. He believes he can do anything with the ball, and that confidence makes him very special indeed." - Eusebio "He makes the most difficult plays look easy." - Henrik Larsson "[He's] a world star in football like Michael Jordan was in basketball ... They have both been blessed with a genius that has never been seen before." - Carlos Queiroz "Cristiano is unique for his talent and professionalism – he is also extraordinarily consistent… [He] is an outstanding professional. He's committed to the team and the club, he doesn't talk much, but he is a leader." - Carlo Ancelotti He has won numerous personal awards including two Ballon d'Ors (he is the current holder) and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Cristiano Ronaldo is No 3 on the list. Some may think he deserves to be higher up, but the results were very clear, but no doubt will generate discussion. Fun Fact: He owns his own fashion boutique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 6, 2015 Author Share Posted April 6, 2015 No: 2 Zinedine Zidane Position: Midfield Clubs: Juventus, Real Madrid Champions League Appearances / Goals: 80 / 14 Zinedine Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972. He began his youth career at Cannes in 1989, before moving to Bordeaux three years later. After some very impressive performances, he joined Champions League winners Juventus in 1996. His time at the Stadio Deli Alpi was a successful one domestically, but he lost two champions league finals to Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively in 1996/97 and 97/98 seasons. Despite failing to land a Champions League trophy, his time with Juventus seen the club land the Scudetto twice and one Coppa Italia. In 2001, Real Madrid paid a world record £50m for the French International. It was with Real Madrid, he would go on to 225 appearances, scoring 49 goals up until his retirement from the game in 2006. His time at Madrid was highly successful individually and was recognised by his inclusion to the Best Foreign Player in Real's history. As part of the Gallactico era at Real Madrid, Zidane only won La Liga once, but was a Champions League winner at Hampden Park against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. He also scored one of the greatest goals int he competition in the 2-1 win. “I feel that volley was a beautiful and unique goal,” said the maestro later. “I don’t plan those goals – you just have to be ready when the opportunity appears. I hit it —precisely, quickly and just right. I remember thinking how lucky I was to catch the ball at the right angle and height.' Zidane is without a doubt one of the greatest players to have graced the game, and needless to say he has won numerous awards. A world cup winner in 1998, Euro 2000 winner, Ballan d'Or (1998) among others. Real Madrid describe the midfielder A genius. Zinedine Zidane marked an era in world football with his elegance and technical skills. Blessed with natural talent for this sport, the French midfielder won everything that could possibly be won, both with his clubs as well as with the French national team. He is currently a coach at Real Madrid. Fun Fact: He has four sons and all of them are with the youth team at Real Madrid. Well done Zizou - you made it to No 2. Here it is again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 6, 2015 Author Share Posted April 6, 2015 No: 1 Lionel Messi Position: Forward Club: Barcelona Champions League Appearances / Goals: 94 / 75 "For me, to watch Messi play is a pleasure – it’s like having an orgasm – it’s an incredible pleasure." - Luis Figo "Once they said they can only stop me with a pistol. Today you need a machine gun to stop Messi." - Hristo Stoichkov "Newton and Einstein had a certain level of autism - I hope that, like them, Messi surpasses himself every day and continues to give us his beautiful brand of football." - Romario "Messi is class. There is him, and then there is the rest. What he does is extraordinary." - Franck Ribery Described as the the player who would one day inherit his place as the greatest Argentine player by Diego Maradonna, Lionel Messi began his youth career at Newell's Old Boys in his native Argentina. In 2003, he joined Barcelona and with the Catalan Giants, has won 6 League titles, two Copa Del Rey's and three Champions League Trophies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW2UWuPTekk Messi was the top scorer for four seasons in a row in the Champions League. 2008/09 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 9 goals (12 appearances) 2009/10 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 8 goals (11 appearances) 2010/11 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 12 goals (13 appearances) 2011/12 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) 14 goals (11 appearances) Although Cristiano Ronaldo has been compared to Messi on numerous occasions to determine who is the best, this poll was very clear cut; Messi was the runaway leader from the off. Pele even added his tuppence in (through FourFourTwo) "They are two great players, but in the past 10 years the best in the world was Messi." A living legend in world football, Lionel Messi heads the list and needs no real description on how good he is. It's there for all to see. Fun Fact: Lionel Messi became the youngest player to score 200 goals in the Spanish La Liga at the age of 25. He also holds the Guinness World Record title for scoring the most goals in a single calendar year. Lionel Messi also holds the record of scoring most consecutive league matches in a competitive league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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