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Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan ; image credit thebiglead.com

Definitely American soccer has come a long way, especially after United States was awarded the 1994 World Cup even without their own league. In that time there were in fact not enough USA soccer players registered with professional clubs in premier division leagues. The 1994 World Cup finals smashed FIFA’s attendance records in prior events. Still America had to struggle to establish soccer as a popular sport for the public. But for now a time, we all know the changed scenario. There are a so many American Soccer Players ply their trade for major clubs in Europe, in respect with the previous condition. So finding out 10 best American soccer players or USA soccer players means only the consideration after 1994. The US Soccer Team has had mixed results in terms of their actual World Cup performances. The 1998 and 2006 group exits have been counterbalanced by a historic visit to the quarterfinals in 2002.

Also a place in the round of 16 in 2010 remarks the comfortable growing of soccer in America. Of course the 2014 Brazil World Cup was a bit tough job for such a soccer-developing country like USA. Anyway, there has been enough big names in the arena of American soccer that can easily prove this sport is very much on the upswing. And these best American soccer players are capable of competing with the very best the sport has to offer at current stage.

Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players:

Some of the best American soccer players have found major success while playing in European clubs. There are also others, who have mostly seen their careers flourish while competing at home in MLS (American Soccer League). Anyway it’s already proven that the USA soccer players are good enough to compete with the best in the world football.

Also Read: Top 10 best soccer players in the world 2015

                    Top 10 most popular sports in America

Along with helping the USA National Soccer Team, some younger players are coming up the ranks.

Let’s check out, who are the best American Soccer players since 1994?

10. Kasey Keller

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Kasey Keller
Kasey Keller ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Actually Kasey Keller is a native of Olympia. And probably WA never experienced a ton of World Cup success like him. He went to four finals, where he was considered the number one keeper for a less confident US side. Yes, those USA soccer players failed to make the round of 16 in 2006. But surely his reputation overseas set new standards for where American goalkeepers could ever imagine.

Kasey Keller played regularly for Borussia Monchengladbach, Millwall, Rayo Vallecano, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Obviously he was the first American soccer player to be a regular in the English, German and Spanish top competitions. With 101 caps to his name, Kasey Keller is now a color commentator for the Seattle Sounders, where he closed out his playing days of soccer world.

Also Read: Top 10 best English Premier League Goalkeepers in 2015

09. Tim Howard

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Tim Howard
Tim Howard ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

I think Tim Howard’s achievements as a goalkeeper are even bigger. If you try to consider the way he’s fared on an international stage, you will definitely find much more difficulties. The New Jersey native got his start between the sticks for Manchester United. Before that time, he became the permanent fixture at Everton in English Premier League. The great American soccer player has racked up 97 caps with the USMNT. Previously he was also the number one keeper at the South Africa World Cup 2010 and Brazil World Cup 2014.

May be at 35 years of age, it was his last appearance in a World Cup finals and we all know he tried the best out of him. Tim Howard is considered the number 9 of our list of top 10 best American soccer players in 2015.

Also Read: Top 10 most paid soccer players in the world 2015

08. Cobi Jones

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Cobi Jones
Cobi Jones ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Relatively brief stints with Coventry City in England and Vasco da Gama in Brazil, Cobi Jones would find by far his greatest club success as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy from 1996. But as a matter of fact he has retired in 2007 and became an assistant coach with the Galaxy for recent years. He was a very remarkable among the then USA soccer players.

He is the most capped player to ever don the Stars and Stripes in international fields. With 164 caps and 15 goals to his name, he is the 8th of this list of top 10 best American soccer players in 2015. After appearing for the team at home at the 1994 finals, he went for two more World Cups in 1998 and 2002.

Also Read: Top 10 highest earning athletes in the world 2015

07. Earnie Stewart

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Earnie Stewart
Earnie Stewart ; image credit otfsoccer.com

Now a days there are plenty of internationally-bred USA soccer team players. You just simply look at Germany for proof of this, midfielder Earnie Stewart was arguably the first to establish himself as a part of USMNT. Despite playing most of his club career in his native Netherlands, Stewart ended up gaining 101 caps and 17 goals for the Stars and Stripes. He also made it to the World Cup in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

He was particularly a big part of the latter team that made it to the quarterfinals. Undoubtedly he is one of only a few best American soccer players to play in three World Cup finals.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning soccer clubs in the world 2015

06. Eric Wynalda

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players , Eric Wynalda
Eric Wynalda ; image credit starsinsports.blogspot.com

Eric Wynalda is arguably one of the best attacking players in US National Soccer Team. He is the first USA soccer player to establish himself by playing in Germany before returning stateside in 1996. The native of Fullerton, California racked up 107 caps and 34 goals. He made it to his third World Cup finals in France in 1998. Another case where USA soccer players did not score any goals following an insipid effort by the USMNT that saw them finish dead last.

Wynalda has since moved on to coaching. Currently he coaches the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL. He is our 6th pick as best American soccer players in 2015.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning soccer players in La Liga 2015

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                    Top 10 most earning soccer players in Serie A 2015

05. Clint Dempsey

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

The last World Cup in Brazil also saw the great US soccer player as captain of the U.S. national team. I think there aren’t many that would argue against his title. The most experienced recognition goes beyond his native United States as a member of Fulham. And it led to a somewhat unsuccessful stint at Tottenham Hotspur then. The Texas native is still one of the most counted on members of the national team as an attacking midfielder.

With 36 goals and 103 caps for the national team under his belt, Dempsey is the 5th best American soccer player in our list. With two goals scored at the World Cup South Africa, he also guided the U.S. out of a difficult Group G in Brazil last year.

Also Read: Top 10 most selling soccer t shirts in the world 2015

04. Brian McBride

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Brian McBride
Brian McBride ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Brian McBride’s career outside American soccer began with unsuccessful belongings with Wolfsburg, Preston North End and Everton. But eventually he found his niche at Fulham and became regular from 2004 to 2008. Spending a large part of his career with the Columbus Crew in the MLS, he was named goal machine in his own right.

McBride scored 30 out of 96 caps with the national team of America. There has been also three goals performed from the 1998 and 2002 World Cups in his career. He is considered the 4th of our list of top 10 best American soccer players in 2015.

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03. Claudio Reyna

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna ; image credit de.wikipedia.org

The former USA National Soccer Team captain Claudio Reyna is often called as “Captain America” to his supporters in Britain. He ended up earning 111 caps and eight goals for the Stars and Stripes. He appeared in total four World Cups – 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. His performances in the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan being good enough for him to get on the Team of the Tournament as its only American representative following their visit to the round of 16.

Reyna spent his club career mainly in Europe, playing in Germany, Scotland and England. The latter years also saw him enjoy his longest stay with one club as a member of Manchester City in English Premiere League.

Also Read: Top 10 most paid Premier League Players in 2015

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02. Brad Friedel

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Brad Friedel
Brad Friedel ; image credit de.wikipedia.org

At the age of 43, Brad is still playing as a goalkeeper, sometimes just as a backup. This totally an incredible accomplishment for anyone from the USA soccer players. Brad Friedel has achieved thanks to spending years living in England. He only played one game at France 98 and then the entire tournament four years later in Korea and Japan. Still his World Cup record is arguably better than most American goalkeepers.

The great American soccer player retired from international football somewhat early in 2005. The Ohio native’s record with Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur has sealed his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers, America has ever seen.

Also Read: Top 10 best free kick takers in current soccer world

01. Landon Donovan

Top 10 Best American Soccer Players | USA Soccer Players, Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan ; image credit thebiglead.com

Probably the most popular and most famous of the best American soccer players in history, Landon Donovan has very little left to prove as far as his reputation is concerned compared to his American peers. The most successful part of his short-lived stints in Europe is arguably his two loan moves to Everton in 2010 and 2012. Also his success as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes and then Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS (American Soccer League) is bested only by his international career.

In total 156 caps and 57 goals (five of which came in the World Cup) and one of which he scored against Mexico in 2002 to bring the USA to the quarterfinals. Last year’s World Cup was quite a misery for the best American Soccer player, getting out of the precious squad. But that doesn’t change a bit to his popularity among the general soccer fans in America. All these consideration makes him the first choice as best of the USA soccer players in our list.

Also Read: Top 10 soccer cleats endorsement deals in 2015

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Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2017

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Sydney Leroux
Sydney Leroux ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

There has been a huge payment gap between the sexes, which is still not been completely resolved as of 2017. Women are paid considerably less for the same job in almost all aspects of society but their responsibilities remain as their male co-workers. In cases of most sports, this condition applies for female athletes too. The arena of women soccer is not an exclusion. As a simple consideration, we can count David Beckham while being paid millions of dollars a year, the women in this list only earn thousands of dollars a year for the same career in soccer. And this fact is still true when considering additional money from corporate sponsorship. Famous male soccer players earn millions of dollars more than their female counterparts in soccer cleats endorsement deals.

Of course, there is something more than archetype of sexism. As a matter of fact, we all know, women’s sports aren’t watched by as many people as the male version. Some even may argue that women aren’t taught to stick up for themselves during salary negotiations.

Whatever the reasons, we are trying here to build up a short list of 10 highest paid female soccer players in 2017.

Also Read: Top 10 most influential female soccer players in the world

                    Top 10 highest earning athletes in America 2016

Top 10 highest paid female soccer players:

Most of the salaries are put together under the National Women’s Soccer League rules, which means players are free to play in other countries while still representing their home countries in international competitions. And most of these richest female soccer players from America. They are also considered to be the most famous players of 2017 women soccer world.

All salaries of these highest paid female soccer players have been converted to their value in United States dollars. Another point to be noted, we are ranking here on estimated yearly salaries for the top paid female soccer players in America 2016.

Let’s check out, who is the highest paid female soccer player in America 2017?

10. Hope Solo – $ 22,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, most paid, top paid, attractive, Hope Solo
Hope Solo ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Hope Amelia Solo is better known as Hope Solo, one of the attractive most female soccer player from Richland, Washington, United States. She is a proud part of the women’s national football team of the United States. While, the 35 year old goalkeeper is also attached with the famous Seattle Reign club and bears the number 1 on her jersey.

Hope Solo joined Seattle Reign in 2013 and has played 34 matches since then. She began playing for the United States in 2000 and already marked 159 matches in her glorious career. For her skill and performance, she has been conferred with the honors of the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 2009. The other two important achievements in her career are considered to be – FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Glove in 2011 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Bronze ball in 2011.

Also read: Top 10 most earning male soccer players in 2016

09. Sarah Huffman – $25,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, most earning footballer, Sarah Huffman
Sarah Huffman ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Sarah Huffman is another charming and talented soccer player, who was first noticed for her soccer playing abilities while being student of University of Virginia. She is still one of the top players in at her college since she won the NSCAA All-American, Soccer America MVP, and Virginia State Player of the Year awards so far.

Sarah Huffman started her professional career in the United States with various accolades and awards. She helped lead the Pali Blues in California to an undefeated season in 2012. She was traded to the Portland Thorns in 2014. With an estimated yearly total earning of $25,000, Sarah is considered the 9th in this list of top 10 highest paid female soccer players in America 2017.

Also read: Top 10 highest paid MLS players in America 2016

08. Cecilia Santiago – $28,968

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Cecilia Santiago
Cecilia Santiago ; image credit www.zimbio.com

Cecilia Santiago has quickly become a star for the women’s soccer world 2016. Her career started with Club Santos Laguna in 2010. She became more famous in North America when she decided to play for the Boston Breakers in 2013. In this very short period of time currently she is one of the most paid female soccer players in Mexico 2017.

Cecilia has not forgotten about her home country and that is easily figured out considering her achievements as goalkeeper for Mexico. Her skills helped Mexico achieve their first point ever in a Women’s World Cup event when her team tied against England in 2011. She was also the youngest player at the 2008 U20 World Cup in Chile while representing Mexico only at the age of fourteen.

Also Read: Top 10 richest soccer clubs in the world 2016

07. Adriana Leon – $36,422

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Adriana Leon
Adriana Leon ; image credit equalizersoccer.com

Adriana Leon got an athletic scholarship for the University of Notre Dame women’s soccer team at her early age. She was quickly noticed when scoring the only goal for the Fighting Irish when they defeated Stanford Cardinal during the NCAA national championship tournament. And this achievement helped lead to Adriana being transferred to the University of Florida’s women’s soccer team. Her score again helped the Gators win a Southern Conference championship in 2012.

Adriana Leon started her professional career playing for the Boston Breakers before being traded to the Chicago Red Stars in 2013. And Leon has been an integral part of the women’s Canadian soccer team as her international women soccer presence. She is considered at number seven in this list of top 10 highest paid female soccer players in the world 2017.

Also Read: Top 10 most popular sports in America 2016

06. Rhian Wilkinson – $54,633

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Rhian Wilkinson
Rhian Wilkinson ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Rhian Wilkinson grew up in an athletically driven Canadian family. Her family very much encouraged her to sharpen her abilities in women soccer. This support system helped Rhian earn a place in the women’s soccer team at the University of Tennessee later. And she became the Offensive Player of the Year for the Lady Vols in 2002. Then she came to play the Norwegian professional league for eight seasons, signed on to the Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League since 2013.

Her greatest achievements would occur while playing for Canada, when she helped the team win a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. Again in 2011 another gold medal at the Pan American Games. She also contributed the Canadian women’s team win an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic. Such achievements undoubtedly brings her in this highest paid female soccer players list of 2017.

Also Read: Top 10 highest earning soccer coaches in 2016

05. Sydney Leroux – $60,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Sydney Leroux
Sydney Leroux ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Sydney Leroux was originally pursued in baseball like her parents. Finally she found herself enjoying soccer more when she attended Johnston Heights Secondary School. This led to her living with host families in the United States in order to be able to compete with the United States women’s national soccer team. Sydney quickly became a crucial part of the time and her achievements for the school peaked in her senior year. And now with an estimated $60,000 salary per year she stands at number five of most paid female soccer players in America 2017.

Sydney’s professional career technically started with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2005. She was only fifteen years old at that time. Her ability to score the game winning goal against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat in the Western Conference Final made her the 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year. She was then accepted to play for the Atlanta Beat and Seattle Sounders Women teams in 2012. And successfully joined the most renowned Boston Breakers in 2013.

On the international soccer arena, Sydney’s decision to change her allegiance from Canada to the United States drew a lot of criticism from Canadian fans. But this didn’t stop her from helping the female soccer with extraordinary talent and performance.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning goalkeepers in world soccer 2016

04. Heather O’Reilly – $65,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Heather O’Reilly
Heather O’Reilly ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Heather O’Reilly majored in education at the University of North Carolina and played for their women’s soccer team for three years. During her tenure there she scored fifty important goals. Her abilities quickly became noticed by soccer aficionados. Then she played for numerous professional teams, most notable one was for the Boston Breakers for the newly formed National Women’s Soccer League.

Heather’s accomplishments for the U.S. soccer team are most notable since she helped the Americans achieve numerous medals in recent years. She also helped the U.S. earn a bronze medal in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a gold medal in the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

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03. Alex Morgan – $70,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Probably here comes the most famous name in women soccer world right at this moment in America. The ultra-popular Alex Morgan started playing soccer when she was fourteen years old. She was named an NSCAA All-American while in high school. Then she went at the University of California and be the leading scorer for the California Bears. She became the youngest player on the 2011 U.S. team in the FIFA World Cup.

Alex Morgan also played an important part for the U.S. team at the 2012 Summer Olympics by scoring the game winning goal against Canada. Fans may point out that Alex has numerous deals with big corporations such as Coca-Cola which would put her yearly income above $70,000. But again we have to re-inform that this highest paid female soccer players list is based on the annual salary from their club or international teams.

Also Read: Top 10 most good looking/ handsome soccer players in 2016

02. Abby Wambach – $190,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Another great and most famous female soccer player in this list, Abby Wambach quickly showed herself to be tougher than most male soccer athletes. Abby had already scored over 140 goals during her tenure as a high school soccer player and was in the top 10 of recruits for women’s soccer. This led to Abby being admitted to the University of Florida so she could play for their women’s soccer team. She won multiple MVP honors and first-team All-American awards.

She had played for numerous teams on a professional level such as the Washington Freedom and the Western New York Flash. She has really shown her abilities on the international stage while playing the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Some of the remarkable achievements are- helping her team win a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics, a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics and another gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics. All this in total keep her name at stage two of this highest paid female soccer players list 2017.

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01. Marta Vieira – $400,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players 2015, Marta Vieira
Marta Vieira ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Marta Vieira is currently the most valuable female soccer player in the world 2017. She began her soccer career when she was noticed by Helena Pacheco, another famous Brazilian female soccer coach at the age of fourteen. Marta had played for numerous small clubs in order to gain experience until she finally played for Umea IK (professional Swedish team) in 2004.

Her exceptional abilities helped make her popular to Swedish audiences until she decided to play for the Los Angeles Sol in 2008. Thereafter she went for playing with the Western New York Flash in 2011. Her greatest achievements would be for her home country as she helped Brazil win a silver medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some even call her the female version of Pele, undoubtedly this is a great consideration for the highest paid female soccer player in our list..

Also Read: Top 10 richest soccer players in Premier League 2016

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Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, george best, all time legend, manu star
George Best ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Undoubtedly FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world. As soccer is the most watched sporting event on earth, billions of people watch the FIFA World Cup Final. On the other hand, the NFL Superbowl pales in comparison with not more than 100 million viewer worldwide.

Football is the elite of all popular sports in the world. So the crowd here can be considered as the cream of the crop. Famous players, who are usually seen playing with the Europe giant clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, AC Milan, Manchester United come together once every four year. On the same footballing event they dazzle the world with their spectacle of skills.

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Regrettably some stars do not make it. Of course not because they were not good enough. Even considering soccer superstars who never played in a world cup, we are not even pointing to those who couldn’t play due to injury. The most interesting fact is some of them are before such tournament started. And obviously, some of the soccer superstars’ national team were not good enough that they could participate the most spectacular competition in the World.

Top 5 Soccer Superstars Who never played in a World Cup:

Here we are trying to rank those unfortunate soccer superstars, who achieved everything except the glory of winning or even participating in a World Cup.

5. George Best – Northern Ireland

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, george best, all time legend, manu star
George Best ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

 

Played For: Manchester United

Position: Midfielder

George Best is another Word for soccer tragedy, in fact tragic story. Definitely he was the footballer of unfulfilled potential. George Best was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the age of just 15, Best was scouted for the English giant club Manchester United. He was the regular soccer superstar to dazzle the public at Old Trafford with his amazing displays of technical skills. George is best known for his charisma and easy going manner. No surprise, he became one of the first known celebrity footballers for the Manchester United club in world soccer history.

But there was a problematic issue with his increasing extravagant lifestyle, which in turn led him to several alcoholism health issue. Northern Ireland qualified for the 1982 World Cup final round. But Best was unfortunate enough that his good years were left behind. Even for a 36 year old George, we can say that the toll the drinking had taken away the FIFA World Cup opportunity from Best and also from the public, who could watch the amazing part of soccer history. The Manchester United display couldn’t take place in the World’s most watched sporting event.

Also Read: Top 10 Football Legends in history

4. Jari Litmanen – Finland

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, jari litmanen, finland soccer
Jari Litmanen ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

 

Played For: Ajax FC, Liverpool and Barcelona

Position: Midfielder/Striker

Another great player who had the silky touch of an artist but never played in a world cup. The soccer superstar could execute almost every possibilities with the ball at his feet. The legendary playmaker, Jari Litmanen was born in Finland and played as a regular striker for the famous club Ajax FC. Quite unfortunate he was, as his national team attained much more success in Ice Hockey than in soccer.

Jari Litmanen came of age in the 1990’s playing for such illustrious European giant teams. He almost achieved the pinnacle of success with such clubs, except for his National Team. Finland was not quite a part of the then elite Europe soccer community.

Despite producing such great talents like Litmanen and Sami Hyppia (all time Liverpool legend), Finland could never get past the qualifying stage for the FIFA World Cup. And sadly, the footballing world kept deprived of watching the soccer superstar play with grace and artistry in the greatest soccer competition.

Also Read: Top 5 most paid midfielders salary 2014/2015

3. Ryan Giggs – Wales

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, ryan giggs, manchester united, midfielder, legend
Ryan Giggs ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

 

Played For: Manchester United

Position: Midfielder

Most probably Ryan Giggs is saddest example of a player with such caliber and never playing in a Football World Cup. In fact we can say the World Cup is misfortunate enough to miss a soccer superstar like Ryan Giggs. Born in Wales, Ryan Giggs started his professional soccer career under the tutelage of the legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 1990.

Giggs was instrumental throughout that decade in winning title after title for Manchester United. Yes, he got his right companion, another great of the 90’s – David Beckham, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. With all those achievements keeping in pocket, the glory of playing in a World Cup did elude him more often. Of course, it would be real difficult for a small team like Wales to win the aristocrat tournament, but qualifying would definitely be an honor for him.

Undoubtedly the World Football event world would have seen magic performed by the midfield maestro. That’s what Giggs was practically. His smooth and calm approach would have left spectators wondering. It was quite a dream for any manager to have a soccer superstar like Ryan Giggs in his team and still he never played in a World Cup tournament.

Also Read: Top 10 promising managers in world football history

2. Frédéric Kanouté – Mali

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, Frédéric Kanouté
Frédéric Kanouté ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Played For: Sevilla FC, Beijing Guoan (current team)

Position: Forward

Frederic Kanoute is an underrated player that was one of the unfortunate ones that didn’t get the chance to shine in a World Cup tournament. Many can comment this an odd choice, but I still believe him as one of the soccer superstars for the top five selection who never played in a World Cup. Kanoute actually made a name for himself in various European leagues. Teams from England, France and Spain.

Finally it was with the famous Spanish Club, that he reached his prime. He achieved the glory of challenging the top two all-time Spanish (in fact European) giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. With his skills and leadership he led Sevilla to UEFA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007. Probably these circumstances cemented his status as local legend.

Unfortunately Kanoute’s national team could never reach his heights. We know, it never made it to the finals of World Cup during Kanoute’s playing days. So, the football world had to miss the amazing soccer star playing in the greatest ground.

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1. George Weah – Liberia

Top 5 Soccer Superstars who never played in a World Cup, george weah, greatest african player, all time great
George Weah ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

 Played For: PSG, AC Milan

Position: Forward

The absence of a player like George Weah from the FIFA World Cup is truly unforgettable. Undoubtedly Weah is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time. There are so many greater achievements in his diary like 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year and winning the Ballon d’Or.

George Weah started his youth career playing with the France famous PSG. Soon enough, Weah attracted the attention of one of the most prestigious clubs of that era, A.C. Milan. He played for five years in AC Milan and attained buckets of trophies. Very soon he became one of the best known faces of Italian soccer history.

Unfortunately again, this success did not transfer over to the international arena. His home country Liberia being already wracked with Civil War, he couldn’t take part in the greatest show on earth. Liberia along the soccer superstar failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Unbelievable but truth is, George Weah never played in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

Also Read: Top 10 biggest transfer fees in soccer world

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Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, andrea pirlo free kick, Italian midfielder
Andrea Pirlo ; image credit imgkid.com

When a player charges towards the opposition’s penalty area and just yards away from a shooting chance, the ref blows a whistle for a foul. Then the ball is carefully placed 20+ yards outside the box. Opponent’s goalkeeper gets their wall of players organized and positioned all. This time another team need to sorts out who will take the kick and how they’ll try to have scored.

This kind of scenario has played itself out countless times in the various Soccer leagues. Probably we all know that more likely than not the player will smash the ball against the wall or blaze the ball high over the goalpost. Statistically, the chances of scoring a free kick are slim. Sometimes, when it works it can be an absolute thing of beauty, more specifically a piece of art.

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The team doesn’t just let anyone take a free kick when the chance arises for them to score. Most sides have a few players who have demonstrated the ability. These players need to consistently combine power with accuracy in an effort to get the ball over (sometimes around) the wall and on target obviously. In a few recent years, certain players have made a name for themselves as great free kick takers. There are some legendary free kick takers in soccer history. Roberto Carlos, Marcelinho Carioca, David Beckham, Zico, Juninho and Michel Platini are some of those greats who could more often execute the free kick past the goalkeepers.

What made such players special was that they could make the ball do things exceptionally. Most importantly, they could get the ball to curve, even swerve or dip with such precision it seemed a magic trick difficult to follow. Definitely, they could also give the ball more than enough power to fly into the net before the keeper could reach before goal.

Top 10 great free kick takers in soccer:

This list does not contain the names of Carlos, Juninho or Beckham. Here we are actually trying to make a discussion about the great and best active free kick takers in soccer. We are expecting a blend of youth and experienced veterans those who are capable and proven free kick takers of this generation.

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                   Top 10 female footballers of all time

Of course the issue is subjective and by limiting it to the Top 10, some players of your choice must be missed. Still, let’s have try, if we could have selected one of these best active free kick takers in soccer world.

10. Neymar

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, neymar free kick, brazilian footballer
Neymar ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Age: 22

Club: FC Barcelona
National Team: Brazil

Probably the most popular and most sensational marketed players in world soccer of his generation. Neymar has definitely made a name for himself in both La Liga team Barcelona and the Brazil National Football Team. During his time with Santos, Barcelona and the Brazilian national team, the best free kick taker has demonstrated his lethality in and around the box.

So many memorable highlights to choose from but in terms of free kicks perhaps the strike against Belarus in 2012 Olympics and the goal against Panama during a pre-World Cup friendly this June demonstrate the accuracy and technique Neymar can provide.

No doubt, what worries La Liga and International keepers the most. Most obviously this very skilled player is still just beginning his career. Definitely he has many more years to work his magic. Neymar is at number 10 of this best active free kick takers list.

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09. Yaya Toure

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, yaya toure free kick, man city mid,
Yaya Toure ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Age: 31
Club: Manchester City
National Team: Ivory Coast

Yaya Toure is more famous as Manchester City’s midfield powerhouse. The Ivorian is usually dominating the midfield and helping to coordinate City’s attacks. And when talking about free kick takers, Toure has steadily developed a reputation for being able to find the back of the net more often.

This past season in the Premier League, he scored four excellent goals from free kick times. Toure has demonstrated the ability to get a ball over the wall and make it drop very quickly. Yaya Toure is currently considered as the 9th of the best active free kick takers in world football.

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08. Steven Gerrard

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, steven gerrard free kick, liverpool star
Steven Gerrard ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Age: 34
Club: Liverpool FC
National Team: England

Steven Gerrard can be said as at the twilight of his career. Captaining the Liver FC, Gerrard has led his team to a Champions League title and several domestic cup titles. Over his club and international career, he has scored in excess of 170 goals. Of course some of them were extreme beautiful and notable free kicks of all time. Probably some of the best free kicks that the English football has ever watched.

Gerrard may not be scoring from free kicks as much recently. No one can deny his power and accuracy when standing over a set piece. Some of his best goals includes against Arsenal and Aston Villa in 2007-2008 season. Steven Gerrard is at number 8 in the list of top 10 best active free kick takers 2015.

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07. Gareth Bale

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, gareth bale free kick, wales sportsman
Gareth Bale ; image credit www.flickr.com

Age: 25
Club: Real Madrid
National Team: Wales

Of course, Gareth Bale developed his name while playing for EPL side Tottenham Hotspur. Being known as a famous free kick taker in the world, the Welshman’s first notable strike came against North London rivals Arsenal at White Hart Lane. Over the following years Bale developed a reputation for having a powerful free kick technique which seemed to get a little deadlier each time. Though all these were not produced that much accurate.

In 2013 Bale moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Another free kick specialist Cristiano Ronaldo being already there, the media played up tensions between the two over free kick duties sometimes. But Bale continued to show his skill. He demonstrated his best with an absolute stunner against Galatasaray in the Champions League 2013. Gareth bale is the 7th best free kick taker we can count.

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06. Luis Suarez

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, luis suarez free kick, barcelona star
Luis Suarez ; image credit www.flickr.com

Age: 27
Club: FC Barcelona
National Team: Uruguay

It’s very unfortunate that Luis Suarez seems to be in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Before the Uruguayan developed a taste for Serbian and Italian defenders. Suarez also boasted an impressive free kick technique which has caught out more than one keeper.

Last season, he demonstrated his scoring ability from distance with an impressive goal against Hull on a very special day. Perhaps more impressive is his ability to curve a low shot around the wall and into the bottom corner. He also had demonstrated against EPL rivals Everton and Manchester City these techniques. Luis Suarez is at number 6 of top 10 best active free kick takers in the world.

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05. Ronaldinho

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, ronaldinho free kick, brazilian all time legend
Ronaldinho ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Age: 34
Club: Queretaro Fc
National Team: Brazil

Ronaldo is probably near the end of his career and no longer in the spotlight. But Ronaldinho still deserves a place on this list of best free kick takers. Most people probably know ‘Gaucho’ from his time at Barcelona. He demonstrated that he could score from almost anywhere in almost any situation from 2003 to 2008. In terms of free kicks, he always had gone over, under or around the defensive wall making any attempt to block the kick virtually pointless each time.

Now with Queretaro FC, Ronaldinho has shown the free kick touch has not left him totally. In September 2013 he scored from two free kicks in the same match against Fluminese. So, we are still counting Ronaldinho, and at number 5 to be noticed as one of the specialist free kick takers of our generation.

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04. Lionel Messi

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, lionel messi free kick, argentine star, barcelona all time legend
Lionel Messi ; image credit hu.wikipedia.org

Age: 27
Club: FC Barcelona
National Team: Argentina

Probably the most famous clips of Lionel Messi on a pitch involve him zig-zagging his way through a maze of defenders. And then unleashing a shot which bulges the back of the net. Football fans of this time, always seems like Messi highlights are ‘merely’ repetitive coverage of the diminutive Argentine making the opposition look foolish.

Messi can also score free kicks and is quite good at it. During the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, Barcelona superstar struck against Nigeria with a curling 25-yard shot which left the keeper helpless at it. The 21st century football sensation Lionel Messi is considered as the 4th of the best active free kick takers for 2014/2015.

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03. Cristiano Ronaldo

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, cristiano ronaldo free kick, real madrid star
Cristiano Ronaldo ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Age: 29
Club: Real Madrid
National Team: Portugal

Some say that Messi and Ronaldo are tied as considering them as best free kick takers. But here in our list we are keeping this Real Madrid superstar ahead of Messi, at least for this single issue of free kick. This Portuguese forward steadily rose to fame during his time at Manchester United. Ronaldo developed his trademark technique for free kicks which involved striking the ball directly with the tip of his boot to cause the ball to swerve. This was almost unpredictable towards the post.

The 2013 World Soccer Player of the Year has scored some sensational goals from free kicks over recent years. Perhaps his best were the 2009 Champions League semi-final strike against Arsenal. Again in 2009 Champions League blast against Marseille in his first year with Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly the 3rd best free kick taker in the world 2015.

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02. Francesco Lodi

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, francesco lodi free kick,
Francesco Lodi ; image credit www.soccer-infos.com

Age: 30
Club: Parma FC
National Team: Italy

Italian Francesco Lodi has developed a reputation as one of the best free kick takers over his 14+ year’s soccer career. Currently with Parma FC, Lodi has spent his entire career in Italy’s Serie A. This playmaking midfielder has actually been more effective than most when it comes to free kicks.

In recent years, Lodi has used his side-foot curling technique to leave keepers rooted to the ground. Then the ball just had to fly into the back of the net. He scored from 5 free kicks in 2012/ 2013 season. He is also posted one of the highest conversion rates for free kick takers. And unbelievably that is more than anyone else in this list.

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01. Andrea Pirlo

Top 10 Best Active Free Kick Takers in Soccer, andrea pirlo free kick, Italian midfielder
Andrea Pirlo ; image credit imgkid.com

Age: 35
Club: Juventus FC
National Team: Italy

If we can go on about all the club and individual awards Andrea Pirlo has won over his career, we definitely have to figure out that this little space for our article is never enough for just considering them. Undoubtedly Pirlo is best known for his decade-long free kicks at AC Milan in Serie A. and now with the Juventus side he is still astonishing his spectators all around the world.

The 35-year-old has been plying his trade at Juventus. He has scored over 40 free kicks in his career with more than two dozen of those coming in Serie A. Recently against England in the World Cup 2014 Brazil, didn’t score but impressed keeper Joe Hart. The England international was spotted praising Pirlo for his shot after the final whistle..

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Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Nawaf Al Abed, fastest goal
Nawaf Al Abed ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Undoubtedly the game of soccer cab spring up a number surprises. Sometimes lower division team are found to be killing the giant premier division teams with record goals. The present day soccer is mostly dominated by the sporting milieu. And also some of the most celebrated individuals on the hallowed turf are considered to be strikers (forwards). Mostly they are known for their scoring prowess on and some of these most popular figureheads have been the ones knocking the goals into the net.

There had been big names like Alfredo di Stefano and Eusebio who recently passed away. Sir Geoff Hurst is another leading English player who is still the only player in history to have scored a hat trick in a FIFA World Cup Final.

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And for a time now, there has been a battle between two of the greatest players to ever grace this planet. We soccer fans very much know these two names, Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. The Portuguese forward has just broken the record of goals scored in a UEFA Champions League campaign. Lionel Messi had the previous record of 15 goals. They are in fact fighting in every possible aspects of football.

Top 10 fastest soccer goals of all time:

Now, when we are talking about fastest goal in soccer history, there are actually plenty to choose from. As Bryan Robson’s goal timed at 27 seconds in the 1982 World Cup. Again Theo Walcott in 20 seconds against Queens Park Rangers. Here we are attempting to count the 10 fastest soccer goals in history.

Let’s find, which one is the fastest goal in soccer history?

10. Jesus Navas

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Jesus Navas, fastest soccer goal
Jesus Navas ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Team: Manchester City

Elapsed time: 14 seconds

At the end of November 2013, winger Jesus Navas put his side Manchester City 1-0 up in less than 15 seconds. The versatile Spanish winger ensured French goalkeeper and Tottenham number 1 torrid afternoon. This was considered to be the fifth fastest goal in soccer history since the inauguration of the Premier League.

Lloris fluffed his clearance. The initial shot was saved from Sergio Aguero and the follow up was rifled in by Navas from the right hand edge of the box. ManCity went on to notch a 6-0 hammering of Spurs in that game. Now this goal is counted as the 10th fastest goal in soccer.

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09. Dwight Yorke

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Dwight Yorke, best goal
Dwight Yorke ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Team: Aston Villa

Elapsed time: 13 Seconds

Dwight Yorke is the former Aston Villa and Manchester United striker. He took just 13 seconds to get on the score sheet. He was the part of the treble winning 1999 Manchester United side. Roy Keane and their iconic goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel also with the flamboyant Yorke struck up a wonderful partnership.

However the strike for Aston Villa against Coventry City that puts him on the list of top 10 fastest goal in soccer history. The striker is also acclaimed as one of the fastest soccer players of all time.

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08. Mark Viduka

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Mark Viduka, fastest goal in siccer
Mark Viduka ; image credit www.dailymail.co.uk

Team: Leeds United

Elapsed time: 11.1 Seconds

Mark Viduka is one of the prolific goal scorer in his own right. The former Australian international Mark Viduka made his career in the north of England. He managed to score four goals against the mighty Liverpool during his career with Leeds United.

And in 2001, it was against Charlton Athletic that he found the net in less than 11.5 seconds, which is considered as the 8th fastest goal in soccer history. This is of course a remarkable name in the fastest soccer goals list.

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07. Alan Shearer

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Alan Shearer, fastest goal in history
Alan Shearer ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Team: Newcastle United

Elapsed time: 10.4 Seconds

Alan Shearer is an absolute legend in every possible way. He was signed for Newcastle at the time for a club record fee of $25 million. But notably, he forged his own career at Southampton. The Wear star moved to Blackburn Rovers where he won the Premier League title in 1995.

Alan Shearer scored after only 10.4 seconds in a game against Manchester City which has catapulted him as one of the fastest soccer players and this goal as the 7th fastest soccer goal in history.

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06. Ledley King

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Ledley King, fastest goals in soccer
Ledley King ; image credit www.largeup.com

Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Elapsed time: 10 Seconds

Of course, it is not just strikers that have the ability to hit the back of the post. The Ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King achieved an incredibly quick goal within 10 seconds. His 10 second wonder goal was against Bradford City in 2000-2001 season. Most obviously they were in the highest echelons of soccer for an affordable time period.

Unfortunately, King’s career was plagued by injury and had no choice but to retire. But the 6th fastest goal in soccer history that he made can make him memorable in all time soccer goals list.

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05. Roy Makaay

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Roy Makaay
Roy Makaay ; image credit de.wikipedia.org

Team: Bayern Munich

Elapsed time: 10 Seconds

Dutch international Roy Makaay took again just 10 seconds to make his mark when playing for the Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. He bamboozled former Brazilian player Roberto Carlos who was caught napping in the very first minute of the particular match.

A cross came in from winger Hasan Salihamidžić which was tucked away in style by Makaay. And then go down as one of the fastest Champions League goals ever. This goal is also the 5th fastest goal in soccer history.

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04. Tim Cahill

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Tim Cahill, fastest soccer players
Tim Cahill ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Team: New York Red Bulls

Elapsed time: 7 Seconds

Tim Cahill is one of the former Everton players. He took less than 8 seconds to strike on his way to a 3-0 MLS victory against Houston Dynamo. Being one of the fastest soccer players of his time, he is officially recognized in the MLS records books as scoring the fastest goal.

Undoubtedly this is the fastest MLS goal since the league came into fruition. We consider this as the 4th fastest goal in soccer history as we still can afford three more thrilling score information.

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03. Nawaf Al Abed

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Nawaf Al Abed, fastest goal
Nawaf Al Abed ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Team: Al-Hilal

Elapsed time: 2.4 Seconds

Saudi Arabian soccer player Al Abed lays claim to one of the fastest soccer goals on the planet in 2011. The goal is believed to be the speediest goal in soccer history, which was exactly scored in less than 2.5 seconds. His intelligence spotted the goal keeper off his goal line and took a shot direct from the center.

The result was the ball ended up in the net and Al-Hilal went on to record a 4-0 victory for that game. Here in this list this is the third fastest goal in soccer history. A matter of surprise, what kind of times are elapsed for the other two in this list.

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02. Marc Burrows

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Marc Burrows, fastest soccer goal
Marc Burrows ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Team: Cowes Sport

Elapsed time: 2 Seconds

Definitely we can figure out a heartfelt story from Marc Burrows. He was playing for the Cowes Sport club at the time and his strike against Eastleigh was recorded at an incredible 2 seconds.

Of course 2/3 seconds goal cannot be scored none other than striking from the center. His one came straight from the kick off after being set up by one of his team mates. Unfortunately the fastest soccer player passed away at the age of 30 after battling cancer in 2009. But still we remember him as producing the 2nd fastest goal in soccer history.

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Fastest Goal in Soccer History:

01. Nicklas Bendtner

Ranking Top 10 Fastest goal in Soccer History, Nicklas Bendtner, fastest ever soccer goal
Nicklas Bendtner ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Team: Arsenal

Elapsed time: 1.8 Seconds

Technically this is the quickest goal in soccer to have ever been scored. In fact the goal was scored by a substitute in the Premier League. The Danish international Nicklas Bendtner scored for Arsenal against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in just 1.8 seconds. Unfortunately he was fined more than $75,000 for showing advertising on his undergarments in 2012.

Nicklas headed his way into the record books after being teed up by a Cesc Fabegras corner. So, can you believe the fastest goal in soccer history came from only a second and a bit of time!!!

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Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2014-2015

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, kaka, brazilian sensation
Kaka ; image credit forzaitalianfootball.com

MLS Players Union has already released the final list of Major League Soccer player salaries for 2014/2015. There has been plenty of changes according to the previous MLS plyers salary list. The recent salary list is made public on 29th September 2014.

Surprisingly, the new highest paid MLS player will not officially play until next spring. This time, four of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team are enlisted in this top 10 highest paid MLS players 2015. No surprise that most of these highest paid MLS players are forward players.

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Top 10 highest paid MLS players:

There are some former world soccer legends in this list of MLS players. In fact these big names make the top of this list article. Some believes them as overly paid while some others believe as this payment is nothing comparing their previous wages in European Clubs.

Let’s see, who is the highest paid MLS player in 2015 season?

10. Marco Di Vaio

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Marco Di Vaio
Marco Di Vaio ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Present team: Montreal Impact

Salary: $2.6 million

The Montreal Impact has been awful in 2014-2015 season. No team in the league has more league defeats than Montreal. They are along with Chivas, in the basement of the overall league standings so far. They were also eliminated from playoff contention before the final month of that season.

Di Vaio is one of their all time great soccer superstar. Though the season was quite to forget for him too. He notched 6 goals and 4 assists in 22 total appearances last year. The belief is that Di Vaio will leave Montreal and MLS. The player is likely to return Italy. With $2.6 million as salary currently he is considered as the 10th of the highest paid MLS players in 2015.

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09. Jermaine Jones

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Jermaine Jones
Jermaine Jones ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Present team: New England Revolution

Salary: $3.25 million

It has been a rumors of where Jones would end up seemed to change on a weekly basis. After the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, he was headed to the New York Red Bulls. He was meant there to be as the possible replacement for supposed Orlando City target Dax McCarty. As there, Chicago Fire were on the verge of acquiring Jones at any cost.

The blind draw ultimately determined his destination after Jones agreed to join MLS. Fortunately the Revolution came up as the big winners for them.

His new teammates have immediately been tasked with attempting to hold off other Eastern Conference sides. He was given the best playoff spot. With around $3.25 million as salary, Jones is at number 9 in this list of top 10 highest paid MLS players in 2014-2015.

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08. Tim Cahill

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Present team: New York Red Bulls

Salary: $3.63 million

Tim Cahill has had quite the roller coaster MLS career. He joined the Red Bulls in the summer of last 2012-2013 season. He made little impact in his first season in the league. Then he was called out for perceived lackluster play by ESPN TV analyst Taylor Twellman.

These comments seemed to light a fire under Cahill. He definitely went to be the best player in MLS and his team became the best regular season team in MLS. He helped the Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield, which is in fact the first meaningful trophy in club history.

Cahill was busy with World Cup duty with the Australia National Team. Eventually this has affected his club performance. And now the 34-year-old is the 8th of the highest paid MLS players with nearly $3.63 million as salary from the New York red Bulls.

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07. Thierry Henry

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Present team: New York Red Bulls

Salary: $4.35 million

Undoubtedly he is the living legend who has done it all in the game. The most-talented overall MLS player in history is Thierry Henry. His RBNY career got off to a slow start as he netted 39 goals and notched 25 assists in two years. The Metro captain is quietly having a solid year as the team’s key setup player.

Every soccer lover in this earth definitely enjoy watching him playing. The veteran who turned 37 years old in August is reportedly eying the end. It has been heavily rumored that Henry will retire when New York at the end of this season. He is at number 7 in this list of top 10 highest paid MLS players for 2014/2015.

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06. Robbie Keane

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Present team: LA Galaxy

Salary: $4.5 million

Keane simply worth every penny since joining MLS. Players like him in MLS are meant to bring attention and titles to clubs. He has done that and then some over the past several seasons in MLS. He is a two-time MLS Cup winner as the Galaxy hoisted the Supporters’ Shield in 2011.

We can hope for the best yet to come from the ageless player. He is currently third in goals scored. He and teammates Gyasi Zardes or Landon Donovan can end up being MVP candidates for 2014 in MLS. The forward is currently the 6th highest paid MLS player with $4.5 million as salary.

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05. Landon Donovan

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Present team: LA Galaxy

Salary: $4.58 million

Probably there are no questions about Landon Donovan’s playing future past this season. He announced earlier this year that he will be retiring after the Galaxy play their final game. He is undoubtedly the United States Men’s National Team legend. He had previously scored the most famous goal in the history of US Soccer could win several awards.

The Galaxy are arguably the best team in the MLS. In fact they are the Supporters’ Shield contenders. They are still favorites to win the MLS Cup this year. Donovan could also be a sentimental choice as the 5th of the highest paid MLS players with $4.58 million salary.

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04. Jermain Defoe

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe ; image credit it.wikipedia.org

Present team: Toronto FC

Salary: $6.18 million

Most obviously Defoe was brought in by Toronto last winter in an attempt to reboot the club. As they failed their faithful supporters year after year. Now we can conclude that the experiment was quite successful. Defoe looked like a legitimate Golden Boot candidate in the spring in MLS.

Rumors were all around that Defoe had his head turned by former manager Harry Redknapp. As the manager is very much eager to bring him back to England.

Defoe is back with Toronto, but nobody can assure his longevity here. The writing on the wall suggests that the front man will ditch the Canadian side. Which in turn can make him one of the biggest designated player flops in MLS history unless TFC go on a magical run.

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03. Michael Bradley

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley ; image credit it.wikipedia.org

Present team: Toronto FC

Salary: $6.5 million

Bradley has been one of several Toronto players to receive criticism. Much of it has been deserved. It is believed that focusing on Bradley as the main TFC problem would be a foolish exercise. This midfielder is hardly the only reason the club collapsed after a hot start.

There has been speculation that all of the team’s designated players could leave the club. If especially TFC do not qualify for the postseason tournament. May be Toronto would not be a postseason team if the season ended on September 30 this year.

Bradley will attract bids from home and abroad if he makes it clear that he wants to leave. The 3rd of the highest paid ML Slayers currently gets $6.5 million as salary.

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02. Clint Dempsey

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Present team: Seattle Sounders

Salary: $6.7 million

Dempsey has a month to remember in October in MLS MVP. His 13 goals and 9 assists to date have made for a fine season for him. Seattle teammate Obafemi Martins is one of several players who have outdone the American in MLS.

Martins will begin October with 15 goals and 10 assists. Dempsey, Martins and the rest of the Sounders will be expected to earn their paychecks starting the previous month. Seattle are tied with LA atop the overall league standings in MLS. He will have home advantage to manage a win.

Dempsey and company have already lifted a trophy last season. And Seattle won the US Open Cup in September. Clint Dempsey is now at number 2nd of this list of top 10 highest paid MLS players in 2014-2015.

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01. Kaka

Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2015, kaka, brazilian sensation
Kaka ; image credit forzaitalianfootball.com

Present team: Orlando City

Salary: $7.17 million

Undoubtedly KAKA is another household name among diehard soccer fans all around the world. What else coud he win, as already he had lifted the trophy of Serie A, La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Oh, of course we shouldn’t forget to mark the FIFA World cup as one of his biggest achievements. Kaka will definitely draw attraction to the expansion of the team.

The play-maker who will turn 33 years old next April, hasn’t participated in even a friendly as an MLS professional. History suggests that a foreign player who was a superstar in Europe will need time to adjust in North American league (MLS). Maybe Kaka will be an exception for them. Or perhaps he’ll be proclaimed as the most overpaid player in MLS in 2015. But for now he is the highest paid MLS Player in 2014-2015 season.

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Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League 2015

Top 10 Richest English Premier League Footballers, english best, most paid footballer, striker, MANU soccer, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney ; image credit www.mirror.co.uk

English Premier League always causes serious buzz among all sports fans in England. Undoubtedly this is the craziest interesting issue for almost all other soccer lovers from all over the world. So many traditional comraderies between teams, make this league one of the most talked-about in the world. There are interesting facts about this league that attracts fans most like- most successful managers in EPL, highest paid footballers in Premier League, richest football clubs in EPL, Richest Football players in English Premier League, Top rivalries in English Premier League and even goalkeepers or individual players from different positions. Yes, of course English Premier League is that much popular to the soccer world or we can call it as the football world.

Signing in new great players and leaving of such greats are another common issue here like most other renowned leagues in the world. But keep remember, despite these few changes, the intensity and passion for the EPL remains just as powerful as ever for millions of screaming soccer lovers.

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                    Top 10 richest athletes in the world 2015

Ashley Cole left of the Italian club Roma, Rio Ferdinand moved from Manchester United after 12 years to join Queens Park Rangers, Frank Lampard left Chelsea after 13 years to join New York City FC. And most definitely some too big names have already signed here in English Premier League. The English Premier League transfer news assures that this League is currently holding some of the most valuable or highest paid footballers in the world.

Top 10 richest Football Players in English Premier League:

As we already have disclosed that this is the most-watched football league in the world (with a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion people), no wonder that the English Premier League footballers make huge amounts of money. Accumulating their high endorsements deals, sponsorships huge salaries, we can easily conclude these players as some of the wealthiest sportsmen in the world.

Here, in a very short list we are trying to figure out some of these richest football players in English Premier League in 2015. These top 10 list is very specifically including only those English-born EPL footballers, who can be regarded as the richest footballers in England.

Let’s check out, who are the richest football players in English premier League 2015?

10. James Milner – $9 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League 2015, most paid, James Milner
most paid, James Milner ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

The 28-year-old midfielder began his professional career playing for his native club Leeds United in 2202. He has also played for Newcastle United and Aston Villa before being signed in August 2010 to Manchester City.

James Milner is reported to be worth an estimated $9 million for Manchester City. City assured him a huge five-year, $40 million contract, which worth about $165,000 a week. Although he has only played a very short period in the English Premier League this season, fans are pretty sure he’s not too bent out of shape as before. Alongside the midfielder has an endorsement deal with Nike. Combining all these prospects we think our 10th choice James Milner as the richest football players in English Premier League is good enough.

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09. Ashley Young – $9 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, most earning, epl, Ashley Young
Ashley Young ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Tied with James Milner at $9 million, Ashley Young is the 9th of the top 10 richest English Premier League footballers, currently playing as Manchester United winger. Point to be noted, he can be considered as English born from his mother’s side. The 29-year-old winger is from Hertfordshire, played for Watford and Aston Villa before signing with Manchester United in 2011.

Manchester United just offered him double what he was making at Villa. And the deal was $9 million for one year contract. Since 2007, Young has earned 28 caps on the English national team. In the meantime, the top paid player also scored 7 goals. Some of his opposing players and fans often refer him as Ashley Young could have had a great career as an actor or ballet dancer if he’d wanted. But definitely we believe there should have been enough causes behind this player’s being as one of the highest paid football players in England.

Also Read: Top 10 most famous female soccer players in 2015

08. Michael Carrick – $16.5 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Michael Carrick has already made an astounding 369 Premier League appearances and played in 59 UEFA Champions League matches. Primarily he plays as a center midfielder and has played in 245 games alone for Manchester United since 2006. Michael Carrick began his professional career playing for West Ham United in 1999.

In 2004, he was also loaned to Swindon Town and Birmingham City. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2004 to 2006 before being picked up by Manchester United. But the $31 million estimated deal was fair enough for him to be convinced. Calculating his all kind of deals and sponsorships we believe, his probable weekly earning is $132,000k. Currently he has endorsement deal with Puma.

Also Read: Top 10 mostly selling club football t-shirts in 2015

07. Joe Cole – $27 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, most paid in EPL, Joe Cole
Joe Cole ; image credit no.wikipedia.org

Another highest earning midfielder, who began playing for Aston Villa in English Premier League in 2014. His professional career started in 1998 laying for West Ham United. Then he moved on to play for Chelsea from 2003 until 2010.

Successfully he won a number of trophies with Chelsea, including two FA Cups and three Premier League titles. Meantime he was signed with Liverpool for three years and again went back to West Ham United until 2013. At present with Aston Villa, he earns almost $8 million a year ($148,000 per week). He also has an Adidas soccer boots sponsorship deal.

Also Read: Top 10 highest earning soccer players in La Liga 2015

06. Ashley Cole – $35 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, top earning in epl, Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

As we have already spoken of his leaving from the English Premier League. Now he plays for the Italian club Roma. Still we provide a spot on this list of top 10 richest English Premier League footballers in 2015, as he has already been playing for 16 huge years in the Premier League arena. Cole is considered by many sports critics and fellow players as one of the best defenders of his generation in English Premier League, in fact in the world.

Ashley Cole began his professional career playing for Arsenal in 1998. Then he was transferred to Chelsea in 2006 for $8.2 million. He has won two Premier League titles and three FA cups. This contract with Chelsea earned him $180,000 a week. Besides, he owns the company Kenzie Promotions, which worth over $2 million.

Also Read: Top 10 most handsome soccer players in England 2015

05. John Terry – $39 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, legend, chelsea, most paid, John Terry
John Terry ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

One of the legend footballers in English generation, John terry is the center back and captain of Chelsea. Remarkably he earns almost 260,000k per week. Since 1998, he played with the team making 424 appearances in the English Premier League. He was also the captain of the England national team from 2006 to 2012.

Terry has earned many accolades and is considered one of the best central defenders of present time. He was elected the UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2005, 2008, and 2009. And also the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2005. He was the only English player to make the all-star squad team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Undoubtedly, Terry is Chelsea’s all-time highest scoring defender and may be the most successful captain. His total achievements for Chelsea includes three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a UEFA Champions League.

Also Read: Top 10 highest paid soccer managers in England 2015

04. Frank Lampard – $45 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, captain , england, top paid, Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard ; image credit www.flickr.com

Frank Lampard is the legendary attacking midfielder, currently playing for Manchester City on loan from New York City FC. Basically he is the most renowned Chelsea man from 2001 to 2014 and played 424 games for Chelsea. And yes, he is the all-time leading goal scorer in Chelsea. He has been long-time described by his teammate John Terry as Chelsea’s greatest player ever. We all know, he is most definitely one of the best midfielders of our generation.

A new contract in 2008 made Lampard the highest paid footballer at that time. Also the endorsement deals with Adidas and Pepsi boosted his annual earnings to $17.7 million two years ago. Frank Lampard is the first midfielder to ever score 150 Premier League goals in history.

Also Read: Top 10 most powerful free kick takers in football world 2015

03. Steven Gerrard – $60 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Steven Gerrard is the central midfielder and captain of Liverpool. He spent almost his entire professional career playing for Liverpool. After starting in 1998, he has already made 478 appearances for the English giant club. He earns $230,000 a week as captain and makes about $14.8 million a year. His endorsements with Adidas, Jaguar and energy drinks company Lucozade earned him $4.5 million yearly.

Gerrard also has achieved so many titles and honors for the club. In total, he has won two FA Cups, three League Cups, a UEFA Cup and the Champions League in 2005. There is another noticeable earning of this player as being the only footballer ever to have scored a goal in an FA Cup Final, a League Cup Final, a UEFA Cup Final and a Champions League Final.

Also Read: Top 10 football boots endorsement deals in 2015

02. Rio Ferdinand – $75 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand ; image credit pl.wikipedia.org

Ferdinand was transferred from Leeds United to Manchester United in 2002 for around $50 million at that time. Definitely it was record breaking for the Premier League history. He has been the center back for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014. He signed with the Queens Park Rangers meantime.

Rio Ferdinand has many other money-making interests besides football. He was hired by Mars to promote their Snickers bar via Twitter, where he has 2.5 million followers. And his extensive property in London, Cheshire, and Morocco confirms his 2nd position in the short list of top 10 richest English Premier League footballers. This highest paid footballer also has a sponsorship deal with Nike. Being of the wealthiest Premier League football player, he grew from $6.5 million in 2011 to $65 million in 2012.

Also Read: Top 10 most convincing young players in EPL 2015

01. Wayne Rooney – $125 million

Top 10 Richest Football Players in English Premier League, english best, most paid footballer, striker, MANU soccer, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney ; image credit www.mirror.co.uk

Another Legend English footballer, who began his professional career only at the age of 16 in 2002 playing for Everton. In the summer of 2004 he was moved to Manchester United for $42 million. Currently he has been given the role of Captain for the all-time giant English club. Oh, yes, he is currently England’s national team forward striker and captain too.

According to a 2012 report, Wayne Rooney earns $32.6 million a year and is the fifth highest football player in the world. But surely the richest football player in English Premier League in our current list in 2015. He is widely regarded as the country’s best player. His endorsements include Nike, Electronic Arts, Nokia, Harper Collins, Ford and Coca Cola..

Also Read: Top 10 overrated football players in the world 2015

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Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2016

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney ; image credit pt.wikipedia.org

The top-tier English professional soccer league for football clubs associated with the Football Association (FA) is commonly termed as Premier League. Undoubtedly it is one of the most watched and most anticipated leagues in the world of club football, which is also contested between 20 Premier division clubs in England. Sheer competition between clubs ranking first, sometimes unwantedly getting into the bottom of the league table, makes Premier league so exciting and must talk for the total football world. This league is also known as the Barclays Premier League as it is sponsored by the Barclays Bank in England. But most often referred to as the English Premier League (EPL) for the rest of the world. This Football League First Division was also broken down and renamed the FA Premier League once.

The Premier League has established itself as the most-watched league in the world with its broadcasts in 212 countries, successfully counted 643 million homes and 4.7 billion audience all over the world.

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players:

The most watched Premier League of course draws huge amount of money in every aspect related with it. With extreme competition, support and scope of football in England, top players come in during the summer and winter transfers to experience greater footballing platform. Some of these most renowned players are incredibly paid for their skill, talent and passion they demonstrate on the pitch of Premier League. Teams need to spend millions to have their players of choice transferred to their club.

Also Read: Top 10 richest English-born footballers in EPL 2015

                    Top 10 most valuable goalkeepers in Premier League 2015

Here we are making out a short list of these highest paid Premier League Players in 2016. Depending on a very recent payment statistics, we are only counting those top 10 highest paid Premier League Players currently playing for giant clubs of English Premier League 2016.

Let’s check out, who is the highest paid Premier League Player in 2015?

10. John Terry – Chelsea – £160 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, most paid, earning list, John Terry
John Terry ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

John Terry is considered as one of the most successful captains in English club football. Basically he plays for Chelsea FC and the English national team. After being introduced by the West Ham youth Academy, he moved to Chelsea in 1995. John Terry has an estimated weekly earning of £160 000 from the London Club.

The most earning Premier League footballer had already won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League in his glorious career so far. He is also the highest-scoring defender in the Premier League history. So, in total, John Terry is our 10th cast as of the top 10 highest paid Premier League Players 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning soccer clubs in 2016

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – £170 000 per week

Kevin De Bruyne, best paid footballers in English Premier League
Kevin De Bruyne | image credit – Wikimedia/Erik Drost

Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for English Premier League club Manchester City and the Belgium National Football Team. He is quite recent addition to the highest paid Premier League players in 2016, often described as one of the best modern day playmakers in the sporting arena.

De Bruyne began his career at Genk and was recently signed with the City for his wide range of passing and long-range shooting skills. Most notably he was named the footballer of the year 2015 in Germany. He joined Manchester City for a club record £55 million and now receives £170 000 a week as salary.

Also Read: Top 10 highest transfer fees in Premier League 2015

Top 10 most famous sports in the world 2015

08. Cesc Fabregas – Chelsea – £170 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas ; image credit de.wikipedia.org

Yes, of course the number on his back is familiar, but the soccer player’s career is a bit changed now a days with Chelsea. Watching Fabregas in blue shirt will take some time, getting used to. But may be the midfielder is not willing long to underline why Mourinho has brought the coup of the summer with that much passion.

From the Chelsea view point, Fabregas was cheaper than (£27 million) Alexis Sánchez, Diego Costa, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera. Yet Fabregas returns to England with 151 appearances under his belt with Barcelona. Notably he has also attained 91 most valuable caps for Spain National Team. And so the payment is not that cheap. His weekly estimated earning is about £170 000 from the London Club, which ranks him at number 7 of the highest paid football players of EPL 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 most paid players in world football 2016

                    Top 10 most handsome football players in EPL 2016

7. Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – £180 000 per week

Raheem Sterling, best earning English footballer
Raheem Sterling | image credit – Wikimedia/md.faisalzaman

Raheem Shaquille Sterling is an English professional footballer, plays as a midfielder for Manchester City and the England National Team. We consider him at seventh in our list of top 10 highest paid Premier League players in 2016. He was awarded ‘Golden Boy’ for 2014 from a pan-European panel of sports journalists. He was also remarked as the most valuable (with a value of €49 million) young player in Europe 2015.

Sterling started his career at Queens Park Rangers before signing for Liverpool in 2010. But last year he was signed by Manchester City in a transfer potentially worth £49 million. This is actually highest transfer fee for any English Player in 2016. Now he receives £180 000 a week from Manchester City.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning football clubs in the world 2016

                    Top 10 highest paid Serie A players in 2016

06. Mesut Ozil – Arsenal – £190 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, highest earning, Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

German midfielder Mesut Ozil plays for the Premier League club Arsenal and the German national team. Last season he was moved from the Spanish giant club Real Madrid to English Premier League. Mesut Ozil started out his professional football career at Schalke in 2006 and has been playing for his country since 2009. His estimated weekly earning is £190 000 from Arsenal in 2016.

After the prolific displays in the World Cup competition, he was attracted by Real Madrid in 2010. Again, he was transferred to Premier League club Arsenal on a club-record fee of £42.5 million, which eventually makes him the highest paid German footballer of all time. Ozil, ranks at number 9 of this list of highest paid Premier League players in 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 best free kick takers of this generation

                    Top 10 most earning female football players in 2016

5. David Silva (Manchester City) – £200 000 per week

David Silva, highest earning footballers in English Premier League
David Silva | image credit – Wikimedia/Илья Хохлов

David Josué Jiménez Silva is a Spanish professional soccer player, plays for English Premier League club Manchester City and the Spain National Football team. Mainly David Silva is an attacking midfielder, but he can also adjust as a winger or second striker. Here we keep him at fifth in our list of top 10 best paid Premier League Players in 2016.

The predominantly left-footed footballer spent six years of his professional career with the Spanish La Liga club Valencia CF. in 2010 summer he was moved to the English richest football club Manchester City. He has been awarded as ‘Merlin’ for his passing ability and possession-retaining qualities.

After joining the City, David Silva has appeared in over 200 matches in five seasons, winning Premier League title, Football League Cup and FA cup. Now a time, Silva receives £200 000 a week from Manchester City.

Also read: All about Ballon d’Or winners and their list

04. Eden Hazard – Chelsea – £220 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Eden Hazard is undoubtedly one of the finest attacking midfielders in the English Premier League 2016. He plays as a winger for his club and the Belgium national team. He is also well known for his creativity, speed and technical abilities. The highest earning Premier League footballer has another specification, he is regarded as one of the finest dribblers in Premier League football of his generation.

Eden Hazard started out his professional football career at Stade Brainois. He departed the French club in 2012 for the Premier League side Chelsea in 2012. The recorded transfer fee was £32million for the most valuable midfielder in the world. He made his senior debut in 2008, only at the age of 17. His weekly earning clearly remarks his position in the list of highest paid Premier League players 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 most earning midfielders in EPL 2016

                    Top 10 most famous women footballers in the world 2016

03. Yaya Toure – Manchester City – £240 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure ; image credit www.flickr.com

Yaya Toure is a complete deep-lying central midfielder, who plays for the Manchester City. He is very well known for his clear passing techniques and his physical presence on the field. The Ivorian international started his footballing career at ASEC Mimosas. He was also found playing with other top teams in Europe.

Because of his great on-field presence Toure signed to the Barcelona side in 2007 for a fee of £6.7 million. We all can remember that historic year of Barcelona with six trophies. Then he was signed for the Premier League side Manchester City in 2010 for a fee of £24 million. Currently he is paid £240 000 per week from the Premier League Club and that makes him the 4th most paid Footballer in EPL 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 best coaches in Premier League history

                    Top 10 most paid athletes in the world 2016

02. Sergio Aguero – Manchester City – £240 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

Argentine National Team football player Sergio Aguero plays as a striker for the Premier League Club Manchester City. The youngest player to ever play Argentine Premiera Division, he represented his nation at the World Cup as well. He started his professional footballing career at Independiente, then to the La Liga side Atletico Madrid in 2006. Having won the Europa League and Super Cup for the Spanish club, he was transferred to one of the richest football clubs in the world, Manchester City in July 2011 for an undisclosed fee (around £35 million).

Aguero is Manchester City’s highest-scoring player in European competitions with 13 goals so far. He is currently on a salary of £240 000 a week as his contract with the English Club. And that makes him the 6th highest paid football player in the English Premier League 2016.

Also Read: Top 10 rivalries in Premier League 2014-2016

                    Top 10 most selling football shirts in 2014-2016

01. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United – £260 000 per week

Top 10 Highest Paid Premier League Players in 2015, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney ; image credit pt.wikipedia.org

Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly one of the best stars in English football. He is well known as Wazza and plays for the Manchester United side in the English Premier League. He came here for a fee of £25.6 million from Everton in 2004. Scoring more than 200 goals for the team, he ranks fourth in Manchester United’s all-time highest goal scorers.

The English superstar started out his professional footballing career for his nation in 2003. The prolific striker already has 88 caps for the national side and is paid £260 000 per week from Manchester United. Together with several other endorsement deals he is the highest paid Premier League player in 2016. His name is also to be found at higher orders in highest paid football players list in the world 2016..

Also Read: Top 10 most promising young footballers in EPL 2016

                    Top 10 highest paid La Liga players in 2016

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Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, CF Lionel Messi
CF Lionel Messi ; image credit abcnews.go.com

Sports fans, especially football (soccer) lovers probably remarks the month September for a different cause. Of course, College football and the National Football League get underway. Again Major League Baseball pennant races finish up already. But the fact that EA Sports releases the latest FIFA video game in this certain period. Football lovers all over the world must have been waiting for this new release. Last year we’ve got the new version of FIFA game, which is FIFA 15. As EA takes real life domestic and international player performances into account, here we will check out the latest FIFA 15 player ratings. Either way, we can say these are the FIFA 15 best players to be found inside the game according to the FIFA 15 player ratings. Some may still claim specific players to be shuffled in this list, but we assure that this is totally based on FIFA 15 player ratings overall.

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 best players:

Let’s find out the 10 FIFA 15 best players according to FIFA 15 Player ratings. I think we well used to with the top two names, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 come from the two La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The recent Ballon d’Or consideration may also provoke some corrections in this list of top 10 FIFA 15 best players. As we surely saw Cristiano Ronaldo performing better than Lionel Messi last soccer season. But here we stick to the overall FIFA 15 player ratings conclusion.

Also Read: Top 10 highest paid football players in the world 2015

                    Top 10 best soccer players in the world 2015

Let’s check out, who is the FIFA 15 best player according to the FIFA 15 player ratings?

10. LM Eden Hazard – Chelsea & Belgium

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, LM Eden Hazard
LM Eden Hazard ; image credit www.telegraph.co.uk

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 88 Overall

Pace 89, Shooting 82, Passing 84

Eden Hazard has quickly emerged as one of the top attacking midfielders in the world soccer. The 23-year-old made the move to Chelsea in 2012 June. After that Hazard has cemented himself as one of the best overall footballers in the English Premier League. He deserves this very entry in top 10 FIFA 15 best players.

Hazard is a maestro when he has the ball at his feet. This year’s FIFA edition also reflects such criterions. EA games rated Hazard at 91 in dribbling and that puts the Chelsea star in the top-five (tied) in that category among FIFA 15 best players featured in this list. Hazard has 89 pace, 82 shooting and 84 passing ratings. Undoubtedly he is one of a dream acquisition for FIFA Ultimate Team players.

Also Read: Top 10 most successful football managers in the world 2015

                    Top 10 best football players of English Premier League 2015

09. LM Franck Ribéry – Bayern Munich & France

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, LM Franck Ribéry
LM Franck Ribéry ; image credit www.dailymail.co.uk

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 88 Overall  

Dribbling 92, Pace 89, Passing 85

Frank Ribery is one of the best and most underrated players on the soccer world. The 31-year-old continues to outdo peers five and ten years younger seems to stretch out the length of his physical prime every game. Ribéry is the second oldest player to make the top-ten list for FIFA 15 best players.

Fans may often feel that they hit the lottery if they land Ribéry in an Ultimate Team pack. I know some of them are very curious on using skill moves frequently. The Bayern Munich superstar is a five-star skill provider in this case. His weak foot is rated at four stars. He has 92 dribbling, 89 pace and 85 passing and overall 88 FIFA 15 player ratings.

Also Read: Top 10 best American soccer players in 2015

08. CM Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich & Germany

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, CM Bastian Schweinsteiger
CM Bastian Schweinsteiger ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 88 Overall 

Dribbling 82, Passing 85, Shooting 81, Defense 78

Bastian Schweinsteiger is probably that particular player who has done it all during his professional career both in German National Football Team and Bayern Munich. He has seven Bundesliga titles to his name and also kissed the Champions League trophy in celebration. The national team manager Joachim Löw has recognized the importance of the 30-year-old naming Schweinsteiger as the country’s new captain.

EA is also keeping him at the top list of FIFA 15 best players with overall 88 points. Those fifa lovers who love to feature footballers with loads of pace may choose to shy away from the German storm. His 61 pace is far and away the lowest among field players who are listed in the top 10 best football players of FIFA 15.

Also Read: Top 10 most paid athletes around the world 2015

07. ST Luis Suarez – Barcelona & Uruguay

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, ST Luis Suarez
ST Luis Suarez ; image credit sh.wikipedia.org

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 89 Overall

Pace 83, Shooting 87, Dribbling 88

The Uruguay superstar has earned the reputation for being one of the more despised athletes in all of professional football. He racially abused a player during a Premier League contest. There are other objections like he has bitten opposing players no fewer than three times, even during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil.

But above all no one would like to argue against the statement that Luis Suarez is one of the top striker in the football today. We can find resemblances that Barcelona paid £75 million over the summer to acquire his skill with the Catalans.

EA games may have underestimated how good of a finisher Suarez is as it pertains to the latest edition of FIFA 15. But 87 shooting is certainly lower than the shooting ratings given to three other players in this list of top 10 FIFA 15 best players.

Also Read: Top 10 most popular and most watched sports

06. CM Andres Iniesta – Barcelona & Spain

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, CM Andres Iniesta
CM Andres Iniesta ; image credit prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 89 Overall

Pace 75, Dribbling 91, Passing 89

Andres Iniesta is considered by many to be the best attacking midfielder of his generation. The Barcelona superstar has netted a plethora of personal and club honors since the 18 year old debut with the Catalan club. The 30-year-old has been named the best player in Europe and the top player in a European Championship. Champions League and World Cup trophies are also not beyond his very acquisition.

The well-rounded a midfielder is honorably found in the FIFA 15 best players list. His 75 pace is not blinding, but his 91 dribbling and 89 passing more than make up for the fact that Iniesta should overrule defenders comfort. One would be wise to start with Iniesta in case of outfitting a La Liga Ultimate Team of his own.

Also Read: Top 10 highest earning football players in La Liga 2015

05. GK Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich & Germany

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, GK Manuel Neuer
GK Manuel Neuer ; image credit fullfifa.com

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 90 Overall

Positioning 90, Diving 87, Reflexes 86, GK Kicking 92

Casual fans of soccer who tuned into the 2014 World Cup have already learned what diehard soccer fans have known for years. And the truth is, Manuel Neuer is certainly the best goalkeeper in the world right now. He is most definitely to be placed with the all-time great goalkeepers or even all-time great footballers.

Neuer was awarded the Golden Glove for being the top keeper in the World Cup 2015. It was an honor he rightfully deserved for years. In fact the German performed so well on the world’s biggest stage that many analysts believed he was worthy of being named the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015. He is the undisputed best goalkeeper in FIFA 15. Probably he is the only ‘keeper to crack the top-ten list of FIFA 15 best players.

The sweeper-keeper has 90 positioning, 87 diving, 86 reflexes and 92 GK kicking. And these much larger quantities than last year version of FIFA video games.

Also Read: Top 10 Premier League goalkeepers in 2015

                    Top 10 most earning football players in German Bundesliga 2015

04. ST Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Paris Saint-Germain & Sweden

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, ST Zlatan Ibrahimovic
ST Zlatan Ibrahimovic ; image credit zh.wikipedia.org

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 90 Overall

Dribbling 86, Passing 81, Shooting 91

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is practically a walking real-life video game character among the football fans. The 6-foot-5 striker is well renowned for his cheeky back-heel goals during his career, which is one of the best finishers in the world and in FIFA 15 Games. EA gave him 91 shooting ratings in this version. That is much better than all but one player listed in the top ten list of FIFA 15 best players.

I think, the FIFA game lovers would be wise to “dare to Zlatan”. Ibrahimovic will turn 33 years old this fall and may end his professional career in Major League Soccer. The North American sports fans are going to get the full out of this great FIFA star.

Also Read: Top 10 most handsome football players in Europe 2015

                    Top 10 most earning football players in Serie A 2015

03. RM Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich & Netherlands

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, RM Arjen Robben
RM Arjen Robben ; image credit www.dailymail.co.uk

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 90 Overall

Pace 93, Shooting 86, Dribbling 92

The Dutch wonder made headlines this past summer during what may be his final World Cup appearance. Arjen Robben was undeniably one of the top performers of the biggest tournament on earth. Some even argued that Robben deserved to win the Golden Ball this time.

His defense and defensive work rate are low in FIFA 15. But EA probably blessed the Munich star providing ratings 93 pace, 86 shooting, 83 passing and 92 for dribbling. He is our third pick as the FIFA 15 best players.

Also Read: Top 10 most rich football clubs in the world 2015

02. LW Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid & Portugal

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, LW Cristiano Ronaldo
LW Cristiano Ronaldo ; image credit www.independent.co.uk

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 92 Overall

Pace 93, Shooting 93, Dribbling 91, Passing 81

FIFA fans are well accustomed with this player and his position as it is unchanged like the FIFA 14 best players list. The inevitable complaining and unending debates begin here. Cristiano Ronaldo earned the privilege of being recognized as the top player in the world. The FIFA Ballon d’Or award has been given to this unbelievable superstar of his generation .While the highest-rated player in FIFA 15 was sidelined because of injury, he found the back of the net a total of 51 times.

EA describes five star skills for our second pick of the FIFA 15 best players list. 93 pace, 93 shooting, 91 dribbling and 81 passing makes a complete package for first choice from any kind of completion in this game. The Madrid star is believed to be having an ability to nod the ball home from anywhere inside of the box. Yes, of course you may question for his top position according to FIFA 15 player ratings in this list.

Also Read: Top 10 highest selling football team jerseys in the world 2015

                    Top 10 biggest football shoes endorsement deals

01. CF Lionel Messi – Barcelona & Argentina

Top 10 FIFA 15 Player Ratings | FIFA 15 Best Players, CF Lionel Messi
CF Lionel Messi ; image credit abcnews.go.com

FIFA 15 Player Ratings – 93 Overall

Pace 93, Dribbling 96, Shooting 89, Passing 86

Those interested in debating video game player ratings should remember one thing, there isn’t much a difference between a 93 and 92 rating. And in fact Lionel Messi has been the cover man for FIFA video games last four years. Of course Messi is one of the best real life footballers of his generation. His ability to dart through and between defenders while holding possession of the ball is unrivaled. The world-class finisher can strike seemingly at a moment’s notice.

His 96 dribbling puts him atop that category in FIFA 15 best player list. He has 93 pace, 89 shooting and 86 passing. Another point to be noted that the Barcelona all-time star is only a four-star skiller (while Ronaldo is five star). But believe me, you will not regret bringing this magical figure to you own best team in EA game’s FIFA 15 edition.

Also Read: Top 10 football jersey names that sold most in 2014

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Top 10 Goal scorers in UEFA Champions League of All time

Cristiano Ronaldo, top UCL goalscorer
Cristiano Ronaldo : photo credit: Wikimedia/Jan S0L0

The UEFA Champions League is one of the top football competitions in the world. The tournament is simply known as the Champions League. It is largely organized by the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) since 1955 and is regarded as the most prestigious football competition in Europe. The competition was officially known as European Champion Clubs’ Cup prior to 1992, when it was initially a straight knock out competition, which was opened only to the champion club of each European country. Afterwards the Champions League began to be expanded including a round-robin group stage and more teams.

The UEFA Champions League has able to draw huge popularity throughout the world. Most notably, the 2012-13 Champions League final achieved the status of most watched annual sporting event in the world, which drew over 360 million television viewers in 2013.

10 Goal scorers in UEFA Champions League of All time:

The Sporty Ghost desk, hereby took an initiative to enlist the top 10 goal scorers in UEFA Champions League of All time. Footballers all over the world in their respective clubs always try their utmost level in this ultimate stage of European club football. It is a dream for any footballer to score in a champions league match. Great players compete each other to be the top scorer of champions league. Here is the list of champions league top scorers of all time.

10. Filippo Inzaghi, Italy

Top 10 Goal scorers in UEFA Champions League of All time, Filippo Inzaghi
Filippo Inzaghi : photo credit: Wikimedia/Delfort

Goals: 46
UCL matches: 81
Years active: 1997-2012
Clubs: Juventus, Milan

The Italian striker spent most of his life time in Juventus and Milan. Inzaghi won two Champions League titles (2003, 2007) and three Serie A titles (1998, 2004, and 2011). He scored a total 46 goals including a penalty in the UEFA Champions League. Most notably, in the final of 2007 champions league, Inzaghi was voted as the Man of the match for his overwhelming performance. In the European club competitions, he made his place at 4th highest goal scorer with 70 goals, behind only Raul, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Inzaghi also holds the record of scoring most hat-tricks (10) in the history of Serie A.

For the Italian National team, he earned a total 57 caps and scored 25 goals. He represented his country in three occasions of FIFA World Cup, and winning the 2006 edition. Now, he stands at no. 10 in the list of top 10 goal scorers in UEFA champions League of All time.

9. Karim Benzema, France

Karim Benzema, champions league
Karim Benzema : photo credit: Wikimedia/Addesolen

Goals: 46
UCL matches: 77
Years active: 2006- present
Clubs: Lyon, Real Madrid

Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer who also plays for the Spanish club Real Madrid. He has been regarded as one of the most talented footballers and a potent finisher from inside the box. In the champions league, Karim Benzema has crowned with 46 goals in his 77 UCL appearances. His contribution is remarkable in Real Madrid when they won Copa del Rey in 2011, scoring stunning 32 goals for his club. The three times French Player of the Year winner, Karim Benzema is truly an asset for Real Madrid in their Champions League campaign.

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He appeared in 81 games for France and scored a total 27 goals. He represented his country two times in UEFA European Football Championship and once in FIFA World Cup in 2014. His astonishing hat-trick against Malmo in the Champions League this season was one of his amazing displays.

8. Eusebio, Portugal

Eusebio, top goalscorers
Eusebio: photo credit: Wikimedia/Sylvia Joy

Goals: 46
UCL matches: 65
Years active: 1961-1974
Club: Benfica

Eusebio, commonly nicknamed as “The Black Panther”, is one of the greatest footballers of all time in the history. The Portuguese striker scored a stunning total 749 goals in 745 matches at the club level. He also scored 41 goals for his national side in his 64 appearances.

Eusebio is a prolific goal scorer, who has a very ferocious right foot. Besides, his speed, technique and passion for football made him a world class player. In the season of 1961-62, Eusebio won the European Cup for his club Benfica by scoring two goals in the final against Real Madrid. Benfica won the final by 5-3. He was awarded the 2nd place in 1962 FIFA Ballon d’Or for his remarkable performance. He is truly a gem in the Champions League history. His place has been untouched for many years in the champions league top goal scorers list.

7. Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

Andriy Shevchenko, champions league top scorer
Andriy Shevchenko : photo credit: Wikimedia/Илья Хохлов

Goals: 48
UCL matches: 100
Years active: 1994-2012
Clubs: Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, Chelsea

Andriy Shevchenko is now a retired Ukrainian national team striker. He also played for Dynamo Kyiv, Milan and Chelsea. He is at no 7 position in our list of Top 10 Goal scorers in UEFA Champions League of All time. His football career has been highlighted by many awards. The most prestigious was that he won the 2004 FIFA Ballon d’Or. He also won the Champions League title in 2003 with Italian club Milan and became runner-up in 2005 and 2008 Champions league.

He scored an amazing 48 goals in his 100 champions league matches. He is one of the most eminent players for Milan, where he scored a tally of 175 goals. In addition with his bright club career, he also led Ukraine in the quarter-finals of 2006 FIFA World Cup. He is well known for his powerful and accurate shots and his unparallel skills with the ball.

6. Alfredo Di Stefano, Spain

Alfredo Di Stefano, best spanish footballer
Alfredo Di Stefano: photo credit: Flickr/Ver en vivo En Directo

Goals: 49
UCL matches: 58
Years active: 1955-1964
Club: Real Madrid

Alfredo Di Stefano is regarded as one of the most complete and influential footballer of all time in the football history. He was best during his time, winning numerous trophies for his team. The Real Madrid legend won the champions league trophies for the five consecutive season, from 1956. Di Stefano made history by scoring goals in each of the champions league finals for Real Madrid.

This powerful, quick and prolific forward scored a total 49 goals in his 58 champions league appearances. Not only as a forward, he could play anywhere in the pitch. During his period in Real Madrid, he marked his name as the highest goal scorer for them with 216 goals in just 282 matches. The 1957 and 1959 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, Alfredo Di Stefano remains at no 6 in the list of top 10 goal scorers in UEFA Champions league of all time.

5. Thierry Henry, France

Thierry Henry, great french footballer
Thierry Henry: photo credit: Flickr/Drew Dies

Goals: 50
UCL matches: 112
Years active: 1997-2010
Clubs: Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona

The French striker, Thierry Henry spent most of his career in Arsenal FC and became the club’s all-time top goal scorer. Henry contributed to win two premier league titles and three FA cups for the Gunners. He played as Arsenal captain when he led them to 2006 champions league finals. This world class player spent eight years in Arsenal before moving to Barcelona in 2007.

Thierry Henry scored 50 goals in his 112 UCL appearances. He played an integral part in Barcelona FC in their historic treble in 2009, La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. His name was included in the UEFA Team of the Year five times. As a France national team player he also won the prestigious FIFA world cup in 1998 and UEFA European Championship in 2000. Thierry Henry is ranked at no 5 in our list of top 10 goal scorers in UEFA champions league of all time.

4. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Netherlands

Ruud van Nistelrooy, champions league top scorers
Ruud van Nistelrooy : photo credit: Wikimedia/Aloba

Goals: 56
UCL matches: 73
Years active: 1998-2009
Clubs: PSV, Manchester United, Real Madrid

With 56 goals in 73 champions league appearances, Ruud van Nistelrooy stands at no 4 spot in the list of top 10 goal scorers in UEFA champions league of all time. The former Dutch international is a three-time champions league top scorer and also became top goal scorer in three different European domestic leagues.

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Nistelrooy scored a total 150 goals in 219 matches for the Manchester United before securing his position at Real Madrid in 2006. The most successful period was at United, achieving Premier league, FA Cup, Football league cup and FA Community Shield. His playing style and his aggressiveness in the box made him one of the lethal strikers in the football world.

3. Raul Gonzales, Spain

Raul Gonzales, real madrid legends
Raul Gonzales : photo credit: Wikimedia/Tsutomu Takasu

Goals: 71
UCL matches: 142
Years active: 1995-2011
Clubs: Real Madrid, Schalke 04

The retired Spanish footballer and former Real Madrid striker, Raul Gonzales is one of the most valuable players in the history of Real Madrid. During his 16 years in Real, he scored a total of 323 goals, which made him the 2nd all-time top goal scorer, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo. With Real Madrid, Raul won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions league titles, one UEFA Super Cup, and two Intercontinental Cup. He stands at no. 3 in the list of top 10 goal scorers in UEFA champions league of all time.

Raul became the first player to score in two champions league finals, in 2000 and 2002. His football career was flourished with many awards. He received the Best striker award by IFFHS in 1999, became the only player to be included in UEFA Club forward of the year three times, placed 2nd in 2001 FIFA Ballon d’Or, award for champions league top goal scorer, five Don Balon awards and so many.

2. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Lionel Messi, barcelona legend
Lionel Messi : photo credit: Wikimedia/Lluís

Goals: 80
UCL matches: 102 (Till date)
Years active: 2005-present
Club: Barcelona

Lionel Messi, the magician of football is truly a goal machine for both the Argentina national team and the Spanish club Barcelona. The Barcelona forward is a four time Ballon d’Or winner. Messi is considered as the best player of the world by many. As a Barcelona forward, he won seven La Liga titles, four champions league titles and three Copa del Rey titles so far. Messi has scored 292 goals for Barcelona in his 326 matches and still counting.

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Last year in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, Messi scored twice and made an assist in their 3-0 win. His 2nd goal which came as a chip over the Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after he dribbled past Jerome Boateng, was named the best goal of the season by UEFA. There are many more mesmerizing goals that came through his feet. After the end of this season of Champions league, you could see more that you expect from the mighty Leo.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo, top UCL goalscorer
Cristiano Ronaldo : photo credit: Wikimedia/Jan S0L0

Goals: 88
UCL matches: 121 (Till date)
Years active: 2003-present
Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid

The Real Madrid star and Portuguese national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo is the champions league top goalscorer with 88 goals in 121 matches. Cristiano won Ballon d’Or three times and FIFA World player of the year in 2008. He is often regarded as the best Portuguese footballer of all time. His career has been enlightened with many achievements. He attained three Premier league titles, one FA Cup and two football league cups with Manchester United. With Real Madrid, he won one La Liga, two Copa del Rey, two UEFA Champions league, one UEFA Super Cup and two FIFA Club world cups.

He holds the record for the most goal scorer in a single UEFA champions league season, which is 17 in 2013-14 season. He is now the top goal scorer for Real Madrid with 239 goals in his 217 matches. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage match of 2015-16 Champions league, to be the all time top goal scorer in UEFA Champions League, making the tally 80, ahead of Lionel Messi (77).

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth in 2015-16

He is fast, he is aggressive and he is a prolific goal scorer. There is always a hidden rivalry between Cristiano and Leo in regard of breaking records after records. May be we are luckiest to see the beautiful game of football becoming more astonishing.