well, its time to look at some of the interesting prospects of Spanish football ;)
#1. Diego Alves
Diego Alves, 6'1" goalkeeper from Brazil currently plays for Valencia FC. He was born on 24 June,1985 in Rio De Jenario. He started his career at Atletico Mineiro. Later he moved to Almeira in 2007. It was his performances at Almeira which caught the attention of the spanish media. He was a key member that performed brilliantly in 2007-08 season where the club performed well against big clubs and got a positive result against Madrid. He helped his club finish at 8th postition in La Liga, which was their record finish in Spanish Top Flight. The next season his individual performances saved Almeira from relegation. He was in the goal when Barcelona hit 8 goals which ultimately cost the club manager his job. After Almeira were relegated, Valencia have announced they have signed Alves who was given squad number 1.
#2. Fernando Llorente
Fernando Llorente, nicknamed El Rey León, is a 6'5" Spanish Striker who currently plays for Athletic Bilbao. He was born on February 26,1985 in Pamplona. A regular international for Spain since 2008, he helped Spain win 2010 WC. He started his career with Bilbao's youth team. For the first few seasons, he found himself down the pecking order at Bilbao. But injuries to key players made him the automatic first choice striker and he returned the favor for fans scoring 17 goals in 2007-08 season. Bilbao rewarded him with a new contract which included a buyout clause between 30-50 million euros. He rose to international fame when he scored 8 goals in 11 matches for Bilbao in 2009-10 Europa League. Bilbao were unfortunately eliminated by Anderlecht. Llorente was the second highest goal scorer In europa league that season. He finished the season with 23 goals in 50 matches. In 2010-11 season Llorente scored 18 league goals in 38 matches as Bilbao qualified for Europa League. He sure looks to be a good striker in making, given his knack for scoring incredible goals and his height advantage.
#3. Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara, 5'8" is an Italian born Spanish Player who plays for Barcelona FC as a midfielder. Thiago is the son of a former Brazilian WC winner Mazinho. He was born on 11 April,1991 in San Pietro, Vernotico, Italy. He started his career at the age of 5, when he was signed into the Flamengo youth team. In 2005, he returned to Spain and joined Barcelona. He was a prominent player in the reserve team, often scoring some spectacular goals. He scored his first goal for barcelona first team against Santander on February 20,2010. On 29 June,2011 he signed a contract extension that will keep him at Nou Camp till 2015 and a buyout clause of 90 million euros. In 2011-12 preseason he scored a 40 yard scorcher against Manchester United in a friendly game. He got his first Spanish cap against Italy on 10 august,2011. Looks to be a good player in the making but the recent purchase of Fabregas has clouded his future at barcelona. Maybe a move away from Nou Camp where he can get some first team football can help him mature as a player.
#4. Arda Turan
Arda Turan, 5'9" is a Turkish player who plays as a left winger for Atletico Madrid who have signed him from Galatasray for 12 million € + bonuses. He was born on 30 January,1987 in Istanbul. Arda was a product of Gala's youth academy and had a successful loan spell at manisaspor. He was later made an automatic first team player by then coach Eric Gerets and he was instrumental in Gala's progress to the UCL group stage. Following impressive displays, Newcastle made an offer of £ 9m which the chairman rejected. He was made the captain at the beginning of 2009-10 season and led Gala to 6 consecutive league wins. He ended the season with 11 goals and 25 assists in 47 games. However 2010-11 season began on a bad note. He was injured for most of the season and played only few games. He was sold to Atletico on 9 august,2011 making him the most expensive Turkish footballer. He earned his first cap for Turkey in 2006. However it was his performance in Euro 2008 where he helped Turkey reach semi-finals that attracted international acclaim. He is known for his exceptionally good dribbling skills and passing ability. Atletico must consider themselves lucky as they got a bargain for one of the best wingers in Europe.
#5. Jesús Navas
Navas, 5'7" is a Spanish International who currently plays for Sevilla FC. He was born on November 21,1985 in Los Palacios,Spain. Navas joined Sevilla's youth academy as a 15 year old and made his debut in a 1-0 loss to RCD Espanyol on 23 November,2003. The next season, Navas was permanently promoted to the first team scoring 2 goals in 22 appearances. 2005-06 season was a monumental one for Navas who played a key part as Sevilla defeated Middlesbrough to win UEFA Cup, in which he played in all 12 games. In August 2006, a deal was arranged for Navas transfer to Chelsea but it fell through as Navas rejected it citing possible home sickness. For the next 3 seasons, Navas was the club's highest assist provider and he won the league cup in 2008 and also helped the club to a third place finish in the following season. In 2009-10 season he was ever present, recording 50 appearances and also scored in the Spanish cup final against Atletico Madrid. however 2010-11 season was hampered with an injury and he could appear only for half of Sevilla's matches. He finished the season scoring a rare header against Barcelona in an entertaining 1-1 draw at home. He was a part of the victorious Spanish Team which won WC 2010. Navas looks to be a good player who may make it to the top of the assists table this season
#6. Nuri Kâzım Şahin
Şahin, 5'10.5" is a German born Turkish international who plays for Real Madrid FC as a midfielder. Nuri was born on 5 september, 1988 in Lüdenscheid, West Germany. He was a product of Borussia Dortmund's youth academy. On 6 august 2005 at the age of 16 years and
334 days Nuri became the youngest player to have played in Bundesliga, later becoming the youngest scorer on 25 november against FC Nuremburg. He was loaned to Feyernoord in 2006-07 season where he was reunited with his former coach bert wan wijk. Nuri returned to Dortmund where he played an important role starting 33 out of 34 matches. He won Bundesliga title in 2010-11 season. After weeks of speculation he signed with Real Madrid for an estimated €10m. He has a powerful left foot and is known to be a good dead ball specialist. He was given squad number 5, previously worn by Zinedine Zidane.
#7. Diego Perotti
Diego Perotti, 5'10.5" is an Argentine international who plays for Sevilla FC as a left winger who can play with both feet, he can also play as an attacking midfielder. Perotti was born on 26 July 1988 in Moreno, Argentina. He began his career at Club Deportivo Moron. Perotti joined Sevilla in summer of 2007 and was assigned to Sevilla's B side. He was instrumental in the reserve team which gained promotion second division. He made his debut for the first team on February 15,2009. He competed with Diego Capel, another academy graduate for regular berth. He began 2009-10 season on a high and was a regular started replacing Capel. He scored against CSKA Moskow in UCL round of 16, but the Russians progressed through a 2-1 away win. He won his first international cap replacing Messi, in a 1-2 loss to Spain on 9 November,2009. he looks to be a good player who can play on both flanks and also in the hole. Sevilla's attacking fortunes depend on him this season.
#8. Alberto Tino Costa
Alberto Costa, 5'9.5" is an Argentine international who plays for Valencia FC as a central midfielder. He was born on 9 January, 1985 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Costa began his career in Argentina playing for local club La Terrazza. At the age of 17, he made the highly risky decision of leaving the country for the island of Guadeloupe to play for Racing Club de Basse-Terre in the Guadeloupe Division d’Honneur. Costa spent two years at the island club helping the club win the league and cup double. His great play caught the attention ofRacing Club de Paris, who offered the player a trial. Racing, who were playing in the third-tier National, signed the player and Costa played one season for the club appearing in 28 total matches scoring 3 goals. Costa later moved to Montpellier of ligue 2 in 2008. He helped the club in getting back to Ligue-1. On 1 July,2010 Costa was snapped up by Valencia for an estimated transfer fee € 6.5M. He scored his first goal for Valencia on his debut in the UEFA Champion's League. The midfielder shot accurately from 30 yards out, and Valencia went on to win 0-4 at Bursaspor. He scored his first league goal for Valencia against Getafe on 14 November 2010. On 18 December he scored his second league goal from 35 yeards out when he converted a free-kick against Real Sociedad. He is a good dead ball specialist , penalty taking ability and pin point passing.
#9. Juan Manuel Mata
Mata, 5'7" is a Spanish International who currently plays for Valencia as a winger/midfielder. Mata was born on 28 April,1988 in Burgos, Spain. He joined Madrid's youth academy at the age of 15 years.Switching to Real Madrid Castilla in 2006–07, Mata was given the number 34 shirt in the first team, while wearing #28 in Castilla. In spite of Castilla's final Segunda División relegation, he finished the season as the side's second best scorer at nine, behind striker Álvaro Negredo.
Mata had a contractual clause at Real Madrid during his last season at the club, and eventually agreed to sign for fellow La Liga sideValencia CF in March 2007, starting in 2007–08. Benefiting from constant injuries to Vicente and the ostracism to which then-manager Ronald Koeman condemned Miguel Ángel Angulo, Mata gradually carved a niche on Valencia's first eleven. On 20 March 2008, he scored twice in the Copa del Rey semifinal match against FC Barcelona to help Valencia reach the final against Getafe CF where, on 16 April, he netted the opener in a 3–1 win. During that first season, he was voted the team's Best young player by fans and players alike.
In the following two seasons, Mata was an everpresent offensive figure for Valencia, scoring 17 goals in 68 games combined, with the club achieving back-to-back third-league places. On 10 April 2011, he netted two in a 5–0 home win against Valencian neighbours Villarreal CF. On 9 May, England-based Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué reported interest from several Premier League clubs.
A clever player, who possesses great pace, intelligence, and goalscoring ability.After successfully graduating from Real Madrid's youth academy, he spent the majority of his senior career with Valencia.
#10. Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, 5'6.5" is an Argentine International who currently plays for Barcelona as a striker/winger. He was born on 24 June, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He is widely regarded by many people as the best player of his generation. When he was 13 years old, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His family moved to barcelona after their chief promised to pay for the medical expenses. Messi made his official debut on 16 November 2003 aged 16 years and 145 days in a friendly against Porto. Ever since then he was the main stay of the Barcelona's squad.
Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke his team record for the youngest footballer to score a league goal. Major honors soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in the 2006–07 season; he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Messi then had the most successful season of his playing career, the 2008–09 season, in which he scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble-winning campaign. This record-breaking season was then eclipsed in the following 2009–10 campaign, where Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo's record total for Barcelona. He surpassed this record in the 2010–11 season with 53 goals in all competitions.
Messi has won five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, scoring in two of those finals, against Manchester United in both 2009and 2011. He was not on the pitch as Barcelona defeated Arsenal in 2006, but received a winners' medal from the tournament. After scoring 12 goals in the 2010–11 Champions League, Messi became only the third player (after Gerd Müller and Jean-Pierre Papin) to top-score in three successive European Champion Clubs' Cup campaigns. However, Messi is the first one to win the Champions League top scorer titles for three consecutive years after Champions League changed its format in 1992.
Messi was the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship with six goals, including two in the final game. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play in theFIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In 2008, in Beijing, he won his first international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team. He has already scored one goal against Madrid in supercopa and must play a vital part as Barcelona prepare to defend their UCL crown.
#11. Giuseppe Rossi
When offered a spot on the youth team of Parma, Rossi (then 12) and his father moved to Italy until Manchester United bought his contract when he was 17. He scored his only Premier League goal with a long range effort in a 3–1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
At the start of the 2006–07 season, Rossi moved to Newcastle United on loan until January 1, 2007, where he was expected to gain some first team experience. He made his home debut on September 24, 2006. Rossi scored his only Newcastle goal in his first start on October 25, 2006, against Portsmouth in a Carling Cup Third Round tie at St James' Park.For the second half of the season, he was again loaned out, this time to his former club, Parma. Scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances, he helped the club escape the threat of relegation.
On July 31, 2007, Manchester United confirmed Rossi had been sold to Spanish club Villarreal CF for an undisclosed fee, reportedly around €10 million. He scored his first goal for Villarreal on his debut against Valencia on August 26, 2007. In his second season with Villarreal, Rossi had scored 12 goals in 30 league appearances, along with three goals in eight Champions League appearances. In January, 2011, he signed a contract extension with Villarreal until 2016. The 2010–11 season proved to be his breakthrough season, as he scored 32 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions.
Navas, 5'7" is a Spanish International who currently plays for Sevilla FC. He was born on November 21,1985 in Los Palacios,Spain. Navas joined Sevilla's youth academy as a 15 year old and made his debut in a 1-0 loss to RCD Espanyol on 23 November,2003. The next season, Navas was permanently promoted to the first team scoring 2 goals in 22 appearances. 2005-06 season was a monumental one for Navas who played a key part as Sevilla defeated Middlesbrough to win UEFA Cup, in which he played in all 12 games. In August 2006, a deal was arranged for Navas transfer to Chelsea but it fell through as Navas rejected it citing possible home sickness. For the next 3 seasons, Navas was the club's highest assist provider and he won the league cup in 2008 and also helped the club to a third place finish in the following season. In 2009-10 season he was ever present, recording 50 appearances and also scored in the Spanish cup final against Atletico Madrid. however 2010-11 season was hampered with an injury and he could appear only for half of Sevilla's matches. He finished the season scoring a rare header against Barcelona in an entertaining 1-1 draw at home. He was a part of the victorious Spanish Team which won WC 2010. Navas looks to be a good player who may make it to the top of the assists table this season
#6. Nuri Kâzım Şahin
Şahin, 5'10.5" is a German born Turkish international who plays for Real Madrid FC as a midfielder. Nuri was born on 5 september, 1988 in Lüdenscheid, West Germany. He was a product of Borussia Dortmund's youth academy. On 6 august 2005 at the age of 16 years and
334 days Nuri became the youngest player to have played in Bundesliga, later becoming the youngest scorer on 25 november against FC Nuremburg. He was loaned to Feyernoord in 2006-07 season where he was reunited with his former coach bert wan wijk. Nuri returned to Dortmund where he played an important role starting 33 out of 34 matches. He won Bundesliga title in 2010-11 season. After weeks of speculation he signed with Real Madrid for an estimated €10m. He has a powerful left foot and is known to be a good dead ball specialist. He was given squad number 5, previously worn by Zinedine Zidane.
#7. Diego Perotti
Diego Perotti, 5'10.5" is an Argentine international who plays for Sevilla FC as a left winger who can play with both feet, he can also play as an attacking midfielder. Perotti was born on 26 July 1988 in Moreno, Argentina. He began his career at Club Deportivo Moron. Perotti joined Sevilla in summer of 2007 and was assigned to Sevilla's B side. He was instrumental in the reserve team which gained promotion second division. He made his debut for the first team on February 15,2009. He competed with Diego Capel, another academy graduate for regular berth. He began 2009-10 season on a high and was a regular started replacing Capel. He scored against CSKA Moskow in UCL round of 16, but the Russians progressed through a 2-1 away win. He won his first international cap replacing Messi, in a 1-2 loss to Spain on 9 November,2009. he looks to be a good player who can play on both flanks and also in the hole. Sevilla's attacking fortunes depend on him this season.
#8. Alberto Tino Costa
Alberto Costa, 5'9.5" is an Argentine international who plays for Valencia FC as a central midfielder. He was born on 9 January, 1985 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Costa began his career in Argentina playing for local club La Terrazza. At the age of 17, he made the highly risky decision of leaving the country for the island of Guadeloupe to play for Racing Club de Basse-Terre in the Guadeloupe Division d’Honneur. Costa spent two years at the island club helping the club win the league and cup double. His great play caught the attention ofRacing Club de Paris, who offered the player a trial. Racing, who were playing in the third-tier National, signed the player and Costa played one season for the club appearing in 28 total matches scoring 3 goals. Costa later moved to Montpellier of ligue 2 in 2008. He helped the club in getting back to Ligue-1. On 1 July,2010 Costa was snapped up by Valencia for an estimated transfer fee € 6.5M. He scored his first goal for Valencia on his debut in the UEFA Champion's League. The midfielder shot accurately from 30 yards out, and Valencia went on to win 0-4 at Bursaspor. He scored his first league goal for Valencia against Getafe on 14 November 2010. On 18 December he scored his second league goal from 35 yeards out when he converted a free-kick against Real Sociedad. He is a good dead ball specialist , penalty taking ability and pin point passing.
#9. Juan Manuel Mata
Mata, 5'7" is a Spanish International who currently plays for Valencia as a winger/midfielder. Mata was born on 28 April,1988 in Burgos, Spain. He joined Madrid's youth academy at the age of 15 years.Switching to Real Madrid Castilla in 2006–07, Mata was given the number 34 shirt in the first team, while wearing #28 in Castilla. In spite of Castilla's final Segunda División relegation, he finished the season as the side's second best scorer at nine, behind striker Álvaro Negredo.
Mata had a contractual clause at Real Madrid during his last season at the club, and eventually agreed to sign for fellow La Liga sideValencia CF in March 2007, starting in 2007–08. Benefiting from constant injuries to Vicente and the ostracism to which then-manager Ronald Koeman condemned Miguel Ángel Angulo, Mata gradually carved a niche on Valencia's first eleven. On 20 March 2008, he scored twice in the Copa del Rey semifinal match against FC Barcelona to help Valencia reach the final against Getafe CF where, on 16 April, he netted the opener in a 3–1 win. During that first season, he was voted the team's Best young player by fans and players alike.
In the following two seasons, Mata was an everpresent offensive figure for Valencia, scoring 17 goals in 68 games combined, with the club achieving back-to-back third-league places. On 10 April 2011, he netted two in a 5–0 home win against Valencian neighbours Villarreal CF. On 9 May, England-based Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué reported interest from several Premier League clubs.
A clever player, who possesses great pace, intelligence, and goalscoring ability.After successfully graduating from Real Madrid's youth academy, he spent the majority of his senior career with Valencia.
#10. Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, 5'6.5" is an Argentine International who currently plays for Barcelona as a striker/winger. He was born on 24 June, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He is widely regarded by many people as the best player of his generation. When he was 13 years old, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His family moved to barcelona after their chief promised to pay for the medical expenses. Messi made his official debut on 16 November 2003 aged 16 years and 145 days in a friendly against Porto. Ever since then he was the main stay of the Barcelona's squad.
Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke his team record for the youngest footballer to score a league goal. Major honors soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in the 2006–07 season; he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Messi then had the most successful season of his playing career, the 2008–09 season, in which he scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble-winning campaign. This record-breaking season was then eclipsed in the following 2009–10 campaign, where Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo's record total for Barcelona. He surpassed this record in the 2010–11 season with 53 goals in all competitions.
Messi has won five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, scoring in two of those finals, against Manchester United in both 2009and 2011. He was not on the pitch as Barcelona defeated Arsenal in 2006, but received a winners' medal from the tournament. After scoring 12 goals in the 2010–11 Champions League, Messi became only the third player (after Gerd Müller and Jean-Pierre Papin) to top-score in three successive European Champion Clubs' Cup campaigns. However, Messi is the first one to win the Champions League top scorer titles for three consecutive years after Champions League changed its format in 1992.
Messi was the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship with six goals, including two in the final game. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play in theFIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In 2008, in Beijing, he won his first international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team. He has already scored one goal against Madrid in supercopa and must play a vital part as Barcelona prepare to defend their UCL crown.
#11. Giuseppe Rossi
Rossi 5'8" is an American born Italian international who currently plays for Villareal as a striker. Rossi was born on February 1,1987 in Teaneck,New Jersey, USA. His father, Fernando Rossi, coached soccer and taught Italian and Spanish at Clifton High School. His mother, Cleonilde Rossi, was also a language teacher at Clifton. At age 12, he moved to Parma, Italy with his father to begin his youth career at Parma.
At the start of the 2006–07 season, Rossi moved to Newcastle United on loan until January 1, 2007, where he was expected to gain some first team experience. He made his home debut on September 24, 2006. Rossi scored his only Newcastle goal in his first start on October 25, 2006, against Portsmouth in a Carling Cup Third Round tie at St James' Park.For the second half of the season, he was again loaned out, this time to his former club, Parma. Scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances, he helped the club escape the threat of relegation.
On July 31, 2007, Manchester United confirmed Rossi had been sold to Spanish club Villarreal CF for an undisclosed fee, reportedly around €10 million. He scored his first goal for Villarreal on his debut against Valencia on August 26, 2007. In his second season with Villarreal, Rossi had scored 12 goals in 30 league appearances, along with three goals in eight Champions League appearances. In January, 2011, he signed a contract extension with Villarreal until 2016. The 2010–11 season proved to be his breakthrough season, as he scored 32 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions.
#12. Diego Roberto Godín Leal
Godin 6'1" is a Uruguayan international who plays for Atletico Madrid as a centre back. He was born on 16 February,1986 in Rosario,Uruguay. Godín started his professional career with C.A. Cerro, moving at 20 to top division powerhouse Club Nacional de Football. There, he quickly became captain due to his maturity and professionalism.
In August 2007, Godín signed a five-year deal with La Liga side Villarreal CF, scoring in just his second game, a 2–3 loss at CA Osasuna, on October 7, and participating with 24 matches in the club's best-league placement ever (second). He consolidated his starting position in the subsequent seasons, mostly partnering Argentine Gonzalo Rodríguez in the heart of the back four.
On 4 August 2010, after experiencing his best season at Villarreal - 36 games, three goals - Godín joined fellow first-divisioner Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract, after the two clubs agreed an initial fee believed to be around €8 million (or £6.6 million). He made his official debut for the Colchoneros on the 27th, playing the entire 2–0 win against F.C. Internazionale Milano for the season's UEFA Super Cup.
Aged just 19, Godín made his debut for Uruguay, in a friendly defeat against Mexico, in Guadalajara. He represented the nation at the2007 Copa América.Godín was selected for the squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, starting in the opener against France (0–0), in Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, and playing in a further four matches for the eventual semifinalists.Godin finally claimed his first international title as Uruguay won 2011 Copa America .
In August 2007, Godín signed a five-year deal with La Liga side Villarreal CF, scoring in just his second game, a 2–3 loss at CA Osasuna, on October 7, and participating with 24 matches in the club's best-league placement ever (second). He consolidated his starting position in the subsequent seasons, mostly partnering Argentine Gonzalo Rodríguez in the heart of the back four.
On 4 August 2010, after experiencing his best season at Villarreal - 36 games, three goals - Godín joined fellow first-divisioner Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract, after the two clubs agreed an initial fee believed to be around €8 million (or £6.6 million). He made his official debut for the Colchoneros on the 27th, playing the entire 2–0 win against F.C. Internazionale Milano for the season's UEFA Super Cup.
Aged just 19, Godín made his debut for Uruguay, in a friendly defeat against Mexico, in Guadalajara. He represented the nation at the2007 Copa América.Godín was selected for the squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, starting in the opener against France (0–0), in Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, and playing in a further four matches for the eventual semifinalists.Godin finally claimed his first international title as Uruguay won 2011 Copa America .
#13. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, 6'1" is a Portuguese international who plays for Real Madrid FC as a striker/winger. Ronaldo was born on 5 February, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira,Portugual.
Ronaldo is the most expensive player in football history after moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a transfer deal worth £80 million (€94m, US$132m). In addition, his contract with Real Madrid, in which he is to be paid £11 million per year over the following six years, makes him the highest-paid football player in the world, and values him at €1 billion as per his buyout clause.
Ronaldo began his career as a youth player for Andorinha, where he played for two years, then moved to Nacional. In 1997, he made a move to Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal. Ronaldo's precocious talent caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and signed the 18-year-old for £12.24 million in 2003. The following season, Ronaldo won his first club honour, the FA Cup and played at Euro 2004 with Portugal. Ronaldo scored his first international goal in the opening game of the tournament against Greece, although Greece won 2–1. Portugal reached the final, which they again lost to Greece.
Ronaldo was the first player to win all four main PFA and FWA awards, doing so in 2007. In 2008, Ronaldo won the Champions League with United, was named best forward and player of the tournament and was the competition's top goalscorer as well as winning the European Golden Shoe, becoming the first winger to do so, and topping the Premier League Golden Boot award. He won three of the four main PFA and FWA trophies, only missing the PFA Young Player of the Year, and was named the FIFPro, World Soccer and Onze d'Or Footballer of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner in 40 years. Ronaldo holds the distinction of being the first player to win the FIFA Puskás Award, an honour handed by FIFA to the best goal of the year. He scored that goal from 40 yards out against FC Porto in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match, while playing for Manchester United. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff said in an interview on 2 April 2008, "Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United."
On 15 May 2011, Ronaldo became the highest goalscorer in a season in the history of Real Madrid with 51 goals, surpassing the club's previous high of 49 by Ferenc Puskás. He would later finish the season with a total of 53 goals, making him the first Real Madrid player to ever reach and surpass 50 goals in a season. Six days later, Ronaldo broke the record of most goals ever scored in a season in La Liga with 40, surpassing Telmo Zarra's mark established in 1951 and Hugo Sanchez's mark matched in 1990. Ronaldo also broke Zarra's record of most goals per minute, with a goal scored every 70.7 minutes. The newspaper Marca, the official deliverer of the Pichichi Trophy (the top La Liga goalscorer award), claimed that Ronaldo scored 41 goals. By doing so, he won the European Golden Shoe award once again, becoming the first player to win the trophy in two different championships.
After having two great seasons with Madrid, Ronaldo would love to win UCL and La Liga for Madrid. He's clever and fast and also a very good dead ball specialist.
Ronaldo began his career as a youth player for Andorinha, where he played for two years, then moved to Nacional. In 1997, he made a move to Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal. Ronaldo's precocious talent caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and signed the 18-year-old for £12.24 million in 2003. The following season, Ronaldo won his first club honour, the FA Cup and played at Euro 2004 with Portugal. Ronaldo scored his first international goal in the opening game of the tournament against Greece, although Greece won 2–1. Portugal reached the final, which they again lost to Greece.
Ronaldo was the first player to win all four main PFA and FWA awards, doing so in 2007. In 2008, Ronaldo won the Champions League with United, was named best forward and player of the tournament and was the competition's top goalscorer as well as winning the European Golden Shoe, becoming the first winger to do so, and topping the Premier League Golden Boot award. He won three of the four main PFA and FWA trophies, only missing the PFA Young Player of the Year, and was named the FIFPro, World Soccer and Onze d'Or Footballer of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner in 40 years. Ronaldo holds the distinction of being the first player to win the FIFA Puskás Award, an honour handed by FIFA to the best goal of the year. He scored that goal from 40 yards out against FC Porto in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match, while playing for Manchester United. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff said in an interview on 2 April 2008, "Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United."
On 15 May 2011, Ronaldo became the highest goalscorer in a season in the history of Real Madrid with 51 goals, surpassing the club's previous high of 49 by Ferenc Puskás. He would later finish the season with a total of 53 goals, making him the first Real Madrid player to ever reach and surpass 50 goals in a season. Six days later, Ronaldo broke the record of most goals ever scored in a season in La Liga with 40, surpassing Telmo Zarra's mark established in 1951 and Hugo Sanchez's mark matched in 1990. Ronaldo also broke Zarra's record of most goals per minute, with a goal scored every 70.7 minutes. The newspaper Marca, the official deliverer of the Pichichi Trophy (the top La Liga goalscorer award), claimed that Ronaldo scored 41 goals. By doing so, he won the European Golden Shoe award once again, becoming the first player to win the trophy in two different championships.
After having two great seasons with Madrid, Ronaldo would love to win UCL and La Liga for Madrid. He's clever and fast and also a very good dead ball specialist.
#14. Gerard Piqué i Bernabéu
Pique, 6'3.5" is a Spanish International who currently plays for Barcelona as a central defender. He was born on 2 February,1987 in Barcelona, Catalonia. A product of Barça's cantera, he initially left the club for Manchester United in 2004, where he remained for four years, before returning to Barça under Josep Guardiola's leadership, helping the club become the first football club ever to complete The Sextuple. Piqué is one of four players to have won the UEFA Champions League two years in a row with different teams, the others being Marcel Desailly,Paulo Sousa and Samuel Eto'o.
Piqué has also represented the Spanish national team, making his debut on 11 February 2009. He played an integral role in the Spain team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Piqué has also represented the Spanish national team, making his debut on 11 February 2009. He played an integral role in the Spain team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
#15. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso, 6'0" is a Spanish international who plays for Real Madrid as a midfielder. Alonso was born on 25 September,1981 in Tolosa, Spain. Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad, the main team of his home region Gipuzkoa. After a brief loan period at SD Eibar he returned to Sociedad where then manager John Toshack appointed Alonso as his team captain and Alonso succeeded in the role, taking Real Sociedad to second place in the 2002–03 season. He moved to Liverpool in August 2004 for £10,5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club, scoring the equalising goal in a final in which his team had been 3-0 down at half-time. The following season he won the FA Cup, and subsequently also the FA Community Shield. He moved to Real Madrid for the start of the 2009–10 season, in a deal worth around £30 million, thus making him the fourth most expensive midfielder. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and in the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. He won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
He holds the record for the longest-range goal ever scored in open play in the Premier League, being some 61 yards away from Steve Harper's line when he netted against Newcastle United in 2006. The season before, he scored from 78 yards with an effort against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup.
He holds the record for the longest-range goal ever scored in open play in the Premier League, being some 61 yards away from Steve Harper's line when he netted against Newcastle United in 2006. The season before, he scored from 78 yards with an effort against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup.
Xabi Alonso is known for his vision in midfield, Free kick Technique and pin point passing. He has played 87 matches scoring 11 goals for Spain.
#16. Andrés Iniesta Luján
Iniesta, 5'7" is a Spanish international who plays for Barcelona as a midfielder/winger. Iniesta was born on 11 May,1984 in Fuentealbilla, Spain. Iniesta came through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, and impressed from an early age. He made his first-team debut in 2002, aged 18. He began playing regularly during the 2004–05 season, and has remained in the side ever since. He was an integral part of thesextuple-winning Barcelona side in 2009, the only time which a club has achieved six titles in a year.
Iniesta played for Spain at Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, before making his international debut in 2006. He was selected for the2006 FIFA World Cup, playing one game, as Spain went out in the second round. He helped Spain qualify for Euro 2008, and played an important role in the side as they went on to win the competition, playing every game and being selected in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was a key member of the victorious Spanish side; he scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, also being named Man of the Match, and was selected in the tournament's All-Star Team. He was also the Man of the Match for two other World Cup games.
Iniesta played for Spain at Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, before making his international debut in 2006. He was selected for the2006 FIFA World Cup, playing one game, as Spain went out in the second round. He helped Spain qualify for Euro 2008, and played an important role in the side as they went on to win the competition, playing every game and being selected in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was a key member of the victorious Spanish side; he scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, also being named Man of the Match, and was selected in the tournament's All-Star Team. He was also the Man of the Match for two other World Cup games.
#17. Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez
Alexis Sanchez, 5'7" is a Chile international who currently plays for Barcelona as a forward. Sanchez was born on 19 December,1988 in Tocopilla, Chile. Sánchez began his career as a youth player for Cobreloa in 2003, aged 15, for then be promoted to the first adult team, two years later. His precocious talent caught the attention of Udinese, team of the Italian Serie A, and signed the 17-year-old for $3 million in May 2006, but was immediately loaned out to Colo-Colo, and then River Plate where he was able to mature in less physically demanding confines than the Italian first division.
He joined Udinese after becoming champion of the Argentina and Chilean leagues in June 2008. Sánchez made a steady progress in his first two seasons at Udinese, and in the 2010-11 season he established himself as one of the key player's that allowed Udinese to finish fourth in Serie A. On 27 February 2011, Sánchez scored four of seven goals as his team defeated Palermo 7-0, playing only the first 52 minutes of the game. This event meant he broke the record of goals scored by a Chilean player (in a single match) in theItalian Serie A, thus beating the records set by his historic countrymen Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano.
Alexis made his international debut for his national team against Sweden in 2006 and scored his first goal against Switzerland in a 2–1 loss, being also the first goal of the Marcelo Bielsa era. During the period of Bielsa, he was the top-scorer of Chile with 14 goals surpassing to Humberto Suazo with 11 goals.
He joined Udinese after becoming champion of the Argentina and Chilean leagues in June 2008. Sánchez made a steady progress in his first two seasons at Udinese, and in the 2010-11 season he established himself as one of the key player's that allowed Udinese to finish fourth in Serie A. On 27 February 2011, Sánchez scored four of seven goals as his team defeated Palermo 7-0, playing only the first 52 minutes of the game. This event meant he broke the record of goals scored by a Chilean player (in a single match) in theItalian Serie A, thus beating the records set by his historic countrymen Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano.
Alexis made his international debut for his national team against Sweden in 2006 and scored his first goal against Switzerland in a 2–1 loss, being also the first goal of the Marcelo Bielsa era. During the period of Bielsa, he was the top-scorer of Chile with 14 goals surpassing to Humberto Suazo with 11 goals.
