List of Famous Footballers

Franz Anton Beckenbauer is a German former professional footballer and manager. In his playing career he was nicknamed Der Kaiser because of his elegant style, dominance and leadership on the field, and also as his first name "Franz" is reminiscent of the Austrian emperors. He is widely regarded to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. A versatile player who started out as a midfielder, Beckenbauer made his name as a central defender. He is often credited as having invented the role of the modern sweeper (libero).

Adnan Januzaj is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Sociedad and the Belgium national team.

Matthias Jaissle is a German football manager, previously the assistant manager of Brøndby IF, and former player who played as a defender. In 2021 he became the manager of FC Liefering.

Simon Thorup Kjær is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Italian club Milan and captains the Denmark national team.

Michael Ballack is a German retired professional footballer. He is among the top goal scorers in the history of the German national team. Ballack wore the number 13 shirt for every team he has played for, except from 1. FC Kaiserslautern. He was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players, and as the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002. He won the German Footballer of the Year award three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Ballack was known for his passing range, powerful shot, physical strength and commanding presence in midfield.

Rafael "Rafa" Mir Vicente is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Huesca on loan from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ryan Mmaee A'Nwambeben Kabir is a Moroccan footballer born in Belgium who plays as a forward for Ferencváros and the Moroccan national team.

Merih Demiral is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Juventus and the Turkey national team.

Juan Fernando Quintero Paniagua is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Shenzhen F.C..

Ashley Cole is an English former footballer who played as a left-back, most notably for Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, the former with whom he presently serves in the coaching staff for the U15 team. Cole is considered by many critics and fellow professional players as one of the best defenders of his generation, and by some, for the better part of his career, as the best left-back in the world. Born in Stepney, London, Cole began his youth career at Arsenal and made his full debut for the club in November 1999, going on to make 228 appearances and scoring nine goals for the North London club. With Arsenal he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and was an integral member of the "Invincibles" team of the 2003–04 season, who went the entire league season undefeated. Cole also made an appearance in Arsenal's first UEFA Champions League final in 2006; the club lost 2–1 to Barcelona.