Are you totally ignorant of football? Don’t you know anything about the beautiful game? With the 2010 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, here are 3 of the biggest names on display. Get to know them and don’t get left out of the conversation.
1) Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the 2009 European and World Footballer of the Year and one of the most skilled footballers in the world. At just 22 years old, his dribbling skills have earned him comparisons with the great Diego Maradona. Messi just completed a fantastic season for Barcelona, helping them retain the league title. Many fans feel that it is a matter of time before Messi is elevated to the true greats of soccer, joining players like Pelé and Maradona. However, to reach such heights, Messi must first win the World Cup. Can he do it in South Africa this June? Messi has never been able to replicate his form for Argentina, but he is well prepared to do so on the greatest stage of all.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
Love him or hate him, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best-known footballers of today. Ronaldo rose to fame with his transfer to Manchester United in 2003 and won the coveted Champions League with the Red Devils in 2008. A dazzling dribbler, Ronaldo is also an accomplished scorer and header. World Player of the Year 2009, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009 for a world record of £ 80 million and narrowly missed the league title with his new club. Ronaldo, the biggest star of a skilled Portuguese team, has already secured his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
3) Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, just 24 years old, is England’s biggest star. His rise has been meteoric, becoming the youngest player to score in the Premier League in 2002, breaking Arsenal’s then-undefeated spell. His subsequent transfer from Everton to Manchester United has seen him win numerous accolades, such as the 2010 Player of the Year. Known for his aggressive career and never-say-die attitude, Rooney has had his best season yet and is so important to England. that then-coach Sven Goran Eriksson took him to the 2006 World Cup even though he was not fully fit. Having tarnished his last World Cup appearance by being sent off against Portugal for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho, Rooney has improved his temper and is in good shape for the World Cup.
