Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.
Titles in this Set:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Lionel Messi
3. Diego Maradona
4. David Beckham
5. Pelé
6. Ronaldinho Gaúcho
7. Peter Schmeichel
8. George Best
9. Bobby Charlton
10. Bobby Moore
Description:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. After proving himself under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he earned a mighty reputation at Real Madrid and helped them strengthen their game. His talent and unmatched ability took the footballing world by storm. Becoming one of the world’s favourite players, his journey to the top of the game was full of hard work, goals and confidence.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s rapid rise to stardom was filled with hardship, determination, bravery and over 800 goals. It’s almost impossible to believe that this Argentinian giant of football was once considered too small to play. Proving any doubters wrong, he showed the world just how talented he was and took both club and country to new, victorious heights. If Messi is on a team, there just is no stopping them.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is best known for his famous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, but there is so much more to his story. His iconic career spanned twenty-one years and included many disappointing lows and unbeatable highs. His skill was almost effortless, and the impact he had on games was unlike any other player.
David Beckham
David Beckham’s footballing career was one of iconic moments and interesting haircuts. From being Manchester United’s golden boy to an international sensation, this beloved English footballer was unlike any other player. Earning respect from fans all around the world for his unique skills, his popularity was unmatched. After all, nobody can bend it like Beckham.
Pelé
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, was from humble beginnings – living in poverty in São Paulo and taught to play football by his beloved father. Throughout his career, Pelé scored over 1,000 incredible goals, won the World Cup three times and inspired thousands to play the beautiful game. As an accurate and powerful player, he took football to new and extraordinary heights.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho
Ronaldinho Gaúcho is a champion of Brazilian football. Forever following his father’s advice, he always played with happiness and freedom – he just played with the ball. He saved Barcelona when the club was down on its luck, bringing light and luck back to their side. Winning many titles and awards over his career, including the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho secured his legacy as one of the greats of the game.
Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel was a giant of goalkeeping – standing at an enormous six foot four! When he was in goal, nothing got past him. He tried things nobody had done before, and his attitude and ideas have influenced the way goalkeepers play today. He was Manchester United’s star shot-stopper for many years, and he played a huge role in Denmark’s 1992 Euros victory.
George Best
George Best was as good as his name. After being discovered when he was just fifteen, he went on to play for Manchester United for thirteen years. Known for his excellent dribbling skills and fashionable style, he became a huge celebrity on and off the pitch. Even Pelé said that George was the greatest footballer he’d ever seen.
Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton was an important player in England’s winning 1966 World Cup squad. He scored an incredible forty-nine goals for his country in 106 appearances. As well as being an international sensation, he was also a Manchester United hero and helped the club rebuild and improve after a devastating tragedy that threatened to shut them down. A true legend, he is one of the best English players in history.
Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore’s huge legacy is unlike any other. He was West Ham United’s greatest player of all time and an icon of the game. Described as the perfect leader, he also went on to captain the England team to victory in the 1966 World Cup. Loved and respected by all football fans to this day, he was a star of the game.
Luke Paton is the author of the Greatest Football Stars series. He has a degree in Scriptwriting for Film and TV and has written countless children’s magazines, articles, comic strips and books. He lives in Worcestershire with his wife and two children and is an Aston Villa supporter.
