7 legends who were true gentlemen of the game

Javier Zanetti

It takes a lot of hard work to be successful at the top level in football. But it takes a lot of character to be respected by everyone in the footballing world. These are the greats of the game who not only gave it their 110% every time they took to the field but treated the game with respect These players became known for their sportsman spirit and their professionalism along with their footballing quality. They have truly become role models for their clubs and countries leading by example. Here are five legends who are gentlemen of the game

#7 Javier Zanetti

Javier Zanetti

Zanetti is one of the greatest full-backs in the history of the game. His career has been a symbol of consistency and professionalism few have matched. He is one of the few players even opposition fans admire. The Argentinian was never one to show displeasure and made sure his focus was always on his football.

The 42-year-old’s career spanned 22 years, a majority of which he spent with Inter Milan. He possessed every attribute a good defender requires and he has been one of the few players who managed to maintain a high level of performance for a long period of time.

Ryan Giggs labeled the right back, the toughest opponent he has faced. Zanetti is a true embodiment of all good things in football. He was honorable and fair, never once using foul means to win a football match.

He was another who never received a red card in his career. Juventus coach Antonio Conte was all praise about his character saying, “He is a player who has made history and I couldn’t think higher of him as a player and a man”.

Even Italian great Roberto Baggio admitted he was one of a kind saying, “He is so special and I have never heard him speak badly about anyone. Nowadays there aren't many players like him”.

Zanetti was one of those few players whose image has and never will be tarnished, a true ambassador of the beautiful game.

#6 Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol

One of the finest defenders of the game Puyol has set an example of leadership and sportsman spirit for the next generation of football players. The former Spanish international made 593 appearances in the colours of Barcelona and is considered one of the best defenders the club has ever had.

Puyol is a true representation of the modern defender. He had good positional awareness and was very composed on the ball. These skills helped him become an integral cog in the legendary era of Pep Guardiola.

Puyol has always been a reserved person and it showed on the pitch as well. He has been the voice of reason on several occasions, ensuring his players acted sensibly during any confrontations they were involved in during a match.

One memorable incident where he showed his professionalism was in 2005. In a game against Mallorca one of their defenders Ballesteros was sent off after a rash challenge. While walking off the pitch, Puyol went over to the player to calm him down only to be slapped in the face. Ronaldinho on seeing this rushed over in anger only to be stopped by Puyol himself.

Five years later AC Milan travelled to the Camp Nou in the Champions League game, the first time Ronaldinho was going to face his former teammates. In a wonderful gesture of kindness Puyol called the Brazilian over so that he could take a pose for the Barcelona team photo.

In a career of many highs, these are the moments that truly make him stand out from the rest.

#5 Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose is one of the most natural strikers to have played the game. Any team would love to have the German in their side because of his ability to find the back of the net with ease. His career has spanned over 18 years having played for the likes of Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Kaiseslaughen and Hamburg.

He is still kicking on at the tender age of 37 with Italians Lazio in Serie A. Klose enjoyed plenty of success at both International and club level, most recently winning the World Cup in 2014. He also boasts the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history

But Klose has earned a wonderful reputation of being an ambassador of fair play in the game. He has won awards for the sportiveness and character he has shown, but there have been two well-publicised incidents of his honesty.

The first one occurred when he was playing with Werder Bremen. During a match, Bremen won a penalty but Klose refused to accept it as he hadn’t been fouled.The referee, after listening to the strikers’ plea decided to rescind his decision. He was rewarded with a fair play award for his actions and applauded by his opponents as well.

The second instance was a game of Napoli against Lazio. Klose scored a goal from a corner after it hit his hand which the referee allowed. But Klose immediately went to the official and told him it was illegal and the goal was chalked off. All the Napoli players and the referee shook hands with Klose as a mark of respect for his honesty.

#4 Edwin Van Der Sar

Edwin Van Der Sar

Edwin Van Der ‘Star’ as one commentator once referred to him during his time at Fulham was one of the great goalkeepers of all time

The dutchman was one of the best stoppers in his day and a reliable presence for Manchester United. He has made 266 appearances for the Red Devils and his precsence in goal was sorely missed after his exit when United were in search of a replacement.

Van der Sar has won several accolades and awards throughout his glittering career. He was named the best keeper in Europe in 1995 and 2009. He also made the PFA’s team of the year three times as well as winning the man of the match award for his performance against Chelsea in 2007/08 Champions League final.

But Van Der Sar has earned the respect of fans and critics alike for his conduct on the field. He has always been respectful towards the game and has very rarely been involved in scuffles.

His calmness on the field was something that not only helped defuse tense situations but also helped his defence keep their concentration in matches. He has never let his emtions get the better of him in football matches and remained a silent contributor in the field.

#3 Xavi Herandez

Xavi Hernandez

If there was one player who was the epitome of Barcelona’s tiki-taka football it was Xavi Hernandez. The pass master was a vital part of the Barcelona team that won everything and was hailed as one of the greatest ever on the game when Pep Guardiola was in charge.

Xavi was technically perfect and has been the architect of several of Barcelona’s goals. He was admired not only for his skill but also his conduct on the field. Xavi won the fair play award for Barcelona tow times in a row after being voted by the fans.

Those awards were justified as Xavi was a true example of a professional on the pitch. Like his compatriot Puyol, he led by example and stayed away from controversy.

Xavi has always been a supporter of good causes and he has openly displayed that support on the football pitch on several occasions. Xavi once dedicated a goal to a child who is battling leukemia and also wore a shirt in support of the child.

He has always tried to be the peacemaker on the ptich and has maintained friendships with some of his Madrid counterparts despite their heated rivalry. Xavi will be missed not only for his laser-guided passing ability but also for his admired sportsmanship.

#2 Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs

Very few players in the game have shown the loyalty that Ryan Giggs has shown to Manchester United and even fewer has had so much success with one club as the Welshman did. The winger was a delight to watch as his speedy runs bamboozled defenders leaving them for dead.

His 24-year-legacy includes 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and 2 Champions Leagues. He also held the unique record for the longest scoring streak in the Premier League having scored for 21 straight seasons

But Giggs was also known for his on-field professionalism. He has never been sent off in the Premier League which is a highly admirable feat. The record shows how disciplined Giggs was which earned him the respect of his teammates and also his opponents.

The 42-year-old was never involved in on-field incidents which is a reflection of his clean image. The only time Giggs was sent off in his professional career was when he played for Wales in a match against Norway. But on no other occasion has the Welshman ever lost his cool during a football match.

To be that consistent not only in performances but also in terms of fair play and respect for the game, it takes a lot of restraint and will power and the former Red Devil was certainly a prime example of those qualities in his playing days.

#1 Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo is a name synonymous with the footballing world. His passing ability and composure was matched by few. Pirlo is like wine, he only gets better with age. After leaving AC Milan where he spent ten long years, he joined Juventus where he won the scudetto in all four years that he played with the club.

But Pirlo is also known for his character on the pitch as much as his footballing ability. He plays the game with grace and without any fuss. His professionalism is admired by many and he is always carried an effortless style of grace on the field

The Italian has only received one red card once in all the 707 appearances he has made during his long career. His style of play and his flamboyance both on and off the pitch has earned him the tag of 'Mr. Cool' in football.

Pirlo is one that never asks for the limelight and made his football do the talking for him. In the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu last year, he was applauded by all as the entire stadium rose to their feet as he walked off the pitch, to show their respect for a player who has truly embodied the beautiful game.

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