Five Greatest Hard Men to Play the Game (Football)

Growing up with a big brother my TV privileges were very limited. When mom was around he always pretended to watch the Disney princesses’ shows but once she was out the door, I was forced to watch sports. Out of all sports, football was/is my brother's favorite. I was never a fan of sports let alone football but after continuously viewing it, I was haunted by dreams of the ever handsome Roberto Baggio and David Beckham.

With Google making everyday search pleasurable with their doodles, it is only just to talk of football now considering the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Google taking upon itself to create amazing doodles for the same. I

I know how football fanatics are a riotous gang and I would like to place a disclaimer before I share my opinions. This article has my top five football players that I consider to be the hardest men to play in the field. You may not agree with me but being a football fanatic myself at this point in time, I would like to reassure you that we indeed are a riotous gang!

5. Bobo Balde

Just like how Dwayne Johnson's catchphrase stands for wrestling there is a famous catchphrase in football as well. The Celtic fans would jeer the opposition with the catchphrase "Bobo's gonna get you" over and over until the confidence of the opposition is on its last stand. Bobo Balde's strong demeanor and his intimidating aura made anyone weak at their knees. Seeing Bobo in a game was like a free ticket to an action movie. The moment you see him play, you know he would do anything to win! Balde even won the Celtic player of the year award in his second season. He was one of the main reasons his side reached the UEFA final that season. His showcases were filled with medals and league cups, but his behavior was always the talk of the town. His behind the scenes dressing room anger burst-ups were always a problem and played a huge role in undermining his reputation. After quitting the team, going through a rough phase in bankruptcy, now Balde is a team coordinator for the Guinea National team.

4. Walter Samuel

Next on my list is the man whose actions spoke louder than his words. Walter Samuel, nicknamed "The Wall" was one of the greatest South American defenders of all time. "The Wall" because it was not an easy task to get past him. At the blow of the whistle, the shy and reserved Samuel would spread out his legs and hunch down with a determined look which only meant it was war. His skills spoke for him, and as soon as he set foot on the capital in 2000, he placed himself as the undefeatable leader of Giallorossi defense. Christened as the "master of defense" he did justice to his title when he got home the first Scudetto in 18 years and an Italian Super Cup. He had won enough cups to serve all the British men tea and has represented his country at two FIFA world cups.

Juventus FC v FC Internazionale Milano - Serie A

3. Christiano Ronaldo

The next person I am going to list down is someone who we have seen in many advertisements as well as in football matches. He is so famous that he has his own website and boy his career page (yes he has a special page for it) is lit! Yes, I am talking about Christiano Ronaldo. From his underwear advertisement #Ronaldofaster going viral to his versatile moves on the field, he has it all. He has been considered, and I quote, "the best player in the world and widely regarded as one of the greatest of all times" by Wikipedia. At 18, when most of us were pimple-faced and clueless, Ronaldo was signed at Manchester United. He returned the favour with three league titles and a European cup in 2008. Being good on all sides of the field, strong on both the legs and being quick on the field he is said to have scored the most official goals in Europe's top 5 Leagues. He has under his coat few FIFA World cups, UEFA Super Cups, Ballons d'Or and what not? He was also acclaimed to be the most popular ESPN athlete. Women melting at his smirk and men yielding by his skills (sometimes genders are interchangeable), Ronaldo is one of the best players in football.

Uruguay v Portugal: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

2. Messi

After speaking of Ronaldo how can I not talk about his alleged rival Messi? Lionel Messi, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona and Argentine National team not only is a remarkable player but has also won many hearts across the globe. So much so, that a tea seller in Kolkata has painted his house in the colours of Argentina as an ode to Messi. Did I mention Ronaldo has a website of his own? Well, Messi has his own app with live updates! Talk about competition! He has scored the most number of goals in La Liga, won FIFA World Player of the Year at a very young age, taken a golden ball, a golden shoe (what next, golden sock?), Olympic Gold Medal and FIFA World Cups!

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

1. Pele

Now you could be wondering who I am saving for the first spot. Without any further ado, the first place (and one of my favourite football players of all times) goes to Pele. Edson Arantes do Nascimento has nicknamed Pele while at school as a mockery for his pronunciation. I have never seen a live match of Pele, but his legends were carried on to me by my father and grandfather. I gained great respect for Pele when his autobiography was released as a movie, "Pele: Birth of a Legend" in 2016. Seeing him play made us see how comfortable he was in the role he played. He owns the field when he's in it, and his fun, happy go lucky charm is contagious. He was named the best player in South American Championship, won three FIFA World Cups and was later named the honorary president of the New York Cosmos. His creative attacking formations and tact made him stand apart among other football players. His open support to improve the conditions of the poor have made him a hero beyond the fields. Today, at the mention of football if I think "el Joga bonito" all credits would roll out to Pele.

Soccer Legend Pele Visits Olympic Stadium In Barcelona