Top 5 : The most influential footballers in their own countries

In this article we will take look at the five footballers who are the most influential, dominant and persuasive footballing names in their respective nations.

1. David Beckham in England

David Beckham with the Olympic torch !

Though he might have been not picked in the football squad of Great Britain for Olympics, he was the ambassador who brought the games to England. His name speaks for itself in England – David Beckham.

Though he’s way past his sublime best, David Beckham still is the richest footballer. He is positioned as the 7th richest sportsperson by Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo (9th) and Messi (11th). Besides that the personal wealth of Victoria and DB is to be believed in the range of 129 million pounds. David Beckham kicked off the Olympic torch relay as well. He is believed to be a very influential figure in the London Organising Committee (LOCOG) and his omission from the GB side wasn’t taken in a positive way. Result – three days later he was named in the stand-by list.

2. Bhaichung Bhutia in India

Bayern Munich was called upon from Germany to play in his farewell game where every player on the field wore a No.15 jersey. An extremely influential person who hails from the North – Eastern part of the largest democracy in the world, Bhaichung Bhutia, recently kicked off Tibet’s elite footballing competition - Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup.

India vs. Bayern Munich F.C

His abnegation to carry the Olympic torch as a protest to boycott the games caused a stir in the country and outside. Bhutia, widely regarded as the greatest footballer from India, has actively participated and played in the various charity fund raisers alongside the greatest footballers like Zidane, Ronaldo and Andriy Schevchenko. Bhutia was the first footballer to raise his voice against the Tibet issue and had often gone public to emphasize his benevolence towards the issue.

3. Dider Drogba in Cote de Ivory

Drogba: King of Ivory Coast

The greatest philanthropists of his generations, also heads the largest charitable institute in Cote de Ivory – The Dider Drogba Foundation, formed in 2007. The Telegraph once very aptly quoted that Drogba holds more power than the President of Cote De Ivory.

Drogbakro Village, a suburb of Ivory Coast’s biggest city has been named by its inhabitants to honour their country’s most celebrated export. Forbes had placed Drogba third on the list of the most powerful people in Africa, ahead of popular singer Akon. Drogba is also the captain of his national team and he is known to be a silent leader who leads in an exemplary style.

4. Edin Dzeko in Bosnia and Herzegovania

In a country where football is rising at a rapid rate, Dzeko is called the Bosnian Diamond. Edin Dzeko rapidly came through the ranks and is now regarded amongst Europe’s best centre forwards. Recently, Dzeko was handed over the award for best footballer in Bosnia, despite making only a handful appearances for his country.

Dzeko arrives at an UNICEF event .

Dzeko is also amongst the only three UNICEF ambassadors who actively promotes education amongst the poor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Edin Dzeko is today the second highest paid striker in the Premier League and is one of the 10 richest people in Bosnia.

5. Lionel Messi in Argentina

Only footballer to be listed by the Times in the list of their 100 most influential persons alive. Messi is regarded as the best living footballer and perhaps the best ever born. Popularly known to be a footballer with avant-garde dribbling and sprinting abilities, he won the 2009 Ballon dór award and FIFA Player of the Year award, 2010 and 2011 winner of the FIFA Ballon Dór and the 2010-11 award for the UEFA Best Player in Europe. .

Messi surrounded by fans

Sportspro rated him as the third most marketable sports person. Messi has a net worth of 100 million dollars and is the third richest footballer behind David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi also is an active charity raiser. The Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs. Messi, alongside Fernando Torres, was used as the face for Pro evolution soccer 2008.

A few more you can’t forget :

1. Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal.

2. Landon Donavan in USA.

3. John Terry in England.