11 bizarre facts about legendary footballers you've probably never heard

In the world of football, where legends are born and legacies are forged, there are often hidden stories and bizarre facts about legendary footballers that go unnoticed by the casual fan. From the quirks and eccentricities of these larger-than-life personalities to the unexpected twists and turns in their lives, there is always more to these legendary footballers than meets the eye. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into 11 bizarre facts about legendary footballers that you’ve probably never heard before.

Table of Contents

11 bizarre facts about legendary footballers you’ve probably never heard

Football legends often seem larger than life, their careers filled with jaw-dropping moments and unparalleled achievements. Yet, there are aspects of their lives and careers that remain hidden from the public eye. These quirky, bizarre, and downright strange facts reveal a different side of these iconic figures, showing that even the greatest athletes have their eccentricities and unique stories.

From unexpected hobbies to peculiar incidents on and off the field, these facts highlight the human side of football legends. They remind us that, despite their extraordinary talents and fame, these players are still individuals with unusual experiences and fascinating tales. This exploration into the oddities of their lives offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a football legend.

1. Garrincha: The Malformed Maestro

Brazil has produced an incredible array of world-class footballers over the years, from Pelé, Zico, and Romário to Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar. However, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers in the Seleção’s history is the story of Manuel Francisco dos Santos, better known as Garrincha.Born with a malformed body as a result of polio and deprivation, Garrincha’s physical challenges did not stop him from becoming a phenomenal player. The wing wizard’s bizarre facts include his tendency to become an alcoholic and a womaniser, as well as the remarkable tale of him losing his virginity to a goat at the age of 14, possibly while intoxicated.

2. George Best: The Terrorist Target

Northern Ireland’s history isn’t exactly teeming with footballing legends, but George Best was definitely one of them. An incredibly talented forward, the ex-Manchester United man was just as well known as a sex symbol and binge drinker – but many aren’t aware that he was once a terrorist target too.During a First Division match between Newcastle and Manchester United in October 1971, the police received a phone call from someone purporting to be a member of the IRA, who claimed that Best would be shot at St James’ Park that very same day. This bizarre fact about legendary footballers highlights the turbulent times in which Best played and the challenges he faced both on and off the pitch.

3. Harald Bohr: The Mathematician Footballer

Bohr enjoyed a long career with Akademisk Boldklub in his native Denmark, where he played alongside his brother, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr. He was also a member of the Danish side at the 1908 Summer Olympics, as well as being an accomplished mathematician.One of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that, whenever Bohr was invited to defend his doctoral thesis, the audience had more football fans than mathematicians in it. Naturally, he gave 110% in his presentation, showcasing his ability to excel in both the academic and sporting realms.

4. Lev Yashin: The Smoking Goalkeeper

Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin is widely considered to be one of the most talented men to have ever played between the posts. He’s the only net-minder to have won the Ballon d’Or for a start, and was also voted the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.

However, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that Yashin was able to make 326 league appearances for Dynamo Moscow and 74 appearances for his national team while smoking four packets of cigarettes every day. He never went anywhere without his fags – during a trip to India before the 1956 Olympics, Yashin had a packet stolen by an elephant – but his addiction eventually led to him developing a stomach ulcer, forcing him to carry baking soda with him at all times to help ease the pain.

5. William “Fatty” Foulke: The Heavyweight Goalkeeper

While a number of professional footballers have enjoyed successful careers despite the fact they were missing a limb, none have done so at a higher level than Germany’s Schlienz. However, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is the story of William “Fatty” Foulke, an English goalkeeper who played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Foulke, who stood at 6 feet 2 inches and weighed over 24 stone, was known for his impressive size and strength. In fact, it’s said that he once picked up and carried an opposing player off the pitch after a disagreement. Despite his unconventional appearance, Foulke was a highly skilled goalkeeper who played for clubs such as Sheffield United and Chelsea.

6. Denilson: The Poker-Playing Footballer

Denilson is a famous Brazilian footballer who played for a host of clubs, including Real Betis in Spain, and also won the 2002 World Cup. However, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that he was also an 888poker ambassador.The Brazilian is a keen poker player and even said “he hoped to introduce new people into the game.” He first started playing with friends, but he enjoyed it so much that he decided to continue playing it at a higher level. Denilson’s love for the game of poker is a testament to the diverse interests and hobbies of some of the world’s greatest footballers.

7. James Maddison: The Manchester United Fan

Leicester’s James Maddison is another footballer with an interesting bizarre fact. Did you know that there is footage of the Leicester player wearing a Manchester United shirt when he was younger? His family has plenty of Manchester United supporters, and that is the reason for those images. Maddison got into football because he lived just two minutes away from Coventry City Football Academy, so he was constantly surrounded by the sport and joined the Coventry youth set up aged nine.

8. Richarlison: The Ice Cream Seller

Richarlison of Everton comes from a Brazilian favela and he could have ended up in the drug world, but stayed out of trouble by selling ice-cream with his mum! Despite being mocked by friends for not joining them, he now shines in the Premier League and for Brazil. He said in an interview that football saved his life. One of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that Richarlison had a gun pointed at his head once when he was a kid for accidentally stepping onto a drug lord’s territory. He certainly had it tough as a youngster.

9. Mario Balotelli: The Fashionista and Philanthropist

Former Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli once appeared on the GQ magazine with Tinie Tempah! The footballer was named the best dressed man in the world. Quite an honour. Despite getting into trouble on several occasions, Balotelli did also do positive things. One of the bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that once, after winning big at a casino in Manchester, he spotted a homeless man on the street and gave him 1000 pounds of his own money.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Tattoo-Free Philanthropist

Finally, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that Cristiano Ronaldo was picked up by Manchester United in 2003 after a pre-season friendly with Sporting Lisbon. The match, which was the first game in the new stadium, saw the youngster bamboozle the United defenders. The likes of John O’Shea and Roy Keane were shocked by Ronaldo’s talent and they reportedly told Sir Alex Ferguson at half-time to sign him. After the 3-1 defeat, Ronaldo was kept behind by United and the deal was done there and then. The striker also does not have tattoos so that he can give blood more often.

11. Zlatan Ibrahimović: The Taekwondo Master

Zlatan Ibrahimović is known for his larger-than-life personality, outrageous skills, and unorthodox playing style. However, one of the most bizarre facts about legendary footballers is that the Swedish striker is also a black belt in Taekwondo. Ibrahimović started practicing the martial art at a young age and has continued to maintain his skills throughout his football career. This unique talent has undoubtedly contributed to his physical dominance and ability to hold off defenders on the pitch.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot more to these legendary footballers’ lives than just kicking a ball around. From their quirky hobbies and unusual upbringings to their philanthropic endeavors and unexpected brushes with the law, these bizarre facts about legendary footballers showcase the depth and diversity of the individuals who have captivated the world with their on-field exploits. Whether it’s Garrincha’s unconventional path to stardom or Cristiano Ronaldo’s unique approach to blood donation, these stories remind us that the greatest players are often the most fascinating people off the pitch as well.

Trust you found our article on “11 bizarre facts about legendary footballers you’ve probably never heard″ helpful please follow our website for more interesting and informative articles like this.