In the history of football, there have been countless players with strong, solid bodies, and incredible strength. However, among those sparkling stars, there are also people with thin bodies, small bodies but possessing great technique and field vision. Today let’s bestsoccertips.com discover one of the skinny football player and feel the power behind that fragile exterior.
Top 10 skinniest football player ever
1. Lionel Messi
The story of Lionel Messi, from a skinny kid climbing the ranks to become one of the greatest footballers of all time, is a constant source of inspiration for fans. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi began his career at the age of 9 when he joined the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys, the club he had admired since childhood. During his time there, he shone with exceptional talent, becoming the standout star of the ’87 generation with just one defeat in four years.
However, Messi’s career seemed almost over when he was only 11 years old, diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Messi’s father decided to take him to Australia for treatment, but later opted for River Plate in hopes that the club would cover his treatment costs. At River Plate, Messi left a strong impression, but his hopes were dashed when the club refused to sign him after his father requested they arrange work and accommodation for the Messi family.
However, not long after, Jorge Messi convinced a talent search company by sending them a video showcasing Leo Messi’s extraordinary talent. In it, Messi demonstrated exquisite ball control with a tennis ball (120 times) and an orange (133 times), impressing Josep Minguella enough to propose Barcelona recruit him.
2. Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás, the legendary Hungarian footballer known as “The Galloping Major,” is one of the greatest players in football history. He was described as a slender player but possessed unparalleled ball control and individual technique. Born in 1927, Puskás began his career at Budapest Honvéd, where he became one of Hungary’s biggest football stars. He was also an integral part of the Hungarian national team in the 1950s when they were one of the top teams in the world.
With his agility and exquisite technique, Puskás scored many beautiful goals, deciding matches for both club and country. He was known for his accurate free kicks and excellent goal-scoring technique, considered one of the world’s top strikers in the 1950s and early 1960s. The pinnacle of Puskás’s career was helping the Hungarian national team reach the 1954 World Cup final, although they ultimately lost to the West German team.
3. Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling, one of England and Manchester City’s leading footballers, has proven that size is not the sole determinant of success in football. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1994, Sterling showed talent early on and joined the Queens Park Rangers academy at a very young age. He later moved to Liverpool and gradually developed into one of England’s most promising young players.
Although described as slender compared to many counterparts, Sterling has proven himself through speed, technique, and intelligence on the field. He has become an integral part of Manchester City under the leadership of manager Pep Guardiola, contributing significantly to winning numerous important titles, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Off the field, Sterling is also known for his role as a golden icon of diversity and inspiration in the world of football. He has used his influence to discuss issues such as racial discrimination and violence against the black community, demonstrating that he is not only an excellent player but also a positive influence in society.
4. Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla, one of the most talented and beloved footballers by fans, has proven that size doesn’t determine strength on the field. Born in Llanera, Spain in 1984, Cazorla began his career at Real Oviedo before moving to Villarreal and later Malaga, where he became renowned as one of Spain’s top midfielders.
Despite his small and slender stature, Cazorla shone with his exceptional technique and vision on the field. He was known for his ball control, precision passing, and astonishing long-range shooting ability. His career at Arsenal, especially from 2012 to 2018, showcased his talent as he helped the team win the FA Cup and secure FA Cup honors.
Beyond his on-field talent, Cazorla is also a deeply loved and admired figure in the football community. He overcame challenging injuries to return to the field and continue contributing to his club and national team. Santi Cazorla is not only an outstanding player but also an icon of patience, determination, and love for football.
5. Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp, a renowned Dutch footballer, left his mark on football history with his technical and intelligent style of play. Born in 1969 in Amsterdam, Bergkamp was known for his ball control and creating unique plays, providing opportunities for his teammates.
With an impressive career at Arsenal, Bergkamp not only won numerous individual honors but also played a crucial role in the club’s success, particularly in winning the Premier League and FA Cup. The nickname “The Non-Flying Dutchman” is evidence of Bergkamp’s uniqueness as he avoided flying with the team for away matches.
6. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale, one of the most famous and recognized footballers for his speed and exceptional talent, has made a strong impression in the football world. Born on July 16, 1989, in Cardiff, Wales, Bale is renowned for his pace, technique, and long-range shooting ability.
Bale’s career developed rapidly as he joined Southampton and later Tottenham Hotspur. At Tottenham, Bale became a key player with diverse goal-scoring abilities and impressive ball handling. A significant breakthrough in Bale’s career was when he moved to Real Madrid in 2013 for a then-world-record transfer fee.
At Real Madrid, Gareth Bale played a crucial role in winning many important titles, including a hat-trick in the 2018 Champions League final. Despite physical and injury challenges, Bale’s talent is still recognized by fans worldwide.
Off the field, Gareth Bale is also a national icon as an essential player for the Welsh national team. He helped the team achieve remarkable achievements, including reaching the semifinals of EURO 2016, a historic feat for Welsh football.
7. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, one of the greatest and most honored footballers in Italy’s history, left a profound mark on the football world with his intelligent and creative style of play. Born on May 19, 1979, in Flero, Italy, Pirlo was known for his exquisite technique, tactical vision, and ability to control the pace of the game.
Pirlo’s career stood out as he played for top clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus. At AC Milan, Pirlo won many significant titles, including the Scudetto (Serie A championship) and the Champions League. However, the pinnacle of Pirlo’s career was when he moved to Juventus in 2011, where he continued to excel and won many impressive honors.
Pirlo’s playing style was not only creative in creating opportunities for teammates but also honored for his long-range shooting and accurate passing. He is considered one of the greatest central midfielders of all time and played a crucial role in Italy’s World Cup victory in 2006, where he was an indispensable part of Italy’s superb lineup.
8. Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey, a renowned American footballer, stands out for his bold playing style and determination on the field. While he may not be a player with a robust and muscular build, Dempsey has proven with his talent and perseverance that size is not the sole determinant of success in football. With excellent ball control and technique, he has become one of the leanest yet powerful and influential players on the field.
Not only famous for his adeptness in scoring goals and creating opportunities, Clint Dempsey is also known for his relentless fighting spirit and courage. He has achieved considerable success in his career, from representing national teams to spending extended periods with prominent clubs in both the United States and Europe. By overcoming physical challenges and facing formidable opponents, Dempsey has become an icon of persistence and determination in the global football community.
9. Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano, one of the leanest yet remarkably impressive and formidable footballers on the field, hails from Argentina. He has garnered significant success in his career, becoming an undeniable icon in the world of football. Despite not having a large and muscular stature, Mascherano has proven through his determination and talent that he lacks neither strength nor determination on the field.
With exceptional game reading abilities and defensive technique, Javier Mascherano has become an indispensable pillar in the teams he has played for, from Barcelona to Liverpool. He has also made significant contributions to the success of the Argentine national team, participating in numerous World Cup and Copa America tournaments, achieving remarkable results. With his passion and relentless fighting spirit, Mascherano has been hailed by fans and peers as one of the most respectable players on the field.
10. Luka Modric
Luka Modric, from Croatia, is one of the leanest but possesses immense talent and influence in the world of football. Despite his diminutive and slender appearance, Modric has demonstrated his strength through unmatched footballing skills and agility on the field. He is known for his ability to adjust and orchestrate the game, creating opportunities and controlling matches with class and relentless spirit.
With an impressive career in top world clubs like Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as glorious successes with the Croatian national team, Luka Modric has overcome all obstacles to become one of the world’s top players. He has won numerous individual honors and played a crucial role in helping the Croatian national team reach the 2018 World Cup final, marking a historic milestone in his career and demonstrating the limitless power of a “leanest” yet talented player.
Conclude
Above is a list of 10 skinny football player that we want to share for your reference. But remember, players with a thin physique can still shine and show strength with technique, vision, and fighting spirit. In football, nothing is impossible if you have enough determination and patience. Sincerely thank you for following our article!
See also: Top 10 worst football player in the Premier League ever