Though his transfer from Barcelona FC to Real Madrid was considered one of the most controversial decisions of recent history, Louis Figo has taken things in his stride, refusing to get caught up in the hype.
At only 17, and before he played a single game for Barcelona, Messi debuted for Argentina in an under-20s friendly match against Paraguay. With the 2010 World Cup approaching, can Lionel Messi, the young Argentine star dubbed the next Maradonna, lead his country to victory?
Born in Portugal and named after President Reagan, Ronaldo first showed glimpses of his talent at just three years of age. 13 years later, Manchester United paid a transfer fee of 22.2 million Euros He became the most expensive player in the history of the game when Real Madrid bought his services for a rumoured 13 million Euros per year.
Not to be confused with the young Portuguese star Christiano Ronaldo; Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, or simply Ronaldo has wowed the soccer world with his superb ball control, mercurial finishing skills and winning smile for over a decade. The Brazilian is a true icon of the game and within the first day of signing with Real Madrid, his jersey sales broke all previous records.
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian soccer star developed his talent playing Futsal, the indoor version of the world game. The young midfielder then played for Paris St Jerome in 1998 and followed that up with the FIFA World Cup, this in turn generated interest from clubs such as FC Barcelona and Manchester United.
Winning of the FIFA Player of the Year award and part of Brazil's winning World Cup side in 2002, Kaka's clean image has made him a worthy role model for young fans. He was spotted during a tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the age of eight by talent scouts and he joined the Sao Paulo junior team.
Henry has a playing record that would turn any soccer green with envy. With a FIFA World Cup, European Championship and UAFA Cup under his belt, as well as kicking hundreds of goals and playing for some of the world's greatest clubs, he knows what it takes to make it as an elite player.
Wayne Rooney has earned his reputation as one of the gameæ_s supreme forwards. Born in Liverpool in 1985, Wayne grew up in Croxton and supported local club Everton soccer Club. Even at an early age, his commitment and talent were clear, impressing soccer scout Bob Pendleton.
Frank James Lampard fought the weight of expectation before heæ_d even played a game of soccer, due to his father Frank Snr, a talented soccerer and coach. Frank Junior transferred to Chelsea and in 2004, helped his team to its first win of the league cup in fifty years.
Childhood challenges didn't stop Didya Drogba from developing his soccer skills with the help of his uncle. After scoring 17 goals in 34 games in a local league, he caught the eye of a scout from Marseilles and joined the team in 2003. The sky should have been the limit, if it wasn't for a leg injury before the UEFA Cup.
Currently playing for EPL club Manchester United, Michael Owen has been scoring goals on a regular basis for a decade. His sharp pace and deadly strikes have seen him mix it with some of the best soccerers on the planet.
Arguably the most recognized soccerer on the planet and the son of two fanatical Man U supporters, Beckham's talent was spotted at an early age, and although he dreamed of beginning his career at Old Trafford, it was the Tottenham Spurs who first took an interest in the young superstar.
Six foot two in socks, Michael Ballack's impressive height makes him an imposing figure to rival teams. But it's his team work and skill in the midfield that has charmed fans and coaches throughout his career.
Dutch soccerer Rood Van Nistelrooy has played for five top sides in his career, but surprisingly, has only ever competed in the World Cup once. His skill as a striker has seen him play for such celebrated clubs as Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
Pele is a name recognized throughout the world, not only by fanatical soccer fans, but also those with a passing interest in the game. A national hero in his native Brazil, he earned the nickname The King because of his amazing exploits on the field.
Arguably the best player ever to have come out of France, Zinidine Zidane - or Zizou as he is called affectionately by fans - enjoyed an epic career spanning two decades. On the field he was a general, leading his troops by example. Off the field he is a devoted family man, and dedicated to charity work.
rguably the best, certainly the most well-known South American soccer star, Diego Maradona made his debut on the 20th October 1976, ten days before his sixteenth birthday. Two of his brothers also became professional soccer players but it would be Diego who would impress talent scouts with his skills at an early age.
Though his transfer from Barcelona FC to Real Madrid was considered one of the most controversial decisions of recent history, Louis Figo has taken things in his stride, refusing to get caught up in the hype.
His legacy lives in the saying - Maradona, good; Pele, better; George Best. Known mainly for his eleven year with the most famous club in the world - Manchester United - Best played for over 15 clubs in his 21 year career.
Sir Robert (Bobby) Charlton is one of the most esteemed and respected soccerers of all time. Playing for Manchester United he found himself considered a veteran at the age of just 20 after the Munich air disaster in 1958, which decimated the club when eight of its players were killed.
The soccer world's most famous club has been steered since 1986 by the talented and capable Sir Alex Ferguson. The second longest running coach of Manchester United, Ferguson wasn't the popular choice to take over the reins from a succession of less successful leaders, but he soon changed minds.
Franz Beckenbaur is regarded as one of the greatest soccerers to have ever come out of Germany. Renown as the player who reinvented the position of sweeper, the superstar played for his country on 103 occasions, and is also the only player to have captained his country to three European cups.
French soccerer Fabian Barthez built a strong reputation over a long and successful career. After some time with French clubs in the minor leagues, he transferred to Manchester United for a fee of 7.8 million pounds; such was his flair as goalkeeper.
Samuel Eto'o is one of Africa's most exciting soccer exports. Scoring more than 100 goals in five seasons with FC Barcelona, he was also part of the squad that won the 2000 Olympic tournament. A long way from his humble beginnings in Cameroon, indeed!
The courage and poise of the Manchester forward have earned him accolades from the game's greats, such as Diego Maradona. He has enjoyed great success at both club and international level, earning an impressive tally of individual honors along the way.
The royal title of King Kahn was fitting for the formidable stature of Oliver Kahn, the German goalkeeper who finished a distinguished career when he retired in 2008. His professional debut came in 1987, and it wasn't long before he established himself as a quality keeper.
Soccer fame and glory must have seemed a world away for Brazilian Rivaldo, who was born into extreme poverty in his hometown of Paulista. His natural talent led to his being signed with his local club, but the officials there thought his poor health (due to malnutrition) would hold him back from the type of career his talent promised.