The football maverick is sadly a dying breed, with most modern professionals looking to not rock the boat. So this week we’re celebrating the oddballs and the weird and wonderful characters that have made football even greater. The Beautiful game just wouldn’t be the same without them!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sadly the only modern footballer (just about) on this list and for good reason! Zlatan stands out in the modern era for his outgoing and arrogant personality, whether it’s insulting John Carew or scoring a 30 yard overhead kick as he did against England.
Eric Cantona King Eric lit up the Premier league both on the pitch and off it. He was a genius with the ball with Alex Ferguson describing him as only one of four world-class players he ever managed. However, he lost interest in the game and went against his manager’s wishes by retiring at the early age of 30.
Paul Gascoigne Described by many as the most technically gifted player England has produced since winning the world cup in 1966. Gazza did not deal well with a number of issues away from the game, including drug and drink addiction and gambling, but he was truly a genius with the ball at his feet and was genuinely loved by England fans for his sense of humour and passion.
Brian Clough was the ultimate maverick manager. He took both Derby County and Nottingham forest from the second division right to the top of the game and he did it all with sharp wit and fantastic one-liners, always making everyone believe that he knew best for his team.
George Best Perhaps the greatest Maverick in football history. Best is well-known for his womanising, drinking and partying off the pitch. However, on it, he was a European Cup and Ballon d’Or winner. Like many mavericks he had a short career as events off the pitch took centre stage and he ultimately retired early.
From what we see, we think there are a few secret (some not so secret) mavericks in our DADs v DADs sessions. You might not get chance to do the drinking and partying of yesteryear but at least you are still strutting your stuff on the pitch. See you at your match night!
