Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and every fan knows that it’s not just about watching your favorite team play. It’s also about getting to know the players who make the game so exciting. With so many talented athletes taking to the field each week, it can be tough keeping up with all their names. That’s why we’ve put together this alphabetical roll call of football players – a comprehensive list of some of the greatest names in football history, from A-Z! So whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just a casual watcher, get ready to brush up on your knowledge and discover some new favorites along the way.
A
A is the first letter in the alphabet, and it’s also where our alphabetical roll call of football players begins. So who are some of the most notable names in football whose surnames start with “A”?
First up is Alan Shearer, one of the greatest strikers in English football history. He scored an impressive 260 goals during his career and helped Blackburn Rovers win the Premier League title in 1995.
Another iconic player is Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs no introduction. The Portuguese forward has won numerous awards throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or titles and four European Golden Shoes.
But let’s not forget about other talented players like Sergio Aguero, a prolific scorer for Manchester City; David Alaba, a versatile defender currently playing for Real Madrid; or Dani Alves, a Brazilian full-back known for his speed and technique.
These are just a few examples of some incredible footballers whose surnames begin with “A”. Stay tuned as we continue down the list to discover more amazing talents!
B
B is for Beckham, one of the most recognizable football players in history. David Beckham’s career spanned over two decades and included playing for iconic teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy. He was known for his precise free kicks and crosses as well as his fashion sense off the field.
Another B player that deserves recognition is Brazilian striker Ronaldo. Known as “O Fenomeno,” Ronaldo played for top clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan during his career which consisted of 18 years at both club level and international level.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is a German midfielder who also played in some of Europe’s biggest leagues including Bayern Munich and Manchester United. He won numerous titles with Bayern Munich before moving to England where he helped guide Manchester United to an FA Cup victory.
There’s Gianluigi Buffon – one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game. The Italian spent most of his career at Juventus but also had stints at PSG and Parma. With over 650 appearances in Serie A alone along with World Cup success with Italy in 2006, Buffon cemented himself as a true legend of the game.
C
“C” is for champions, and many football players with names starting with this letter have proven themselves as such. One of the most well-known is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won numerous titles and awards throughout his career.
Another player whose name starts with “C” is Carlos Tevez, a former Argentinian international who played for several top European clubs. He was known for his tenacity on the pitch and ability to score crucial goals.
Moving onto another position in football, we have Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante. This French midfielder has become a fan favorite due to his tireless work rate and defensive abilities. His contributions were instrumental in Chelsea’s recent Champions League victory.
We can’t forget about goalkeepers when discussing football players with names starting with “C”. Czech legend Petr Cech had an illustrious career playing for both Chelsea and Arsenal before retiring in 2019. He holds multiple records in the Premier League and Champions League standings.
There are many talented footballers whose surnames begin with “C”, each bringing their own unique skillset to the game.
D
“D” is for some of the most iconic names in football history. One of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, Dan Marino, comes to mind. He spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins and set numerous records during his time there.
On defense, we have players like Deion Sanders and Dick Butkus. Sanders was known as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history and also had success on offense and as a kick returner. Butkus, meanwhile, was an intimidating force at linebacker who earned eight Pro Bowl selections over his nine-year career.
At running back, we have Eric Dickerson who rushed for over 13,000 yards in his career while playing for multiple teams including the Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts.
Other notable “D” names include Drew Brees at quarterback for New Orleans Saints winning Superbowl XLIV against Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts; Dermontti Dawson at center for Pittsburgh Steelers winning a pair of Super Bowls; Donovan McNabb played thirteen seasons total with Philadelphia Eagles before moving on to Washington Redskins where he retired after only two seasons due to injury concerns among other factors.
Overall, “D” has produced some exceptional talent throughout NFL history that will continue to be remembered by fans across generations.
E
E is for the electrifying players that have graced football fields across the world. From speedy wingers to commanding midfielders, there are plenty of names that come to mind when thinking about E in football.
One such player is Eden Hazard, who has dazzled fans with his skill and creativity on the ball. The Belgian forward has made a name for himself at both Chelsea and Real Madrid, earning countless accolades along the way.
Another notable E player is Sergio Escudero, who plays as a left-back for Sevilla FC. Known for his tireless work rate and solid defending, Escudero has been a key player for his club over the years.
In addition to these stars, there are also several up-and-coming E players who show great promise. One such player is Erling Haaland – an explosive striker who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund. At just 21 years old, Haaland has already established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal goal-scorers.
When it comes to football players whose names start with E, there are plenty of talented individuals worth watching out for both now and in the future.
F
F is for football players like Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders to grace the game. He spent his entire career at AC Milan and played a vital role in their success during the 80s and early 90s.
Another notable F player is Ferenc Puskas, who starred for Hungary in the 1950s before moving on to Real Madrid where he won numerous titles including three European Cups.
Then there’s Franz Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser” by fans due to his commanding presence on and off the pitch. He captained Germany to victory at the 1974 World Cup and later coached them to a triumph in Italia ’90.
Fernando Torres was once considered one of the deadliest strikers in world football, scoring goals for fun at Liverpool before moving on to Chelsea where he helped secure Champions League glory.
We have Lionel Messi’s former teammate Xavi Hernandez whose incredible vision and passing ability made him one of Barcelona’s all-time great midfielders. With multiple La Liga titles under his belt, Xavi continues to inspire young players around the world with his style of play.
G
G is for the giants of the football field, the players who tower over their opponents and dominate every play. From defensive tackles to tight ends, these athletes use their size and strength to make an impact on every game.
One player whose name stands out in this category is Rob Gronkowski. Known simply as “Gronk” to fans around the world, he’s a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion with a reputation for being unstoppable on the field.
Another G worth mentioning is Devin Gilmore, a standout linebacker at South Carolina State University. Despite his imposing size (6’4″, 220 pounds), he’s known for his agility and speed – traits that have helped him become one of the most feared defenders in college football today.
Of course, there are plenty of other notable Gs in football history as well: from former Chicago Bears great Mike Singletary to current Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Each has made their mark on the sport in their own unique way – proving that when it comes to greatness, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.
H
The letter “H” is home to many great football players, from legends of the past to rising stars of today. One such player who comes to mind is Harry Kane, the captain and striker for Tottenham Hotspur and the English national team.
Kane has consistently proven himself as one of the top scorers in both club and international play. He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, scoring six goals throughout the tournament. His impressive record-breaking achievements have earned him a reputation as one of England’s finest football talents.
Another notable “H” player is Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and Germany. Known for his agile movements and quick reflexes, Neuer has been praised by fans and experts alike for his exceptional goalkeeping skills on numerous occasions.
And let’s not forget about Thiago Silva, center back for Paris Saint-Germain FC and Brazil. With over two decades of experience under his belt, Silva is considered one of the best defenders in modern-day football history. His leadership qualities on pitch are unmatched – he captained PSG to their first-ever Champions League final appearance in 2020.
In summary, there are plenty of talented “H” players out there making waves in international football circles with their impressive performances game after game!
I
“I” is not a very common letter when it comes to football players’ names, but there are still some notable athletes whose last names start with this letter.
One such player is Mark Ingram Jr., who currently plays as a running back for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2011 and went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year that same season.
Another footballer with an “I” last name is Bojan Krkic, a Spanish professional player who currently plays for Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer (MLS). Known for his versatility and technical skills, Krkic has also played for teams like FC Barcelona and AS Roma.
In addition to these players, there have been other notable athletes throughout history whose surnames begin with “I”, including former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Haley and retired NFL kicker Morten Andersen.
Although “I” may be an uncommon starting letter for last names in football, there are certainly some talented individuals who have made their mark on the sport despite this challenge.
J
J is a letter that doesn’t get enough love in the alphabet, but when it comes to football players’ names, there are some notable J’s.
Starting with J.
J. Watt, the defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals who has been one of the most dominant players in recent years. With his combination of size and speed, he can wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Next up is Julio Jones, widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the game today. His ability to make spectacular catches and run crisp routes makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Another player whose name starts with J is Jamaal Charles, a former running back who made multiple Pro Bowl appearances during his career thanks to his explosive speed and elusiveness.
There’s Jared Goff, quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Though still early in his career, he’s shown promise as a passer with good accuracy and decision-making skills.
These are just a few examples of talented football players whose names start with J. Don’t underestimate this underappreciated letter!
K
K is a letter that holds a special place in the football world. It marks the beginning of some of the most iconic names in history, such as Kaká, Klose and Kroos.
One player whose name stands out among them all is Kylian Mbappé. The French forward has been making waves since his debut at just 16 years old. His speed, agility and precision on the ball have earned him comparisons to legendary players like Thierry Henry.
Another notable “K” player is Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder’s technical ability and vision on the pitch make him one of the best playmakers in modern football. His performances for Manchester City have helped lead them to multiple Premier League titles.
But it’s not just about individual players with “K” names. In fact, some of the greatest teams in history have had their fair share of “Ks”. Take for example Bayern Munich’s treble-winning team from 2013 – they boasted stars like Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben alongside Mario Mandzukic up front.
There’s no denying that “K” holds a special significance in football culture. Whether it’s through individual talent or team success, this letter has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
L
L is for Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer who has won numerous accolades throughout his career. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi’s agile footwork and pinpoint accuracy have earned him a reputation as a goal-scoring machine.
Messi began his career at Barcelona, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of their star players. He has since broken countless records and helped lead Barcelona to numerous victories in both domestic and international competitions.
In addition to his success with Barcelona, Messi has also been an instrumental player for the Argentine national team. His impressive performances on the pitch have earned him several individual awards, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles.
One of Messi’s most notable achievements came in 2012 when he broke Gerd Müller’s record for most goals scored in a calendar year. This feat cemented his status as one of football’s greatest ever players and further solidified his place among the sport’s elite.
Lionel Messi represents everything that makes football great – skill, passion and dedication – making him an icon not just within football but across all sports.
M
Moving on to the letter “M”, we have some legendary football players with names that start with this letter. One of them is Lionel Messi, who is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. With his impressive skills and technique, he has won numerous awards including six Ballon d’Or titles.
Another notable player whose name starts with “M” is Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate at Real Madrid – Mesut Ozil. Known for his creativity and vision on the field, Ozil has provided countless assists throughout his career.
Moving away from international superstars, we also have Michael Owen – a retired English striker who played for Liverpool and Manchester United among other teams. Despite facing several injuries during his career, he still managed to score over 150 goals in the Premier League alone.
In addition to these players, there are many others whose names begin with “M” such as Marco Reus, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior (Marcelo), Manuel Neuer and Mohamed Salah. Each one brings their own unique style of play to the game which makes watching football all the more exciting!
N
The letter N brings us to some of the most talented football players in history. One of them is Neymar Jr., a Brazilian forward known for his impressive footwork and lightning-fast speed on the field. He has won numerous awards, including the Golden Foot award and the South American Footballer of the Year four times.
Another notable football player whose name starts with N is N’Golo Kante, a French midfielder who has played for Chelsea, Leicester City, and France’s national team. His exceptional defensive skills make him an essential player on any team he joins.
Nemanja Vidic, former captain of Manchester United, was one of the best defenders in history. The Serbian center-back was known for his physicality, aerial ability and leadership skills which helped him win five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford.
Nicknamed “The King,” George Best was a Northern Irish winger widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace a football pitch. During his career he scored 137 goals in 361 appearances across all competitions while playing mainly for Manchester United.
Lastly but not leastly comes Lionel Messi’s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro aka CR7 – Portuguese forward with multiple Ballon d’Ors under his belt and multiple records broken throughout his career including being Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer until recently when Karim Benzema surpassed him earlier this season
O
“O” marks the fifteenth letter in the English alphabet, and it’s time to take a look at some of the great football players whose names start with this letter.
One name that stands out is Ousmane Dembele. This French forward currently plays for Barcelona FC and is known for his incredible speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring chances for his teammates.
Another footballer worth mentioning is Nemanja Matic. The Serbian midfielder has played for Chelsea FC and Manchester United during his career, earning a reputation as a tough tackler who can also contribute to attacking play.
Of course, we can’t forget about former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima – simply known as Ronaldo – who scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil’s national team.
Other notable “O” players include Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Nigerian winger Victor Moses. Each one brings their unique skillset to the pitch and contributes significantly to their respective teams’ success.
While “O” may be towards the middle of the alphabet when it comes to letters, these footballers prove that they are anything but average on the field.
P
P is for players who have made significant contributions to the world of football. Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a standout player since his debut in 2017. He led his team to victory at Super Bowl LIV and was named Most Valuable Player.
Another notable P is Christian Pulisic, an American midfielder who currently plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League. At just 22 years old, he has already become one of the most promising young talents in football.
One legendary player whose name starts with P is Pele. Widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 career goals.
In addition to individual players, there are also several famous teams that start with P. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is a French club known for its star-studded lineup including Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Porto is a Portuguese team that has won multiple domestic titles as well as two European trophies.
The letter P represents some of football’s greatest players and teams who have left their mark on this beloved sport.
Q
Q is probably one of the most challenging letters to find in football player names. However, there are a few notable players whose surnames start with this letter. One of them is Quaresma, Ricardo Quaresma.
Born in Portugal in 1983, Quaresma started his career at Sporting CP before moving to FC Barcelona and then to other clubs such as Porto, Inter Milan, and Besiktas.
Quaresma’s playing style is characterized by his dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders one-on-one. He is also known for his powerful shots and accurate crosses from the wing.
Throughout his career, he has won several titles including multiple league championships in Portugal and Turkey, along with the UEFA Champions League trophy while playing for Porto.
Despite being past his prime years now at 37 years old he still plays professional football having returned home to play for Vitoria de Guimaraes after spending four years with Besiktas where he had been reunited once again with former coach Sergen Yalcin who coached him during their time together at Beşiktaş between 2010-2012.
R
The letter “R” marks the beginning of several famous football players’ names. One such player is Raul Gonzalez Blanco, commonly known as just Raul. The Spanish striker played for Real Madrid and Schalke 04 in his career and won multiple domestic and international trophies.
Another notable footballer with a name starting from “R” is Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima or simply Ronaldo. The Brazilian forward was one of the most lethal strikers in history, winning two World Cup titles with Brazil, among other numerous club honors playing for teams like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan.
Moving on to defenders, Ricardo Carvalho from Portugal was also an excellent player who featured for top clubs like FC Porto and Chelsea. He was part of Jose Mourinho’s team at both those clubs during their prime years.
Lastly but not least comes Robin van Persie – a Dutch forward who had a great career playing for Arsenal and Manchester United before retiring back to his boyhood club Feyenoord Rotterdam.
These are just some examples of many talented players whose names begin with “R”.
S
S is for some of the most legendary football players in history. From strikers to defenders, there are plenty of S-named footballers who have left their mark on the sport.
Starting off with Sergio Aguero, a prolific striker for Manchester City and Argentina’s national team. His sharpness in front of goal has made him one of the top-scoring Premier League players ever.
Moving onto another Argentine player, Javier Mascherano was known for his tough tackling and tenacious defending. He played an integral role in both Barcelona and Liverpool’s success during his career.
One of Brazil’s greatest defensive midfielders also falls under this letter – Gilberto Silva. A key member of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team that went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 season.
We can’t forget about Ronaldinho Gaúcho, one of Brazil’s most creative attacking talents. Known for his mesmerizing dribbling skills and flashy tricks on the ball, he lit up stadiums all over Europe playing for Barcelona and AC Milan.
S has produced some outstanding players who have pushed boundaries within football and inspired future generations to follow in their footsteps.
T-Z
And there you have it – a comprehensive alphabetical roll call of some of the most unforgettable football players in history! From A to Z, we’ve covered iconic names that will forever be remembered for their contributions to the sport.
Whether they were setting records or leading their teams to victory, these players made an impact on and off the field. They continue to inspire new generations of football enthusiasts and remind us why this beautiful game is loved all around the world.
So next time you’re watching a match or chatting with other fans, impress them with your knowledge of football history by mentioning one (or more) of these amazing players. Who knows? You might just spark an interesting conversation about what makes a legendary player truly great.
