On this day: Five famous footballers born October 28th
Published:
Lee Gormley | October 28, 2015
It’s October 28th and on this day, several high-profile names from the footballing world were born, including some cult heroes from previous Premier League seasons, European Cup winners and a World Cup champion.
Here are five famous footballers from Coral that all share birthdays on this day!
Garrincha
Regarded as one of the greatest dribblers ever to grace the pitch, Garrincha’s blend of perfect balance and dynamic attacking abilities struck fear into defenders throughout the 1950s and 1960s, helping him acquire an extraordinary list of accolades.
The Botafogo and Brazil international legend held an illustrious list of personal and club honours from his career, but two back-to-back World Cup medals with his country in 1958 and 1962 are obvious highlights for such a special player.
Milan Baros
This former Czech Republic international striker is still plying his trade in his home country with top division side Mlada Boleslav, though his most memorable achievement was undoubtedly being part of Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League winning outfit. His former club are 14/1 to win the Europa League this term under Jurgen Klopp.
In Istanbul, Baros helped the Reds make a remarkable European comeback against AC Milan, and eventually won league titles with Lyon and Galatasaray, also incredibly lifting the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 before their domestic downfall.
Notably, the well-travelled frontman produced fine form when donning his international colours and even picked up the Golden Boot at Euro 2004, ending his national career with an impressive 41 goals in 93 outings.
Obafemi Martins
Currently tearing up the MLS with the Seattle Sounders and still holding a place within the Nigeria international set-up after over a decade since his bow for the African nation, Martins has enjoyed a proud career to date.
Previously hailed as one of the quickest players in the game, after leaving his homeland at just 16 years of age, Martins went on to feature for Serie A giants Inter Milan, Newcastle United in the Premier League and Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
Titles won in Italy include the Serie A and Coppa Italia, though Martins was especially adored on Tyneside for his acrobatic celebrations, incredible speed and deadly shot, as he helped the Magpies lift their last piece of silverware in 2006 with an Intertoto Cup coup. Newcastle are 13/8 to be relegated this season after such a stuttering start under Steve McClaren’s reign.
Alan Smith
Former England international Smith, currently of Notts County, came to prominence at Leeds United, where he became one of the most clinical young finishers in England, before the Yorkshire club’s eventual demise.
After leaving the Whites for Manchester United in 2004, Smith was eventually converted to an aggressive midfield anchorman by then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson, helping the Red Devils win the 2007 top-flight title, before spells with Newcastle United and MK Dons.
Wim Jansen
Jansen enjoyed an illustrious career as part of the Dutch side that were beaten in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals, having also been a star with Feyenoord over 15 years, after coming through their youth system.
The former Netherlands international eventually rallied to some success as a coach of Celtic and his beloved Feyenoord, though he lifted an impressive four Eredivisie crowns with the latter as a player, as well as a famous 1970 European Cup triumph.
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