When it comes to football, we enjoy watching our own team do well. Good play is always appreciated by fans, even if it is not produced by their own side. The characters in the game are what they like best. People who are able to express themselves, amuse spectators, and contribute to the beauty game—the world’s most popular sport.
The criteria for such behavior can change. These players are distinguished by a specific trait or personality that just sets them apart. Being among the world’s finest football players isn’t the only goal. I think quirkiness is the best way to describe it. The ten most eccentric football players in history are listed below.
10Jimmy Bullard
England
Jimmy Bullard’s chappy, mischievous demeanor has never changed. Despite his skill as a free-kick taker, he is perhaps more well-known for his propensity to do things that make teammates and supporters laugh. Aaron McLean, a former teammate, remembers meeting Bullard for the first time at a training session after joining Hull City.
“He grabs my **** as soon as he enters the shower and exclaims, ‘ooo f*****g hell, that’s heavy init!'”
Bullard viewed the football field as his stage, where he hoped to make the crowd laugh and tell them a joke. He later said that he found Saturdays around 3 p.m. to be challenging after retiring. He would be reflecting on his past.
9Jorge Campos
Mexico
Jorge Campos, the goalie for Mexico, was only five feet nine, yet he was always noticeable. Whether it was his tendency to score goals occasionally or his gaudily colored goalkeeping shirts.
Nothing would please him more than to run out of goal and participate in the build-up play. Playing up front, Campos was so versatile that he was once switched from goalkeeper to striker, where he equalized. He remembers frequently being a striker:
I was always reminded by the coach to remember that I was a keeper. Since I was the highest scorer at the time, I used to chuckle.
8Jens Lehmann
Germany
It’s possible that Jens Lehmann is a prickly person. He had a tense relationship with Oliver Kahn, another German goalie. Additionally, he didn’t get along with Manuel Almunia, the goalie for Arsenal. It’s safe to argue that Lehmann may be considered a pioneer. Once, while having the ball in his hand, he stepped on an opponent’s foot and was sent out for Stuttgart.
A supporter later asked him why he couldn’t just be normal as he was leaving the field. In response, Lehmann grabbed the man’s spectacles. Even after he retired, he remained odd. After allegedly bringing a chainsaw to a neighbor’s garden, he was charged by the police. In order to improve his view of a neighboring lake, he allegedly used it to remove several roof beams from his neighbor’s garage.
7Thomas Muller
Germany
One of the most underappreciated football players in history, Thomas Muller is a somewhat eccentric individual. In his post-match interview following his brace of goals against England in the 2010 World Cup, the owner of a horse named Dave greeted his grandparents.
The Bayern Munich player has recently started imitating Harry Kane’s celebration after scoring a goal. In order to escape being questioned by the media, he also once feigned that his passport was a cell phone and that he was engaged in a discussion. The German international has always had a humorous, lighthearted side despite being very competitive.
6Eric Cantona
France
During his brilliant tenure at Old Trafford, Eric Cantona was a mysterious and highly influential member of Manchester United’s team. As a result, he is among the most well-known Premier League players ever. In 1996, Cantona led United to a league and cup double. This comes after returning after a protracted suspension for kicking a spectator in karate at Selhurst Park.
The club persuaded Cantona to hold a press conference, during which he uttered the well-known words before departing the building:
“When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
In the 1990s, Cantona was unique and a great match for Manchester United.
5Mario Balotelli
Italy
Mario Balotelli, an Italian international, has always generated conflicting opinions. Although his skill has always been undeniable, his approach to the game has generated a lot of discussion. Some have questioned what happened to Mario Balotelli as a result. However, there are thousands of words that might be written about his unusual behavior during his career.
After hiring a cleaner, his mother made sure they had all the supplies they would need to do the task. No, they didn’t. Balotelli obtained all he needed by going to John Lewis. He had a table tennis set, a trampoline, and a Scalextric set when he got back. Balotelli’s actions were anything but predicted.
4Paul Gascoigne
England
One of the most inventive British football players in history is Paul Gascoigne. Gazza, who is incredibly well-liked by England supporters, played a key role in the country’s 1990 World Cup semifinal run. His frenetic energy was so great that he engaged in strange activities during his downtime.
He allegedly infuriated Three Lions manager Bobby Robson by challenging strangers to tennis matches into the wee hours of the morning. As a result, some have argued that Gazza was among the least professional athletes ever. In the Euro 96 match against Scotland, he also scored one of England’s most famous goals when he sent the ball over Colin Hendry’s head, ran around him, and volleyed in.
3Joaquin
Spain
Joaquin, a right-winger for Real Betis and Spain, made 853 games during his career and scored 112 goals. He gave the typical keep yuppies when he was signed by Malaga, but he later chose to do some stand-up. He brought the Copa Del Rey trophy to his wedding after winning it with Betis in 2005.
He was caught on camera teasing Erling Haaland, claiming that the large Norwegian striker would not mesh well with Real Betis’ style of play. He was never without a joke or two. Joaquin’s humor made him popular in many ways, but he was careful to warn people that his humor did not carry him into his forties.
2Rene Higuita
Colombia
One of the greatest acrobatic goalkeepers in football history was Rene Higuita. He was the epitome of eccentric, if not hazardous, in his role as Colombia’s goalie. He was much too at ease with the ball at his feet outside the penalty area in the 1990 World Cup second round match against Cameroon. In order to score and eliminate the South Americans from the competition, veteran striker Roger Milla robbed him.
In a friendly match against England at Wembley six years later, Higuita did something even more ridiculous. Higuita seemed to just catch the ball when Jamie Redknapp overhit a cross. Rather, he launched himself into the air and used his back heel to clear the ball from behind him. The scorpion kick was so created.
1Bruce Grobbelaar
Zimbabwe
One of the best goalkeepers in Liverpool’s history is Bruce Grobbelaar. With the team, he won the English league championship six times. Perhaps you must first comprehend his past in order to comprehend his bizarre nature. During his country’s battle of independence, the Zimbabwean was drafted into the army as a teenager. That had a negative impact.
“I have always lived my life for today because of this. All I can do is apologize for the past. I am unable to alter it.
The goalie thought he was saved by football. He signed with Crewe Alexandra after playing in Canada. He didn’t hold back when he learned that famous Liverpool manager Bob Paisley would be there to watch him. The goalie grabbed an umbrella and walked around the field with his hands before scaling the crossbar since it was raining.
His antics helped Liverpool win the 1984 European Cup, and Liverpool supporters will never forget them. It was never going to be easy to play Roma in the final in Italy. When the English team forced a penalty shootout, Grobbelaar performed his well-known spaghetti legs motion while feigning fear. Alan Kennedy scored Liverpool’s winning kick after Roma missed their fourth penalty. Grobbelaar was not only a superb goalie but also a performer. Along with his on-field antics, fans adored him for that.
