Happy new year to you reading this. January as we all know is the first month in every new year. January is a month were individuals and brands plan and set goals to achieve during the whole.In today’s article,we look at 15 footballers who were born in the month of January.
1. Declan Rice
The English and Arsenal defensive midfielder takes the first spot.Ever since leaving West Ham United in July,2023 to to Arsenal for a club record fee of £105 million, Declan Rice has been a key player for Mikel Arteta squad. Declan Rice was born in 14th January,1999.
2. Eden Hazard
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea legend takes the second spot. Eden Hazard was brilliant during his 7 years in Chelsea. The Belgian was one of the best dribblers during that time.Injuries and limited games made Eden Hazard a shadow of his own self when he moved to Real Madrid in 2019.Eden Hazard was born 7th January,1991.
3. Pep Guardiola
Nicknamed “Pep” from his name Josep.Pep Guardiola spent most his football career with Barcelona as a defensive midfielder before moving to Brescia,As Roma,Al Ahli and Dorados.After retirement and moving into football management,Pep Guardiola has managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester city.He has won 40 trophies in all.The Spanish manager was born in 18th January,1971.
4. Dimitar Berbatov
Mostly known through his football days with Manchester united. The Bulgarian had a brilliant goal scoring and ball controlling ability.Dimitar Berbatov has a tie with Hristo Bonev as Bulgarian all time goal scorers. Dimitar Berbatov played for top clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester united, Monaco, Greek club PAOK FC and Indian club Kerala Blasters FC. Dimitar Berbatov was born on 30th January,1981.
5. Robinho
Former Real Madrid and Manchester forward takes this spot.Robinho global attention whiles playing for his home club Santos.Robinho whose real name is Robson de Souza moved to Real Madrid for a fee of £24 million on 30th July,2005.The former forward who is currently behind bars after been convicted of a gang rape in Italy in 2013 whiles playing for AC Milan. Robson de Souza was born in 25th January,1984.
6. Luis Suarez
Widely remembered for his trio partnership with Neymar and Lionel Messi whiles playing for Barcelona.Luis Suarez is a household name in football.The Uruguayan has lifted major trophies and personal accolades including top goal scorer for the league (England and Netherland) he also also the prestigious Uefa champion league with Barcelona.Luis Suarez continues to scores exceptional goals with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer along 7 time ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi. Luis Suarez was born on 24th January,1987.
7. Eusebio
1965 ballon d’or winner,the late Portuguese legend Eusebio takes the seventh spot.Nicknamed the “Black Panther” Eusebio was a key player for Benfica helping them win the Uefa champion league by beating both Barcelona and Real Madrid in 1961 and 1962. Eusebio is Benfica all time goal scorer with 473 goals in 440 appearances. Eusebio will always be remembered as a pioneer of the beautiful game.He was born on 25th January,1942.
8. Arjen Robben
The former Dutch player who remembered for his duo partnership which French teammate Franck Ribery.Arjen Robben was part of the Netherland squad that lost to Spain in 2010 world cup final held in South Africa.Arjen Robben was born on 23th January,1984.
9. Jamie Vardy
2016 was a year that will never be forgotten in the English premier league when Jamie Vardy led Leicester City to win the league.He scored 24 goals in that season which earned him a call up to the English national team by then manager Roy Hodgson. He broke Ruud Van Nistelrooy by scoring in 11 straight matches in 2015. Jamie Vardy was born on 11th January,1987.
10. Gennaro Gattuso
Gennaro Gattuso played a key role in Marcello Lippi Italy squad in winning the world cup in 2006.Gennaro Gattuso won two Uefa champion league, 2 Uefa super with AC Milan. Gennaro Gattuso was born on 9th January,1978.
11. Xavi Hernandez
Former Barcelona manager and midfielder takes this spot.Xavi is always remembered for his duo partnership with fellow Spanish teammate Andrea Iniesta.The duo performed outstanding which helped Barcelona win alot of trophies during their time at the club.Xavi Hernandez retired in 2019 and started coaching Qatar club Al Sadd.Xavi Hernandez was born on 25th January,1980.
12. David Silva
Former Manchester city and Valencia maestro takes the twelve spot.After a successful loan spell at Celta Vigo,David Silva move back to Valencia were he became a key player.David Silva established himself as one the best midfielder when he moved to Manchester city in 2010 for a fee of £30 million after been part of the Spanish squad that won the 2010 world cup held in South Africa.David Silva was born on 8th January,1986.
13. Peter Crouch
Regarded as one of the tallest footballers in the world with a height of 6 feet 7 inches tall.Peter Crouch is widely remembered for his heading balls in opponents nets.Peter Crouch represented his Nation England 42 times and scored 22 goals.Peter Crouch won the FA cup and community shield with Liverpool in 2006.Peter Crouch was born on 30th January,1981.
14. Gianluigi Buffon
Born on 28th January,1978 in Carrara Northern part of Italy,Gianluigi Buffon established himself as one of the best goalkeeper when playingfor Parma. Gianluigi Buffon helped Parma win the Coppa Italia,Supercoppa Italiana, and UEFA Europa cup all in 1999.This helped him to move to Italian giants Juventus £52 million.Gianluigi Buffon is also played a key role in helping his nation Italy lift the world cup in 2006 against France in a penalty shoot out.
15. Romario
Romário de Souza Faria is a former Brazilian foootball and a Senate. Romario popularly called in the football helped Brazil win the world cup in 1994 by scoring 5 goals.Romario also played for top clubs like Barcelona,PSV Eindhoven and Valencia. Romario was born 29th January,1966.
