Top 10 Most Loyal Football Players in the World

Paul Scholes, born on November 16, 1974, is a retired English footballer. He is considered one of the greatest players in history. Scholes spent his entire professional playing career with the Manchester United club. He is currently a co-owner of Salford City. Scholes is the English footballer with the most honors of all time and one of the most successful footballers in history, winning 25 major championships, including 11 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League titles. Born in Salford and later moved to Langley, Scholes excelled in both cricket and football at school. He was first scouted by Manchester United at the age of 14 and signed a contract with the club after graduating in 1991, officially becoming a professional player in 1993. Paul made his debut for United in the 1994-1995 season. Scholes played 66 matches for the England national team from 1997 to 2004, participating in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, as well as Euro 2000 and 2004. He is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, receiving praise from coaches and players like Xavi and Thierry Henry. However, he was criticized for receiving many yellow cards, being the player with the fourth most yellow cards in the Premier League (97 cards) and the player with the most yellow cards in the Champions League (32 cards).

Scholes played a total of 718 matches for United, ranking third in the club's all-time appearances. Scholes announced his retirement on May 31, 2011, and had a tribute match at Old Trafford in August 2011. However, he surprisingly came out of retirement on January 8, 2012, and stayed with the club for another season before retiring again in May 2013. The midfielder made his debut for Manchester United in 1993 and later became a club legend. He won ten Premier League titles, two European titles, and various awards. Praised by colleagues and coaches for his tactical awareness, passing ability, and goal-scoring, Scholes was one of the promising talents developed under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, part of the core group of the successful Manchester United academy. The talented midfielder from England is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation. Although retired in 2011, Scholes returned to stabilize the team's fragile midfield for another year and officially retired after that.

James Lee Duncan 'Jamie' Carragher born on January 28, 1978, is a retired English footballer who played as a defender and has hung up his boots. Carragher is a one-club man, starting his career with Liverpool's youth team. He made his first-team debut in the 1996-1997 season and held a starting position from then on. His first major honors came in 2001, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. Initially a versatile defender, Carragher shifted to a center-back role when Rafael Benítez arrived in 2004, and that season saw tremendous success with the Champions League trophy. The following season, he won the FA Cup and was voted into the Premier League's Team of the Year. Carragher set a record for most appearances in European competitions for Liverpool in 2007.

On the international stage, Carragher holds the record for the most appearances at the U-21 level and earned caps for the national team in 1999. Despite participating in Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006, he fell short of securing a starting spot for the England team. Faced with being a backup in the defensive midfield position, Carragher decided to retire from international football in 2007, with 38 caps. He released his autobiography, Carra, in 2008. After the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season, Carragher officially bid farewell to his international playing career after 23 years of professional competition.

Carles Puyol i Saforcada born on April 13, 1978, in Lleida, Catalunya, is a retired Spanish footballer. He primarily played as a center-back and served as the long-time captain for the only club he was associated with throughout his playing career - Barcelona. Taking over from Luis Enrique in August 2004, he played in nearly 600 official matches for the club, winning 21 major honors, especially 6 La Liga titles and 3 UEFA Champions League trophies. He is known as one of the finest defenders in the history of world football. At the national level, Puyol earned 100 caps for the Spanish national football team and was an indispensable part of the squads that triumphed in Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010. In the semi-final against Germany in that World Cup, he scored the only goal, securing their spot in the final.

Carles Puyol i Saforcada is the epitome of a tough, determined, yet versatile player. He could play as a center-back, full-back, or defensive midfielder. Thanks to his decision to dedicate his entire career to the club, he always enjoyed the love of Barcelona fans. Puyol, along with the Spanish national team, won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and the UEFA Euro 2004. His spirited performances, forged perhaps from his time playing as a goalkeeper in La Pobla's youth team, endeared him to fans. A shoulder injury later forced him to abandon that position. World Cup 2010 was a resounding success for both Spain and Puyol personally. With his fierce and intelligent style of play, he helped Spain set a record as one of the two teams conceding the fewest goals in a single World Cup (2 goals) and scored the decisive goal in the semi-final against Germany, propelling Spain into the final and ultimately winning the tournament.

Tony Alexander Adams born on October 10, 1966, is a football coach and former English player. Adams spent his entire 22-year career playing as a defender for Arsenal. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time for Arsenal by the club's fans and is listed in the Football League's 100 Legends. With Arsenal, he won four titles in England's top flight, three FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and three FA Community Shields. A statue honoring Adams was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium on December 9, 2011, alongside statues of Thierry Henry and Herbert Chapman. After ending his playing career, he transitioned to become a football coach, overseeing Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth, and Azerbaijan's Gabala team.

Adams joined Arsenal as an apprentice in 1980. Three years later, he made his debut against Sunderland in the First Division, just four weeks after his 17th birthday. It was a challenging start - Adams was partly responsible for a 2-1 home defeat, but he quickly found his top form. Adams became a regular in the Arsenal lineup in the 1985-1986 season. Eight months after winning his first medal in the 1987 League Cup final, beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley, Adams became the youngest captain in Arsenal's history at the age of 21 on January 1, 1988. He held that position for 14 years until retirement. He led the famous Back Four, developing understanding with his defensive partners, center-back Steve Bould and full-backs Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn. Under George Graham, this quartet became known for discipline in using the offside trap. On a personal level, it's hard to think of a more loyal, courageous, and inspiring figure for teammates in Arsenal's history.

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittin sinh ngày 24 tháng 6 năm 1987, còn được gọi là Leo Messi, là một cầu thủ bóng đá người Argentina hiện đang chơi ở vị trí tiền đạo và là đội trưởng của câu lạc bộ Barcelona và đội tuyển bóng đá quốc gia Argentina. Được coi là một trong những cầu thủ xuất sắc nhất thế giới và là một trong những cầu thủ vĩ đại nhất mọi thời đại, Messi giữ kỷ lục 6 lần giành Quả bóng vàng, 6 lần giành Chiếc giày vàng châu Âu và vào năm 2020 được xếp vào Đội hình trong mơ của Quả bóng vàng. Anh đã cống hiến toàn bộ sự nghiệp của mình cho Barcelona, tại đây anh đã giành được kỷ lục 34 danh hiệu cấp câu lạc bộ, bao gồm 10 chức vô địch La Liga, 7 Copa del Rey và 4 UEFA Champions League. Messi giữ kỷ lục là cầu thủ ghi nhiều bàn thắng nhất ở La Liga (474), cầu thủ ghi nhiều bàn thắng nhất trong một mùa giải La Liga và châu Âu (50), nhiều hat-trick nhất ở La Liga (36) và UEFA Champions League (8), nhiều pha kiến tạo nhất ở La Liga (192), nhiều pha kiến tạo nhất trong một mùa giải La Liga, châu Âu (21) và Copa América (17). Anh đã ghi hơn 750 bàn thắng trong sự nghiệp cho câu lạc bộ và đội tuyển quốc gia, là cầu thủ có nhiều bàn thắng nhất từ trước đến nay cho một câu lạc bộ.

Sinh ra và lớn lên ở miền trung Argentina, Messi chuyển đến Tây Ban Nha và gia nhập Barcelona ở tuổi 13, anh đã có trận ra mắt đội một câu lạc bộ ở tuổi 17 vào ngày 16 tháng 10 năm 2004, khi được Frank Rijkaard tung vào sân. Anh dần là cầu thủ chủ chốt của câu lạc bộ trong ba năm tiếp theo. Trong mùa giải đầu tiên không bị gián đoạn bởi chấn thương, anh đã giúp Barcelona đạt được cú ăn ba đầu tiên của bóng đá Tây Ban Nha; vào năm đó, ở tuổi 22, Messi đã giành được Quả bóng vàng lần đầu tiên. Ba mùa giải thành công sau đó, với việc Messi giành được bốn Quả bóng vàng liên tiếp, anh trở thành cầu thủ đầu tiên giành được giải thưởng này bốn lần liên tiếp. Trong mùa giải 2011 - 2012, anh lập kỷ lục tại La Liga và châu Âu về số bàn thắng ghi được nhiều nhất trong một mùa giải, đồng thời khẳng định mình là cầu thủ ghi bàn nhiều nhất mọi thời đại của Barcelona. Hai mùa giải tiếp theo, Messi về nhì tại Quả bóng vàng sau Cristiano Ronaldo (đối thủ lớn nhất trong sự nghiệp của anh), trước khi lấy lại phong độ tốt nhất của mình trong mùa giải 2014 - 2015, trở thành cầu thủ ghi bàn nhiều nhất mọi thời đại ở La Liga và cùng Barcelona giành cú ăn ba lịch sử lần thứ hai, sau đó anh giành Quả bóng vàng thứ năm vào năm 2015. Messi đảm nhận vai trò đội trưởng của Barcelona vào năm 2018 và vào năm 2019, anh đã giành được Quả bóng vàng thứ sáu.

Francesco Totti born on September 27, 1976, in Rome, is a retired professional footballer from Italy, former captain, and living icon of A.S. Roma. Totti's preferred position is trequartista (attacking midfielder), but he also played very successfully as a forward. Throughout Totti's career, he only played for one club, which is Roma, and he is the player with the most appearances for the club and also the top goal scorer in the club's history. Totti is always considered one of the outstanding players of his generation. On July 17, 2017, Totti officially retired. He is regarded as the greatest player of all time for A.S. Roma. In his career, Totti played 619 matches (47,098 minutes) in Serie A, equivalent to 32 days and 17 hours, scoring 250 goals, and won 1 Scudetto in 2001. As a World Champion in 2006 and Euro 2000 runner-up, in both tournaments, Totti was voted into the Best XI. In his career, Totti also won many prestigious individual awards, such as the record 5 times as Italian Footballer of the Year and 2 times as Serie A Footballer of the Year. Totti is also listed in the FIFA 100, which includes 125 greatest living footballers voted by football king Pele. In 2011, Totti was voted by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) as one of the 5 most famous living footballers in Europe.

Totti is famous for his spoon-feeding goals (cucchiaio), tearing apart opposing defenses with brilliant through balls, and superb backheel goals. He is a true trequartista: creative, elegant, resilient, and always shining when needed. Totti is currently the all-time leading goal scorer in Serie A still playing and ranks second on the list of the greatest scorers in the competition with 230 goals. As the Prince of Rome, Totti is also called by the Italian media with other names such as Il Bimbo d'Oro (The Golden Boy) and Il Gladiatore (The Gladiator), and with what he has achieved, Totti has entered the home of legends, not only in Rome but worldwide. On March 28, 2014, A.S. Roma's president, James Pallotta, announced on Sky Sport 24 TV channel that Totti's number 10 shirt would be permanently retired in the club's tradition room after his retirement. Totti retired on May 28, 2017, after Roma's 3-2 victory over Genoa on the final matchday of Serie A at the Olimpico Stadium, Rome.

Iker Casillas Fernández born on May 20, 1981, in Madrid, is a former Spanish goalkeeper and a legend of La Liga's Real Madrid. Iker Casillas was the world's best goalkeeper in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 according to FIFPRO's vote. He is known as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of world football as well as contemporary football. In the peak of his career, he won many major titles with Real Madrid both domestically and internationally. Besides, he was a crucial factor in Spain's triumphs in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 for the homeland. He was nominated for the Best European and World Player in 2008. On August 4, 2020, Iker Casillas officially retired from international competition after 30 years of professional play.

The relationship between Iker Casillas and Real Madrid began in 1990, and he worked diligently with the youth team and was promoted to the first team in 1999. He is also the most successful captain in Spain's history with two European cups and one World Cup. The Spanish goalkeeper has won numerous titles with Real Madrid and is also the greatest goalkeeper in Spain's history. After the unsuccessful Euro 2016 for the Spanish national team (losing to Italy 1 - 2), where Casillas was on the bench throughout the tournament, Iker Casillas officially bid farewell to the Spanish national team after 16 years of dedication, playing a total of 167 matches and being the most capped player at the national team level.

Steven George Gerrard born on May 30, 1980, is a former English footballer who played as a central midfielder and is currently the head coach of Rangers Football Club in Scotland. He is a legend of Liverpool FC. Gerrard spent the majority of his playing career with Liverpool, where he made his debut in 1998 and earned a regular starting position from the 2000-2001 season. He succeeded Sami Hyypiä as the captain of Liverpool in 2003. His honors include 2 FA Cups, 3 Carling Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League in 2005. On May 13, 2009, Gerrard was awarded the PFA Player of the Year. Gerrard made his debut for the national team in 2000, playing for England in Euro 2000, Euro 2004, World Cup 2006, and World Cup 2010. Notably, in the 2010 World Cup, he captained the England team, replacing the injured Rio Ferdinand at the last minute. He announced his retirement from international football after the conclusion of World Cup 2014. Gerrard ranks second in the list of the greatest 100 players in Liverpool's history, a list voted on by the club's fans.

Liverpool is represented by two of their greatest players. Gerrard was chosen as the greatest player for the club after Kenny Dalglish, a versatile midfielder beloved by the club's fans. Gerrard made his debut in 1998 at Anfield and was given the captain's armband in 2003. He led the team to a glorious victory in the 2005 Champions League, overcoming a three-goal deficit at halftime. Gerrard received offers from top European clubs, but he declined. As the captain of the club and the national team, Gerrard was described as a true leader and a tireless runner with exceptional tactical awareness. With powerful long-range shots, he was one of the highest-scoring midfielders. As he got older, he decided to move to play for LA Galaxy in the United States, and on November 21, 2016, he officially accepted the role of head coach of the Milton Keynes Dons club in the English third division. This was Gerrard's smart move for his coaching plans after Liverpool.

Paolo Cesare Maldini born on June 26, 1968, in Milan, Italy, is an Italian footballer. He is the son of Cesare Maldini, a former player of A.C. Milan and former coach of the Italian national team. Maldini is a defender and usually played in the left-back position, although he was also proficient in the right-back position. In the final years of his career, he played as a central defender. Throughout his playing career, he only played for one club, A.C. Milan, with the most appearances at 902. Maldini is admired everywhere as a great defender and has reached the pinnacle of his career. He is known as a influential captain, with a calm demeanor both in playing style and as a perfect defender. His talent was affirmed as he continuously won many prestigious awards, including the World Soccer Player of the Year in 1994, a member of the FIFPro World XI in 2005, the UEFA Champions League Best Defender award in 2004-2005, and one of the top 10 players in 2005 as voted by FIFA.

Maldini joined A.C. Milan at the age of 8. Immediately, he demonstrated his talent and was trusted by coaches to frequently play in Milan's youth team from 1977 to 1984. He captained the youth team from 1982 to 1984. Maldini's first Serie A match was on January 20, 1985, against Udinese Calcio. Since then, he has had a brilliant career, achieving many successes with the Milan club. Maldini is a player in the 'dream' lineup that A.C. Milan couldn't beat in the late 1980s and early 1990s. On January 20, 1986, Silvio Berlusconi, a young and talented entrepreneur who later became the Prime Minister of Italy, decided to buy back A.C. Milan, which was then drowning in debt and facing bankruptcy. It was a turning point in the club's history. The success of the 'Berlusconi era' is closely linked to the career of Paolo Maldini. Initially, Maldini was assigned the number 26 shirt for Milan. From the 1986-1987 season, he was assigned the number 3 shirt for the left-back position and wore that number until the end of his career at the club. Currently, Maldini's number 3 shirt has become the immortal number of the club.