Karadeniz Gökdeniz Bio

Gökdeniz Karadeniz (born 11 January 1980 in Giresun) is a Turkish football player for the team Rubin Kazan. He is also a member of the Turkish national team.

On 13 March 2008, he signed 5 years deal with Russian club Rubin Kazan for € 8.7 million.Karadeniz mentioned that it was sad for him to leave Turkey and also said he chose the club because he felt that if he had joined a big team in Europe his club would not have gotten as much money for him.Karadeniz also said that another factor that persuaded him is that the region the club is from has a large Muslim population and Karadeniz feels comfortable living amongst people of the same religion as him. With the team he won the Russian Premier League 2008.

On the 20th October 2009, Gokdeniz scored the winning goal to shock the Barcelona fans at Camp Nou to win the match for Rubin Kazan.

Aleksandr Ryazantsev Bio

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Ryazantsev (Russian: Александр Александрович Рязанцев, born September 5, 1986 in Moscow, Russia) is a professional football midfield player currently playing for Rubin Kazan.

Maxime Gonalons Bio

Maxime Gonalons (born 10 March 1989 in Vénissieux) is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. A graduate of the Olympique Lyonnais youth academy, he plays as a defensive midfielder.

Gonalons has been with Olympique Lyonnais since the age of 9 climbing through the club's youth sections. For the 2007–08 season, at the age of 18, he was promoted to the club's Championnat de France amateur team appearing in 26 matches scoring two goals. Lyon finished in a respectable 7th in their group, but weren't allowed progression to the playoffs. The next season, he again spent with the CFA squad, however, during the summer leading up to the season, Gonalons picked up a staph infection on his ankle, which was, at one point, deemed career threatening with reportedly future diagnosis of sepsis and amputation. However, over the course of the season, Gonalons gradually got back into playing shape and eventually returned to the team. He made 24 appearances scoring 3 goals, one each against local rivals AS Lyon Duchère and Saint-Étienne, and one against Marignane. Lyon finished first among professional clubs in the group and qualified for the playoffs. Gonalons started both the 4–3 semi-final win on penalties and the 3–0 victory over Sochaux in the final picking up a yellow card.

Following the season, on 6 July 2009, Gonalons signed his first professional contract agreeing to a one-year deal with the club. The club does have the option to keep him for the next two seasons over after the one-year deal expires. Gonalons was assigned the number 41 shirt and trained with the senior team during pre-season. He made his professional debut on 25 August 2009 in the second leg of the club's UEFA Champions League playoff round match against Anderlecht appearing as a substitute in the 73rd minute for Jérémy Toulalan.

On 20 October, Gonalons scored his first professional goal against Liverpool at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League. The equalizing goal drew the match at 1–1 and Lyon went on to win the match 2–1 with a goal from César Delgado in injury time.

Steven Defour Bio

Steven Defour (born 15 April 1988 in Mechelen) is a Belgian footballer who plays for Standard de Liège.

After playing youth football at Hombeek and KV Mechelen, Defour had been with KV Mechelen since 2002. His first-team debut was as a substitute in the 2004–05 season but his big breakthrough came the next season, when the 17 year old showed himself a player able to deploy his skills in the interest of the whole team, creating opening with his astute passing. Now Defour is on a five-year contract at Standard, learning from Portuguese star Sérgio Conceição and Milan Rapaić in the 2006–07 season. For the 2007–08 season, despite being only 21 years old, the right-sided Belgian international is now Standard's captain.

During the 2007–08 season Defour received the Golden Shoe, the official award for most valuable player in the Belgian League, of the year 2007. The form that won him this award would continue as Defour led Standard to the Jupiler League title, for the first time in 25 years.

Since making his international debut for Belgium against Saudi Arabia on 11 May 2006 he also has become a regular choice for national coach René Vandereycken.

Alan Kardec Bio

Alan Kardec de Souza Pereira Junior, usually known as Alan Kardec (born January 12, 1989 in Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro state), is a Brazilian football striker currently playing for Internacional of the Série A. He is named after the systematizer of Spiritism, Allan Kardec.

On February 14, 2007, in Manaus, Alan Kardec played his first match for Vasco, when his club beat Fast Clube 2–1 for the Copa do Brasil. On April 11, 2007, he scored his first goal for Vasco, when his club and Botafogo drew 4-4 in a Campeonato Carioca match. On July 21, 2007, Alan Kardec scored his first Série A goal, when Vasco beat Atlético Mineiro 4-0. He played 26 Série A matches and scored eight goals in 2007, while in 2008, he played 19 matches and scored two goals in that competition.

He was loaned to Internacional on September 1, 2009.

Alan Kardec played eight South American Youth Championship matches for the Brazilian under-20 team beween January 20, 2009 and February 8, scoring two goals, respectively against Uruguay and Argentina. He scored two goals in Brazil's first 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup game, played on September 27, 2009, against Costa Rica.

Ransford Osei Bio

Ransford Osei (born December 5, 1990 in Accra) is a Ghanaian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Dutch side FC Twente on loan from Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. He is part of Ghana national football team.

Osei began his career at his homeland club Kessben.
On 28 February 2008 Ransford Osei was to join Polish club, Legia Warszawa for a half year loan with a further option to buy. Due to a work permit issue, the transfer was blocked by FIFA, Osei stayed in Kessben.

In 2008 he joined Israel based side Maccabi Haifa on loan. After impressing the club officials he was awarded with a permanent three year contract. Osei had in October 2008 a short stint by Bechem Chelsea and scores the golden goal for the climbing in the Ghana Premier League against Brong Ahafo United.

In July 2009 he joined Dutch side FC Twente on a year long loan deal.

Giuliano Victor de Paula Bio

Giuliano Victor de Paula or simply Giuliano (born May 31, 1990 in Curitiba), is a Brazilian attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Internacional. Giuliano can also play as a striker.

Paraná Clube see Giuliano as a hot prospect for the future and have already signed him to his first professional contract on the 13th February 2007, details of which are below.

Giuliano has already been capped by Brazil at Under-17 level.

Dominic Adiyiah Bio

Dominic Adiyiah (born 10 July 1989 in Accra) is a Ghanaian footballer, playing for Fredrikstad FK in the Norwegian Premier League.

Adiyiah began his career in the Feyenoord Academy and played with the team 2006 in the One Touch League. He joined then to Heart of Lions, where he scored eleven goals the previous season and stands in the Ghana Premier League All Star team. He was last season (2006/2007) the Most Valuable Player in the One Touch League. Adiyiah joined then 2008 to Fredrikstad, he is largely a replacement for former striker Tarik Elyounoussi, who has recently joined SC Heerenveen. On 06 August 2008 Adiyah has completed his move to Norwegien Premier League side Fredrikstad FK, there he played his first game on 30 August 2008 against Aalesunds FK.

Since 2007 he has played for the Ghana national under-20 football team. His first game was on 30 March 2008 against the Niger national under-20 football team. Adiyiah represented the under-20 national team, the Black Starlets at 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Abeiku Quansah Bio

Abeiku Quansah (born November 2, 1990 in Kumasi) is a Ghanaian International footballer currently playing for OGC Nice in the Ligue 1.

On 4 November 2008 moved from Windy Professionals F.C. to OGC Nice and signs a contract between 30 June 2011. He came also with nationalteammate Enoch Kofi Adu to Nice from Ghana. Quansah played his debut in the Coupe de la Ligue against US Creteil on 11 November 2008 and his second game in the Coupe de France on 3 January 2009 against Arras Football.

He was member for the Ghana national under-17 football team by the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup and played 6 games by the tournament in Korea Republic. On 1 January 2009 was named for the Black Satellites for the 2009 African Youth Championship in Rwanda.

Amr Zaki Bio

Amr Hassan Zaki (Arabic: عمرو حسن زكي‎) (born 1 April 1983 in Mansoura, Egypt) is a Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a striker and is currently signed to Egyptian Premier League club Zamalek.

Zaki started his career at El Mansoura before moving to ENPPI for the 2003-04 season. At ENPPI, he became the Egyptian Premier League top goalscorer for the 2004-05 season and helped the club win its first trophy, the 2005 Egyptian Cup, as well as being runners-up in the Egyptian Premier League, their best position ever.

After impressing in the 2006 African Nations Cup, Zaki caught the attention of many clubs, such as El Zamalek and Al-Ahly from Egypt, Al-Ain FC from the UAE, and FC Nantes from France. But Zaki later decided to play for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, who signed him for a reported sum of € 1.7 million. However, he did not play a single match for Lokomotiv. In 2006, Zaki moved back to the Egyptian Premier League and signed to play for El Zamalek. Owing to his powerful physical displays as a forward, fans nicknamed him the "Bulldozer" and newspapers nicknamed him the "Egyptian Gladiator".

On July 22nd 2008, Wigan Athletic completed a one-year loan deal to bring Zaki to the JJB Stadium for a sum of £ 1.5 million. After scoring two goals in his two pre-season appearances for Wigan, Zaki scored on his league debut on 16 August against West Ham United. On 30 August he scored his first brace for Wigan in a 5–0 victory over Premier League new-boys Hull City. On September 13 he scored his fourth goal in as many games in the Premier League as Wigan drew with Sunderland, putting him joint top of the goal scoring charts alongside Jermain Defoe. On 28 September, scored again in the Premier League from the penalty spot against Manchester City, this goal took him to the top of the goal scorers list with 5 goals in 6 games. He followed it with two more goals against Liverpool, further solidifying his position as top scorer in the English Premier League. He also scored penalties in 2–1 victories over Portsmouth and Newcastle. At one point he was the third top scorer in the Premier League behind Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka and Manchester City striker/winger Robinho who have 15 and 12 respectively to Zaki's 10, however he failed to add to that tally in which Anelka finished top with 19. If Zaki makes his move to Wigan a permanent one, it will be for the estimated price of £12 million. According to sources in England and Zaki himself, Aston Villa had an £11 million bid for him in the winter transfer window turned down by Wigan. He is now being chased by two French Ligue 1 clubs and a newly promoted Premier League club.

Zaki plays for the Egyptian National Team, In the 2006 African Cup of Nations Zaki scored the winning goal for Egypt in the semi-final against Senegal late in the second half, with his first touch moments after coming off the bench to replace a visibly irate Mido (whose argument with coach Hassan Shehata held up play and resulted in a six month international ban from the EFA for the player.) Egypt later went on to win their fifth continental title.

Zaki repeated his strong performances two years later in CAN 2008, scoring a goal against Zambia in the group stage and another in the quarter final against Angola. Additionally, he scored another header and then added another goal in the semi-final match against Ivory Coast. Egypt again went on to win the title for a record sixth time. He was chosen in the CAN 2008 All Star Starting XI.

Alexandre Pato Bio

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva (born 2 September 1989 in Pato Branco, Paraná), commonly known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian striker, currently playing for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. The nickname "Pato" is in honour of his place of birth, but has led to commentators calling him "The Duck", which is the literal translation of "Pato" from Portuguese.

Alexandre started playing indoor football (futsal) in his hometown at the age of three. Soon, his ability became known all around the south Brazilian state of Paraná for being skillful and talented goal scorer and, after being praised by many of his managers, the teenager went to Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, to try out for Grêmio. He was turned away by Grêmio, the club whom he had supported since a boy – but local rivals Internacional convinced him to play for them. Despite the two clubs being bitter enemies, Pato’s parents convinced their youngster to switch his allegiance.

In 2000, when he was aged 11, his doctors determined he had a potentially malignant tumor in his left arm, which occurred after he had broken it twice in the same place. If it was not removed, he faced the possibility of it becoming cancerous in two months. His family couldn't afford the surgery but one of their family friends, who is a doctor, operated as a volunteer for free.

On his first team debut, at the age of 17, asip helped Internacional to a 4-1 win over Palmeiras on November 26, 2006. In this game, Pato had three assists and also scored a goal. His appearance put the spotlight on the young player and created expectations and comparisons with another southern Brazilian superstar, the then Barcelona player, and now current team-mate Ronaldinho.

Following this stunning debut, encem was included in the Internacional squad that travelled to Japan in December 2006 to compete at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. Internacional had qualified for this tournament by winning the 2006 Copa Libertadores in August. On December 13, 2006, Pato scored Internacional’s first goal of the tournament in the 23rd minute of the semi-final against African club champions Al-Ahly, played at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. He was later substituted in the 65th minute due to cramp in his right leg. His replacement, Luiz Adriano, scored in the 72nd minute to give Internacional a 2-1 win and a place in the final against UEFA Champions League champions Barcelona.

The 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final was played at the International Stadium in Yokohama on December 17, 2006, in front of 67,128 spectators. Alexandre Pato started the game, but was substituted for Luiz Adriano in the 61st minute with the score still 0-0. Therefore Pato was not on the field when Adriano Gabiru scored in the 82nd minute to give Internacional a shock 1-0 win and, ultimately, the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

Incumbent European champions Milan officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007.^[8] Due to FIFA football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened.^[9] However, Milan was allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one day after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against Dynamo Kiev on 7 September 2007 and scored a header. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Milan became official.

Pato scored his first Milan goal on his Serie A debut against Napoli in a 5–2 home victory on 13 January 2008. He scored his first brace for Milan, in a 2–0 victory over Genoa at the San Siro on 27 January 2008. He finished the 2007–08 season with 9 goals in 20 appearances (18 in the league).

In late 2008, Pato scored two goals in Milan's 5–1 win over Udinese just before the Christmas break, and managed to shine again with a brace against Roma the following matchday at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 January 2009, proving that he is a vital part of Milan's attack. He continued his impressive form for Milan, hitting six goals in four games, including a game winning strike against Fiorentina on 18 January. On 15 February, he scored his 11th goal of the season in a 2–1 defeat against home rivals Internazionale. On 26 February, Pato scored his 12th goal of the season against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup, a game Milan drew 2–2; but with this, were knocked out the competition on the away goals rule. Pato continued his good form with two goals against Siena on 15 March. Pato finished the 2008-09 season with 18 goals. This meant that Pato finished the 2008-09 season as Milan's top goalscorer.

On 22 August 2009, in the first Serie A match of the 2009/2010 season, Pato scored a goal in each half during the 2-1 win against Siena.

After gaining prominence at club level, Pato was called up for the youth teams of Brazil. He helped Brazil win the 2007 South American Youth Championship, which qualified the country for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and has been selected by Dunga for the 2008 Summer Olympics.^[12] He scored his first goal for the senior Brazilian team on his debut against Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in England on 26 March 2008, beating Pelé's record of scoring a goal within seconds of his full international debut.[

Diego Tardelli Bio

Diego Tardelli Martins or simply Diego Tardelli (born May 10, 1985 in Santa Barbara d'Oeste), is a Brazilian striker. He currently plays for Atlético Mineiro.

A product of São Paulo's youth system, Tardelli had abroad loan stints with La Liga's Real Betis (in the latter part of 2005-06) and Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven (in 2006-07).

Since January 2008 with Flamengo, Tardelli scored the winning goal in the Taça Guanabara final against Botafogo. Once again, in the final of Rio de Janeiro State League 2008 against Botafogo, he entered in the second half and he changed the game. He scored a goal and made an assist to Obina.

Diego has seriously injured himself on August 3, 2008 in a match against Cruzeiro. He fractured his right arm after falling awkwardly. A surgery has been necessary, and the Flamengo's medical staff indicated that he would be out of playing until the end of 2008.

After recovering faster than expected, exactly four months after breaking his arm, on November 23, 2008. Diego returned to the fields in the second half of the match against the same Cruzeiro, but this time away from Rio de Janeiro. He played well, although he was sent off in the last minute after arguing with referee Carlos Eugênio Simon about a polemic play he claimed a penalty .

He left on 12 January 2009 Flamengo and joined to Atlético Mineiro.Tardelli is rumored to join AS Saint-Etienne, but for now Atlético Mineiro has refused to let him go before the end of the 2009 season.

Deyvid Sacconi Bio

Deyvid Franck Silva Sacconi or simply Deyvid (born April 10, 1987 in Alfenas), is a Brazilian Attacking Midfielder. He currently plays for Palmeiras.

Vagner Love Bio

Vágner Love started his career with Palmeiras, being a great aid in the 2003 season to help them return to the Brazilian Série A, the national first division.

He was then bought by CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2004, prior to their Champions League campaign. For over a year after his arrival at CSKA Moscow, rumours kept appearing that he did not want to stay in Moscow, and a transfer to Corinthians in particular was hinted at numerous times. However, these rumours subsided and Vágner mentioned a number of times that he was fully committed to his contract and is looking forward to completing its full tenure.

He scored the final goal that sealed CSKA's 3-1 victory in the 2005 UEFA Cup Final over Sporting Clube de Portugal at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. Additionally to this UEFA Cup final, he has gone on to win the Russian Premier League title and Russian Cup in 2005, 2008, and the Russian Super Cup in 2006.

He became the top scorer in the Russian Premier League 2008, and the top scorer of the 2008-09 UEFA Cup, with 11 goals in eight games.

On 28 August 2009, following a run of poor form for CSKA Moscow, Vágner Love was signed by his former club Palmeiras on a one-year loan deal until 31 July 2010. CSKA press spokesman Sergei Aksenov claimed that Vágner Love left Russia due to "urgent family problems demand(ing) his presence at home in Brazil".

Estaban Granero Bio

Esteban Félix Granero Molina (born 2 July 1987) is a Spain Association football midfielder, currently with Real Madrid C.F..

A versatile midfield element, Granero - known as El pirata (The pirate) - can play as a playmaker or behind the strikers. Esteban Granero best attributes are passing, technique and shooting.

Granero joined the youth ranks of Real Madrid when Esteban Granero was just eight years old, and quickly began displaying Esteban Granero footballing talent. In one season Esteban Granero scored 83 goals in the Under-10 division, and in 1999 Captain (football) the Under-12 B team that won the International Football-7 tournament held in the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona by defeating FC Barcelona 1–0 with Esteban Granero overtime goal. Esteban Granero was also named the best player of the competition.

Granero, alongside teammates Juan Manuel Mata and Alberto Bueno won the Copa de Campeones Juvenil de Fútbol in 2006,an under-19 official youth tournament in Spain organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Esteban Granero then joined the club's Real Madrid C, at the age of 17, standing out for Esteban Granero talent and passing skills. Granero went on to receive the Números 1 Don Balón award as the 'crack' (most extraordinary player) of the Tercera División Group 7 in 2005–06, an accolade bestowed by Don Balón magazine,one of the founding members of European Sports Magazines. That same season, Esteban Granero made Esteban Granero first appearance with Real Madrid Castilla in a match against Albacete Balompié, during which Esteban Granero had a goal assist (football).

Granero made the definitive jump to Castilla in Segunda División 2006-07, and slowly earned the confidence of coach José Miguel González Martín until finally becoming an unquestionable starter. Esteban Granero would eventually fail to make the transition into the first team, as fellow cantera players Rubén de la Red, Javi García and Adrián González (footballer) and, on August 31, the last day of the transfer window, Granero moved to Getafe CF (also in Madrid) on a one-year loan. De la Red also joined Getafe, albeit in a different deal.

After the La Liga 2007-08 end, in which himself and De la Red were instrumental in the team's season, which included a quarter finals run in the UEFA Cup 2007–08, Granero returned to Real Madrid. However, on July 13, 2008, Esteban Granero joined Getafe permanently, with Real keeping a re-buy option on the player.

On 21 July 2009, Real Madrid exercised their buyback option, in a reported €4 million deal.

Gonzalo Higuain Bio

Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín (born December 10 1987 in Brest, France, Finistère, France) is an Argentina-France Football (soccer). He currently plays as a striker at the Spanish club Real Madrid.

Gonzalo Higuaín was born in France while his father, professional Argentine footballer Jorge Higuaín, was playing for Stade Brest 29, at that time in the French Ligue 1. Having left the country at the age of 10 months, he did not return to France until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Even though he does not speak French, he holds a French passport, because his father was naturalized French. But in January 2007, he successfully applied for the Argentine nationality. He is the younger brother of Federico Higuaín, who plays football for Independiente.

Following his double strike in the Major football rivalries Boca Juniors vs River Plate local derby against Boca Juniors, Club Atlético River Plate manager Daniel Passarella declared that he had an 'enormous future' and was 'destined for superstardom'.Touted by many as a star of the future, he attracted the interest of several big clubs such as A.C. Milan, S.S. Lazio, Manchester United F.C. and Chelsea F.C.. After Real Madrid C.F. capture of another South American starlet, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, rumours were mounting that Higuaín and Fernando Ruben Gago of Boca Juniors would be signing for the Whites in the future.

Real Madrid successfully signed Higuaín for €13 million, after River Plate had earlier turned down a €10 million offer for the 19-year-old striker from Real.

The striker announced at the signing of his six and a half-year contract, "it's great to have the chance of playing for such an important club as Real Madrid. I feel proud that Madrid has noticed me."

Higuaín's first game for Real Madrid was against Real Zaragoza at home. Higuaín shone by creating several chances and delivering the assist which resulted in Madrid's 1-0 crucial win against Zaragoza.

Higuaín's first ever goal for Real Madrid came during the 62nd minute in Real Madrid's draw with local rivals Atlético Madrid on February 24 2007. His first home goal for Real Madrid came in the dying minutes of Real's crucial encounter with Espanyol on May 12 2007. With the match tied at 3-3, Higuaín won the ball with a sliding tackle before exchanging a one-two with Jose Antonio Reyes and slotting the ball into the net. It was this goal which enabled Real Madrid to overtake rivals Barcelona into first place and propelled them to their 30th League Title.

On May 4, 2008, with Real Madrid down 1-0 against Osasuna, and needing just 3 points from their final fours games, Higuaín came on for Saviola in the 67th minute and from a free kick, assisted Arjen Robben's equalizer in the 88th minute. Higuaín then struck the winning goal two minutes later to clinch Real Madrid's 31st La Liga championship and has now become a new idol for Real Madrid fans.

Despite being Real Madrid's title hero, Higuain found himself on the bench for Barcelona's visit to the Bernabeu four days later. However, as he had in previous games, Higuain came on to devastating effect, scoring with his first touch within a minute and helped his team to a crushing 4-1 victory.

On August 24, 2008 he became Real Madrid's cup hero, scoring in the 89th minute, giving Real Madrid a victory over Valencia CF and it's eighth Supercopa de España. After the close of the summer transfer window, Real Madrid revealed that they have turned down a €25 million offer for Higuain from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Cristiano Ronaldo Bio

Cristiano Ronaldo finally earned his dream move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, 12 months after a saga which had seen Manchester United fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their star player.

The Portuguese star had never tried to hide his desire to play at the Bernabeu, something which made United boss Sir Alex Ferguson even more determined to stand firm.

Rumour and counter rumour dominated the 2008-09 season, though the denial from Manchester United that there was a deal in place to take Ronaldo to La Liga on June 30, 2009 was always denied. The fact that United, in announcing they had accepted a world record, £80m bid for their player, said the deal would be finalised by this very date could only raise eyebrows. Maybe a deal had been struck a year earlier when Real were repeatedly beating on their door?

One of the most exciting and dangerous wingers in world football, Ronaldo has pace to burn and possesses a fierce shot, be it from open play or set pieces. After criticism for his over-elaboration, gamesmanship and tendency to disappear in games, it has all come together for the Portuguese star.

He arrived at Old Trafford in 2003 as a raw player with many rough edges and departed six years later as the FIFA World Footballer of the Year.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, to quote his full name, was signed by Manchester United with the cash received from the sale of David Beckham to Real as an unknown teenager.

The right-sided wing wonder came off the Sporting Lisbon production line, following the likes of Luis Figo and Joao Pinto into a big European move.

Ronaldo's talents had been hailed in his homeland for well over a decade - he was the subject of a transfer at the age at eight in his native island of Madeira.

On August 15, 2001, he was handed his Sporting debut as a 16-year-old against Second Division B side Atletico. His league debut saw him score twice in a 3-0 victory over Moreirense and then hit a late winner in a 2-1 defeat of Boavista.

He was soon to play a starring role for the Portuguese Under-17 side at the European Championships.

His two-footedness and ability to play on either wing or as a support striker made him the ideal candidate for Sir Alex. The United boss had been eyeing the player for a year but his hand was forced by interest from other leading European clubs, including Real Madrid and Juventus, and Ferguson used United's close relationship with Sporting and splashed out £12.24m.

Ronaldo made his United debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Bolton at Old Trafford. He replaced Nicky Butt just after the hour and produced a mesmerising performance. Three of United's goals came after the young star's introduction.

Ronaldo did struggle at times in the first half of the season as he adapted to life in England, but after the turn of the year decided to turn on the style and starred in the FA Cup final win over Millwall. He also dominated the Carling Cup final of 2006 as Wigan were put to the sword in Cardiff.

His trademark footwork set the Premiership alight, and earned him a place in Portugal's squad for Euro 2004.

He found the back of the net in the semi-final against Holland, although there was heartbreak for the winger when Portugal lost in the final to Greece. Along with Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo was one of the stars of Euro 2004.

Ronaldo also starred at Germany 2006, despite a well publicised incident with Rooney which placed his future at United in doubt. But some well chosen words from Sir Alex kept him at United.

Ronaldo was the dominant player as United won back the Premier League crown in 2006-07 as he finished second top scorer in the league and swept the individual awards board.

But the best was yet to come. In 2007-08 he was unstoppable, netting an unbelievable 42 goals - 31 of them in the Premier League - to secure back-to-back titles. He also scored United's goal in the Champions League final and although he missed in the penalty shootout the Red Devils would still be victorious over Chelsea in Moscow.

Ahead of Euro 2008, Ronaldo batted away questions about his future but it soon became clear he wished to move to the Bernabeu. By keeping hold of Ronaldo it was purely delaying the inevitable, but Sir Alex could claim a huge moral victory over Real and their transfer market tactics by keeping him for an extra season.

He picked up an ankle injury which ruled him out of the start of 2008-09, but returned to aid United's title challenge.

Although he did not have the same impact as the previous season, at the end of the year Ronaldo became Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or recipient since George Best in 1968 and then went on to be the first Premier League player to ever be named as FIFA World Player of the Year.

Even in May 2009, ahead of another Champions League final and following another Premier League title, Ronaldo was insisting he was happy at United and would not be leaving. But there was a cheeky grin on his face as he answered those questions, maybe because he always knew where he would be playing in 2009-10.

Manchester United revealed they had accepted a world record £80m bid from Real for the player and the deal was confirmed on July 1, 2009. While that is an enormous amount of money, the gap Ronaldo will leave in the United forward line will be just as big after he scored 117 goals in 290 games for United, 242 of them starts.

Karim Benzema Bio

One of the hottest young prospects in the game, Benzema, despite his tender age, has already received world-wide praise for his performances in the French Ligue 1 and for France on the international stage.

Of Algerian descent, Benzema has been likened to Zinedine Zidane, although plays in more of a striking role where he is able to use his pace, skill and power to penetrate opposition defences.
A "pure product" of the Olympique Lyonnais system, having been born in Lyon, he came through the youth ranks and began his career at the top level aged just 16.

On the international scene, he got his first taste of youth internationals in 2003-04 with the France U-16s. But the next season he really made an impression as he helped the French side to U-17 European Championship glory, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Making just five Ligue 1 starts in his first two seasons, the striker took time to make his mark; but broke into the first team in 2006-07 and hit five goals from 13 starts, picking up his first league winners' medal.

That season he got his first call-up to the full France side, shunning interest from Algeria, and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Austria.

Domestically, then-boss Alain Perrin had seen his potential during his one season at the club and made sure than Benzema was given further chance to impress in 2007-08. He did so, netting 21 goals in 33 games and was then called up to the Euro 2008 squad, taking over the #10 shirt from the retired Zidane - although the side finished bottom of their group.

His versatility had proved a useful asset for Lyon under Gerard Houllier, as he was able to play on either of the flanks; but in his favoured position as a lone striker he continued his success with France's top team. Indeed, he extended his contract until 2013 with a reported buyout clause of €100m inserted, becoming one of the highest paid footballers in France.

However, just a few months later, Lyon announced they had received a €35m (£29.1m) bid from Real Madrid for his services, which they accepted and the striker moved to the Bernabeu on July 1, 2009.

His youth, as well as his exceptional talent have made him one of Europe's finest prospects and, as he continues to develop among the world's best, he will surely blossom into a world-class striker.

Kaká Bio

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known to the world as Kaká, is without question one the very best players of his generation.

An attacking midfielder or playmaker, Kaká is blessed with speed, touch, technique, guile and physical strength, he has managed to combine his natural Brazilian flair with a tactical discipline to become an integral part of both the AC Milan and Brazilian national team

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As befitting a player of his exceptional talent Kaká has enjoyed considerable success in his career.

In 2007 he was named FIFA's World Player of the Year and awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or along with a host of other personal accolades after helping Milan to win the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Club Cup.

Along with the achievements of 2007, Kaká also won the Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup with Milan in 2004.

On the international stage the Brazilian was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup winning squad, won the 2005 Confederations Cup and skippered the side to a runners up place in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Kaká's path to international renown began as an eight-year-old when he was spotted and signed by Sao Paulo. He progressed through the Brazilian club's ranks before making his professional debut in January 2001 aged 18 when he made an immediate impact hitting 12 goals in 27 appearances as the club won the Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo.

A year a later and Kaká had graduated to the Brazilian national team and was included in Luis Felipe Scolari's 2002 World Cup winning squad, this coupled with his continued scoring exploits with Sao Paulo resulted in interest of European clubs.

In parting with €8.5m to sign Kaká in 2003, AC Milan owner Silvo Berlusconi described the fee as "peanuts", and given the player's subsequent impact on the club it is hard to disagree.

Kaká's achievements and abilities are all the more impressive given that his career was almost over before it began when as an 18-year-old he suffered a fractured spine following an accident in a swimming pool.

In five years at the San Siro Kaká established himself as an integral part of a team boasting world class players in every position, not least his own attacking midfield role.
In February 2008 Kaká signed a contract extension with Milan tying him to the club until 2012. However, 11 months later the Brazilian was the subject of a £107m world record transfer bid from Manchester City.

Kaká turned down the chance to move to the Premier League, but speculation surrounding his future continued into the summer of 2009 when first Chelsea and then Real Madrid were linked with world record bids for his services.

Despite first insisting he wanted to remain in Milan, Kaká agreed a six-year deal with the Spanish giants in June 2009.

Xabi Alonso Bio

Alonso was one of the first players manager Rafael Benitez brought to Liverpool, paying Real Sociedad £10.5million to secure his signature in August 2004.

The Spanish international quickly proved himself to be one of the clubs most impressive signings with performances of great vision and passing ability.

Given the size of the price tag he had to produce and, unlike fellow Spaniard Luis Garcia, he won over the Anfield supporters with a series of superb displays.

However, the gifted playmaker endured a tough 2007/08 season at Anfield as he slipped down the pecking order, sparking speculation that he would be sold, but managed to force his way back into manager Rafael Benitez's side in the final stages of the campaign.

That was enough to secure his place in the Spanish squad for Euro 2008 and Alonso made four appearances as Spain won the competition to become European Champions.

He returned to Liverpool and despite being linked with a transfer to Juventus claimed he was happy to remain at Anfield.

The son of former Sociedad boss Periko Alonso, a midfield warrior for Sociedad, Barcelona and Spain, Xabi was one of the most important players in a Sociedad side which finished as runners-up to Real Madrid in the 2002/03 season - missing out on the final day.

But the 2003/04 was a disappointment for Sociedad. In a fall from grace reminiscent of Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers in the 1990s, they went from championship challengers to relegation fodder in a matter of months. After a decent start they slid down the table, recovering to finish five points above Real Valladolid in the final relegation place.

After switching to Liverpool after international duty with Spain at Euro 2004, he made his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers and soon became a vital player for the Anfield club.

It was a huge blow when, following a tackle by Chelsea's Frank Lampard, he was ruled out for three-and-a-half months just after the turn of the year.

He returned to help Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, scoring the goal which completed the comeback from three goals down against AC Milan before victory was secured on penalties.

Alonso's quality performances continued through 2005/06 and in January 2006 he scored from his won half against Luton Town in the FA Cup 3rd round and improved on that strike with another goal from inside his own half against Newcastle in September of the same year.
In June 2007 Alonso signed an improved 5-year contract, which will last until 2012.

In England he lives next door to Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, who he grew up with on the same street in San Sebastián, Spain.

Sergio Ramos Bio

Sergio Ramos García (born March 30, 1986) more commonly known as Sergio Ramos, is a Spanish international footballer, who usually plays as a defender. A native of Camas, Seville, Ramos is a graduate of the Sevilla FC youth system. Ramos began his career as a well-regarded right-side defender, a position he was able to keep for the majority of his early career. After two years of experience in La Liga he became known for his ability to play competently in any defensive position. He is also known for his perseverance, powerful shots, crosses, long ball passes and heading ability. Seville received many offers for Ramos, but it was Real Madrid who would eventually sign him.

Real Madrid signed Ramos for 27 million Euro in the summer of 2005, making him the second most expensive teenager (behind Wayne Rooney), and the most expensive domestic signing in La Liga. He usually plays at the centre of defence for Real, but has been used as a defensive midfielder in a few occasions. At Real he wears the Number 4 shirt, the same number previously occupied by Fernando Hierro. Ramos scored his first ever Champions League goal for Real Madrid against Olympiakos, a game which Real eventually lost 2-1.

In 2004 Sergio Ramos became one of the key figures in the Under-21s, playing six international matches and acquiring experience and interest from other clubs. In Salamanca, against China, he played for the senior side at only nineteen years of age, making him the youngest player to play for the national team in the last fifty-five years. He held this record until it was broken by Arsenal's Cesc Fábregas (born 04 May 1987). He impressed on his debut (March 26, 2005, vs China) and was awarded a place on the team which would challenge Serbia and Montenegro in an important qualification match for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Because of the absence of fellow Madrid player Míchel Salgado he was part of the starting eleven. Ramos was announced as part of the Spain World Cup Squad on May 15 2006.

Álvaro Arbeloa Bio

Alvaro Arbeloa came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and went on to skipper the B team whilst Rafa Benitez was in charge of the Real Madrid Castilla set up.

Arbeloa played twice for the Real Madrid first team before joining Deportivo in July 2006 and then Liverpool in February 2007, for £2.5million, to be reunited with his former youth team coach.

He made his Premiership debut against Newcastle United in the same month, coming as a substitute for Jermaine Pennant, and made his full debut against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League at the Nou Camp.

Charged with marking Lionel Messi he did a sterling job and has earned a place Luis Aragones Spain squad just in time to make the plane for Euro 2008.

Despite only making one appearance in a dead-rubber against Greece Arbeloa was still part of the Spain squad that beat Germany in the final of the European Championships.

Arbeloa is a versatile defender who has played across the back-four and in midfield during his time at Anfield.

Iker Casillas Bio

One of the best goalkeepers in world football, Casillas burst onto the scene as a teenager for Real Madrid and has gone on to establish himself at the top of the game.

His strong leadership skills and amazing shot stopping abilities have been tested to the fullest in Madrid's attack-minded side and he has won wide acclaim for his ability to win a match for his side from the back.

Casillas first rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid youth system having been picked up from an early age and made his debut for the first-team in the 1998-99 season.
He became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to ever play in a Champions League final when Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0 just four days after his 19th birthday and soon replaced German legend Bodo Illgner between the sticks.

Cementing his first-team berth, in 2001-02, a patch of bad form saw him lose his place to back-up César Sánchez, but he showed great qualities to bounce back and when he was brought on against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League final, his stunning saves won Madrid the trophy and he was roundly praised.

His commanding leadership qualities have made him well respected by team mates and fans alike and he has gone on to captain Madrid and Spain, despite his tender age.

After making his national team debut aged 19, he appeared in the Spanish squads for Euro 2000, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup. But, in 2008, he got his crowning glory as he led Spain to their first European Championship in 44 years and was fourth in the 2008 Ballon d'Or voting after his shining performances.

He was named the world's best goalkeeper for 2008 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and also came third in the best goalkeepers of all time ranking; beating Oliver Kahn.

Linked with a move to newly-monied Premier League club Manchester City, Casillas signed a contract extension in February 2009 that will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2017 in February, but rumours still linked him with an £128m - £11m per season in wages - transfer.

Thus far, Casillas has chosen to stay and develop his career further with Real Madrid and many expect him to go and break numerous appearance and goalkeeping records for the Spanish giants.

Greg Halford Bio

Halford made his reputation as a Colchester United player, being a star of the U's climb through the divisions after making his debut for them in 2002-03.

He was Colchester Player of the Year in 2004-05 and a star of their promotion from League One the following season.

Halford slapped in a transfer request in the summer of 2006 but remained at Layer Road until the next transfer windown when Reading paid a reported £2.5m.

Strangely, he was only to make three appearances for the Royals before becoming Sunderland's first summer signing of 2007, costing them £3.5m to end what had been a lengthy pursuit of the tall defender, who had failed to fit in at the Madjeski.

Again, Halford failed to shine with Sunderland boss Roy Keane stating he did not have all the facts about the player before he signed. He was loaned to Charlton in January for the remainder of the season.

And in the summer he was loaned to Sheffield United for the 2008-09 season.
Sunderland sold the player in July 2009 but he stayed in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, moving for an undisclosed fee. Halford made just nine appearances for the Black Cats.

Halford is a former England U20 international.

Richard Stearman Bio

Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Stearman from Leicester City following the Foxes' relegation from the Championship in the summer of 2008, for an undisclosed fee.

The highly-rated defender had broken into the Leicester team towards the end of the 2004-05 campaign, though actually made his debut in a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City in October of that season.

An England Under-21 international, Stearman was an important figure, starting 32 games, as Wolves were promoted in his first season at the club. His bow for his hometown club came in a 2-2 draw at Plymouth Argyle.

He plays at right-back or as a central defender.

David Edwards Bio

This midfielder began his footballing education with hometown club Shrewsbury Town, making his professional debut in a 2-1 home defeat to Scunthorpe United on the last day of the 2002-03 season.

He played 132 games for the club before attracting the interest of other clubs. After refusing to sign a new contract with the Shrews he joined Luton Town in the summer of 2007.

Edwards spent just half a season with the Hatters as they ran into financial problems, leading to him being sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £675,000 in January 2008.

The player has proved to be a valuable squad man since making his bow in a 2-0 win at, coincidentally, Scunthorpe and he marked his debut with a goal after only eight minutes.
He is a full Wales international.

Kevin Doyle Bio

Doyle signed for Wolves in June 2009 for a reported fee of £6.5m, after impressing for Reading in both the Premier League and the Championship.

After netting 18 goals in the Championship in 2008-09, he joined the Molineux club to help spearhead their return to the Premier League.

Doyle started his career playing for Adamstown and his county, Wexford, before moving to his first professional club St Patrick's Athletic in September 2001. He then joined Cork City in February 2003, scoring 23 goals and began playing on the right-wing but soon reverted to his natural position of striker.

Doyle signed for Reading from Cork City for €117,000 (about £78,000) in June 2005. Despite having left Cork City, Doyle received a championship medal when they won the Eircom League Premier Division in November 2005.

Brought in by Steve Coppell as back-up, injuries gave him his chance in the first team where he was able to display a natural goalscoring ability and some defence-splitting speed in a goal spree for the club.

He became an intrinsic part of Reading's Championship-winning 2005-06 squad, and was one of the top players in the Championship. Named as Championship Fans' Player Of The Year and picked as one of the Championship Team of the Year by the PFA, Doyle continued to impress in the Premiership.

On 16 September 2006, he scored one of the fastest goals in Premiership history, hitting the net just sixteen seconds into Reading's clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, even though it was the home side that kicked-off.

Scoring 13 goals in his first top flight season, Doyle was rewarded with a Football Association of Ireland Young Player of 2006 award and a nomination for the PFA's Young Player of the Year award, which he lost to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Upon Reading's relegation, he stayed at the club and impressed further in the second tier, before making his move to Molineux when the Royals failed to seal promotion at the end of the 2008-09 season.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake Bio

Ebanks-Blake came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, impressing for both the Academy side and the reserves. He was part of the United squad which won the FA Youth Cup in 2003.

He was handed his Manchester United debut in October 2004, replacing David Bellion late in the 3-0 Carling Cup victory at Crewe Alexandra. But the striker had made only three appearances before he was loaned to Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp for the second half of 2005-06.
On his return to Old Trafford he was sold to Plymouth Argyle for £200,000 and took his chance with both feet.

The fast, powerful striker made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Wolves and had to wait until his seventh appearance to finally score his first goal. In fact, he scored just three goals in his first 31 games for the Pilgrims. Then it all clicked.

In the run-in to the 2006-07 season, Ebanks-Blake bagged seven goals in the final 13 matches of the campaign. He followed that up with 25 goals in all competitions in 2007-08, some of those for Wolves, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in the Championship and the division's top scorer with 23 in the league.

However, the player had a £1.5m release clause in his contract and it was only a matter of time before a bigger club activated it. He moved to Wolves in January 2008.
It proved to be a superb piece of buisness by Mick McCarthy. He scored 12 goals in his first 20 Championship outings in the run-in after making his debut in a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.

The England Under-21 international again finished as the Championship's top scorer in 2008-09 with 25 goals.

Chris Iwelumo Bio

For all his club achievements this Scotland international will always be best remembered for one of the most horrendous misses of all time when playing for his country.

Iwelumo found the ball at his feet three yards from goal with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen... and he put it wide. Scotland drew that game against Norway at Hampden Park 0-0. It was a World Cup qualifier. And Iwelumo's debut.

The striker began his career in his homeland with St Mirren and also spent two years in Denmark with Aarhus Fremad. When he returned to the United Kingdom it was in England with Stoke City.

He struggled to get into the Stoke side at first and was loaned to York City and Cheltenham Town before finally winning regular first team football. But he fell out of favour again in 2003-04, was eventually loaned to Brighton & Hove Albion and then released.

His next port of call would be German side Alemannia Aachen, where he spent just six disappointing months. He was then without a club until the summer of 2005 when Colchester United took a punt on him, and it proved to be a great move.

Iwelumo scored 35 League goals in 87 starts for an unfashionable club. But the Us had only given him a two-year deal and he opted to join Charlton in the summer of 2008 when his deal ran out.
The Scot spent just one season with the Addicks, scoring 10 goals, before Wolverhampton Wanderers snapped him up.

He made his debut for Wolves in a 2-2 draw at Plymouth Argyle and then bagged four goals in his next two matches. He scored 16 goals in his first season, but it was dogged by injury and he was limited to 25 starts.

Iwelumo then suffered the curse of the metatarsal in pre-season ahead of the club's 2009-10 Premier League campaign.

Andrew Keogh Bio

Republic of Ireland international Keogh began his career with Cabinteely FC and St Josephs Boys AFC before being signed into the Leeds United youth Academy.

He had loan spells with both Scunthorpe United and Bury before joining the former permanently in February 2005 for a fee in the region of £50,000.

Keogh helped Scunthorpe win promotion to League One and then netted 15 goals in 2005-06. That led to interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he moved to the Championship side in January 2007 for £600,000.

The forward made his Wolves bow in a 1-0 win at Norwich City and soon became a vital member of the squad, although he was used as much from the bench as the start during the 2008-09 promotion season leading to rumours he could be sold.

Sam Vokes Bio

Young striker Vokes began his career with AFC Bournemouth, making his debut in a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in December 2006.

He spent just 18 months in the Cherries' first team, playing 59 games and scoring 16 goals, before attracting interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers who signed him in the summer of 2008.

His Wolves bow came in a 2-2 draw at Plymouth Argyle, and he marked it with a 78th minute equaliser.

Vokes was very much a bench player for Wolves in their promotion season, coming on as a sub 32 times with just four starts.

He is a full Wales international.

Marcus Hahnemann Bio

Hahnemann returned to the Premier League in July 2009 when signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer.

The American goalkeeper had left Reading at the end of his deal after almost eight superb years in which he played two seasons in the top flight.

The 'keeper first came to the Premier League in the summer of 1999, joining Fulham from Colorado Rapids for £80,000. He made his debut for the club in a 1-0 League Cup defeat at the hands of Northampton Town in August 2000 but failed to win a regular starting place.

He joined Third Division Rochdale on loan in October 2001, making his debut in a goalless home draw with Rushden & Diamonds, and went on to play a total of seven games. Another loan spell came in December 2001 when he joined Second Division Reading, playing six games.

He was free to leave Fulham in the summer of 2002, but was handed a one-month extension to cover the club's early InterToto Cup games.

A permanent move to Reading provided his career with the impetus it required in August 2002. Since then he was a key man in the Royals' defence, including the stunning promotion triumph in 2005-06.

Proving to be an agile and dominant keeper, he played an important role in the success enjoyed by Steve Coppell's side and moved up the USA pecking order as a result.

He left Reading in 2009 bound for Wolves, but was signed to act as a mentor to the club's younger goalkeepers rather than a permanent first choice stopper.

Gokhan Tore Bio

Chelsea have moved to sign promising Turkish youngster Gokhan Tore from German club Bayer Leverkusen.

A statement on the Bundesliga side's official website stated, "Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder Gokhan Tore has moved to the English Premier League side Chelsea. "The Turkey U-17 international has signed a contract up to 30.6.2012.

Again, the details of the transfer have not been disclosed by mutual consent. Gokhan Tore has been at Bayer 04 since August 1999."Although born in Cologne, Germany, the 5ft 9in 17-year-old attacking midfielder has represented Turkey from under-15 to under-17 level.

Nemanja Matic Bio

A Serbian international, Matic was signed by Chelsea in the summer of 2009 to add squad depth to their side.

A player with both Serbian and Slovak nationality, he had a trial early in the 2008-09 Premier League season with Middlesbrough, but did not make the move.

The midfielder played for Jedinstvo Ub and Kolubara Lazarevac before joining MFK Kosice in 2007, and was snapped up by the Blues for a fee of around £1.5m.