In terms of physical ability, Cristiano Ronaldo may be the most athletic footballer in history. But he’s far from the only one who is athletic. Other great athletes include Gareth Bale, Marcus Rashford, N’Golo Kante, and David de Gea. These athletes may not be as well-known, but they can all play soccer. But which one is the most athletic?
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was born in Cardiff, Wales on July 16, 1989. He was spotted playing soccer at the age of nine by scouts from Southampton. His uncle, Chris Pike, is also a former player with Cardiff City. He played rugby, hockey, and track and field in high school. At age 14, he ran the 100 meters in 11.4 seconds. He has since become one of the most sought after players in the world.
After making his debut with Southampton, Bale established himself as a free-kick specialist. He became a target for major clubs and signed a four-year contract with Tottenham. In 2010, he scored his first Champions League goal and equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League medal count. Despite the lackluster start to his career, his emergence has rewarded him with an annual income of $9 million. In 2013, he moved to Real Madrid and earned 85.3 million pounds. This was the largest fee ever paid to a football player, and Cristiano Ronaldo had held the previous record.
Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale has impressive upper body strength. He is one of the fastest players in the world and can clock 36.9 kilometers per hour. While it may seem like a compliment, it’s important to note that the term “natural athlete” is a backhanded one. It implies that the footballer is not naturally athletic, but merely has the right physical attributes to make full use of his smarts. In football, the most athletic players are those with the right combination of physical attributes and football smarts.
While Ronaldo was widely praised for his ability to play centrally, Bale’s speed in open spaces and long limbs pumping helped him score more goals. This was not a coincidence, as the Portuguese had played more centrally at youth level before moving to the wide area. Those qualities are essential for breaking through, but it takes time to find yourself and find your feet.
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United’s first-choice striker is a young Englishman. Born in England, Rashford has already topped the list of most-talented players. His impressive skills in the air have already landed him the MBE. The 25-year-old has been hailed by both his club and fans as the most athletic footballer since Ronaldo. This statement has been widely praised and echoed by many.
His inner maturity has been bolstered by the guiding influence of his brothers and parents. In the Lake District, Rashford and his classmates visited Ghyll Head Outdoor Education Centre, where they spent days canoeing and climbing. During one of his visits, he made a special request. “I want to go climbing,” he said, “but I don’t want to die!”
As a youngster, Rashford learned about sacrifice from his peers. He lived on the same estate as a Manchester United player who was released. His parents drove him to and from the academy pitches at The Cliff. But he was even more determined to practice on the grassy area in front of his house. As a teenager, Rashford’s dedication to the game led him to earn his place alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and other legends.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rashford is also a Manchester United academy product who made his debut in 2016. The Englishman was also the youngest player to score in a senior international match. Rashford will represent the national team at the FIFA World Cup 2018 and UEFA Euro 2020. He is also a philanthropist, who has received praises from both within and outside the game.
As a Manchester United player, Rashford has earned many accolades both on and off the pitch. He has received the MBE honorary title for his humanitarian work. He has volunteered for numerous causes and campaigns. His charity work and social activism have won him many admirers. In addition to being one of the best-known players on the planet, he has become involved in many community projects.
N’Golo Kante
Chelsea’s signing of N’Golo Kante is surely the right move. The Frenchman’s versatility is unrivaled in the current Premier League. Kante is a defensive midfielder with first-class ball-carrying ability and excellent mobility. Kante does the work of two players in midfield – he wins the ball, closes down opponents and passes it swiftly. He is also a team player and a great foil for his attacking teammate.
After joining Chelsea in 2011, N’Golo Kante has been a revelation in the Premier League. He’s already won the league and Europa League with the Blues, and he also won the FIFA World Cup with France. His versatility makes him the most underrated player in the world, but he’s likely to be the most successful. The Frenchman has become a key part of the French national team.
The Frenchman has the rare ability to dominate the game in any position. He is quick and agile, making him a good target for set pieces. He also has a 70% success rate in challenges. The most athletic player besides Cristiano Ronaldo is the most talented and gifted player in the world. However, you should also be aware of his responsibilities as a leader and a teammate.
David de Gea
David de Gea is a Spanish professional football goalkeeper and motorcycle racer. He has a net worth of $57.2 million and is known as the heir apparent to Edwin Van Der Sar. He has sponsorships with Adidas, PepsiCo, and Electronic Arts Sports. De Gea joined Manchester United in 2011 and has played in more than 300 games since then. He was born in Madrid and made his professional debut with Atletico Madrid at the age of 13. He has since gone on to win the UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Europa League twice.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently posted an Instagram photo of himself in the gym. He captioned it with a wink emoji. David de Gea responded with a sarcastic comment. Despite his aforementioned accolades, De Gea is the most athletic footballer besides Ronaldo. In fact, he’s even more athletic than the Portugal star.
Manchester United were expected to compete for the Premier League title this season, but their worst ever Premier League campaign saw them fall to a shaky sixth place. Cristiano Ronaldo ended the season with 24 goals, but David de Gea won the team points with superb saves. While he’s currently halfway through his two-year contract with United, he will be 38 by the end of next season.
After his World Cup debut, David de Gea was included in the Spain squad for UEFA Euro 2020, but he was benched in favor of Unai Simon. Despite De Gea’s superiority at the end of the campaign, the Portuguese goalkeeper will still be a threat to the opposition. But he must be alert to protect the goalie’s back if he wants to stay in the World Cup.
After being left out of the Manchester United squad in 2009, Ashley Young was allowed to trial for the senior team. After a year and a half, Young’s squad won the UEFA Super Cup and the Europa League. He has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award three times and was named captain for the national ‘Under-21’ team in 2011.
