Football Legends turning 40 in September

Generally, 40th birthday is a milestone celebrated by many, but when one of the guys who had done great things for the round leather ball gets to this land mark, it is worth the shout from the shout from the rooftops.

Sportsration.com lists legends of the game who will be turning 40 in the month of September.

1. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, September 18th (Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, Milan)

Regarded by many as one of the greatest and most complete forwards of all time. He was a prolific goalscorer, and despite being more of an individualistic attacker, he was also capable of providing assists for his team-mates, due to his vision, passing and crossing ability.

He was an extremely powerful, fast, and technical player, as well as being a composed finisher. He was capable of playing in several offensive positions, although his preferred role was that of a striker, and he was able to use both feet, despite being naturally right footed. He could be whoever he wants to be on the field of play. Ronaldo was highly regarded for his technical ability, and he is considered one of the most skillful individual dribblers in the game.

He will make the list of top 5 best player of all time regardless of who ever is compiling the list. He won countless individual awards including the World football of the year on three occasions (1998, 2000, 2002), he won the World cup winners’ medals twice (1994, 2002). The phenomenon may have missed out on a champions league winners’ medal but he has it all.

He scored 62 goals in 98 games Brazil National team, 352 goals in 518 games played during his time at Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, Ac Milan and Corinthians.

2. Andriy Shevchenko, September 29th (Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, Chelsea)

Now the manager of his country’s national team. Shevchenko is a fast, hardworking, energetic, opportunistic and prolific goalscorer. He was capable of attacking from the left wing, effective from set-pieces and penalties. 

He was a strong and physical striker with an eye for goal, he was primarily known for his excellent positional sense and his powerful and accurate shot, although he also possessed good technique and aerial ability, and was capable of playing off of his teammates.

Shevchenko is Ukraine’s all time goal scorer and most capped player, he scored 48 goals in 111 games for European country.

He won several individual awards including Ballon d’Or in 2004, he won the league titles in Ukraine and Italy.

3. Michael Ballack, September 26th (Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Chelsea)

Michael Ballack is considered to be one of the most complete and versatile midfielders of his generation; he played in several midfield positions during his career, and was noted for his powerful shot.

He was a commanding, physically strong and aggressive player, with excellent passing range, who moved the ball efficiently. 

He won the league titles in England, Germany and the runners up medals’ twice in the Champions League, World Cup, and UEFA European Championship.

4. Francesco Totti, September 27th (ROMA)

“No Totti no Party” chant and placard fill the Stadio Olimpico each time the Legend is on display, still active and banging in goals.

Totti is regarded as one of the most talented Italian players of all time, and by some as Italy’s greatest player ever.

Throughout his long career at his hometown club, Roma, Totti has predominantly played as a classic number 10, functioning either as an offensive-midfield playmaker, or as a supporting or deep-lying forward, false-9, behind the main striker.

His principal characteristics are his vision, acceleration, ball control, balance, dribbling skills, precise passing and powerful and accurate shooting ability, from both inside and outside the area, with either foot, despite being naturally right-footed; he is also an accurate penalty kick, and free kick taker.

He won one Serie A title and was runners up on eight different times, he won the FIFA World cup with Italy in 2006 but never won the UEFA Champions League.

Happy 4oth Birthday to the Legends in arrears and advance.