Over the years, lots of players have chosen to get away from our gloomy shores and prove themselves at the highest level, at the top clubs in Europe. Whether it’s the weather, the food, or a switch in culture; it doesn’t always go according to plan. But for some, they thrive. It’s a way of cementing yourself as an all-time great. Whether it’s France, Germany, or Spain, being able to play in a different country proves just how good you are.
Last weekend, Harry Kane made history in Germany, equalling the record for most goals scored in a debut season for Bayern Munich. Where does he rank among these top five British exports?
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5. David Beckham
Because of Becks’ off-field profile, it’s easy to forget what a player he was. In 2003, he swapped the red of Manchester United for the glitz and glam of Real Madrid. Picture this: Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, and our Becks strutting their stuff together. Fast forward through the years and Beckham’s football journey reads like a blockbuster. AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and a Parisian finale at PSG. The man sure knew how to exit.
But, let’s not forget why we all fell in love with Becks in the first place – he could play! Precision from set-pieces, those insane long-range goals – he had the Midas touch on the pitch. Sure, he became a global celeb, but at the core of it, David Beckham was a football wizard, making us all believe in the magic of the beautiful game. On top of all his English and European silverware at United, he also got his hands on a French league title, a La Liga title, a Spanish Super Cup, and four trophies across the pond with LA Galaxy. Not bad.
4. Steve McManaman
Steve McManaman, or Macca as the Kop faithful fondly call him, is one of those English midfield maestros who decided to conquer new territories. After giving his heart and soul to Liverpool for nine solid years, he thought, ‘Why not take on the challenge of the mighty Real Madrid?’ Let’s break down the stats: 157 appearances, 14 goals, and 33 assists across the board in four seasons. Now, that’s a stat sheet that speaks volumes.
In his Spanish escapade, Macca became a serial winner. Two La Liga titles in 2001 and 2003? Check. Two Champions League titles in 2000 and 2002? Double-check. Throw in two Spanish Super Cups, the 2002 UEFA Super Cup, and the cherry on top, the 2002 Intercontinental Cup. He was almost sipping on Copa del Rey glory in 2002 as well, but just missed out by a hair. He’s one of Britain’s most underrated exports.
3. Chris Waddle
This former England international rocked the Marseille scene back in the ’90s, earning the title of the second-best player in the club’s 20th-century history. Now, forget the wild mop of hair: Waddle was more than a hairstyle. In three glorious years, he appeared 140 times, scored 28 goals and notched up 36 assists for the decorated club, getting his hands on the league title in three consecutive seasons from 1990 to 1992.
Talk about domination! Waddle’s wizardry made him a nightmare for defenders, and in 1991, he even led Marseille to the European Cup final. The guy had style, and in 2010, Marseille cemented his status by putting him in their ‘110-year Dream Team’. That’s the stuff of legends. He was one of Europe’s slickest midfield operators, leaving a legacy of class and poise on the pitch.
2. Kevin Keegan
Behold the Liverpool attacking midfielder, the legend himself – Kevin Keegan. Before he ventured off for Bundesliga glory with Hamburg in 1977, Keegan left an indelible mark at Anfield with a whopping 321 appearances and 100 goals for the Reds. A rocky start for him, fueled by the frustration of not locating his beloved cereal, swiftly dissipated as soon as he slipped into his boots and set foot on the hallowed turf.
In 1977, Kevin Keegan set the stage for the pinnacle of his career. He propelled Hamburg to the top and narrowly missed the 1977 Ballon d’Or. Hamburg clinched successive Bundesliga titles in 1978-79 and 1979-80, but the spotlight was on Keegan’s extraordinary feat – back-to-back Ballon d’Ors. Only eight players had won it twice since 1956, and just three achieved a third. Keegan stands as the sole HSV player to win, one of four Englishmen, and the only one to secure it twice. Not a bad stint abroad, was it?
1. Gareth Bale
Who else but Gareth Bale could claim the top spot? Before he traded his focus to swinging golf clubs, the Welshman left his mark at Real Madrid. Though his final moments at Los Blancos turned a bit sour, Bale’s accomplishments with the club remain extraordinary. Before he made the move from Spurs, Bale was doing things that only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could dream of. That’s a pretty high bar, and he deserved his big-money move to the Spanish capital.
When he arrived, he was at the peak of his powers and quickly became part of the most deadly strike force in the world alongside Karim Benzema and Ronaldo. He clinched five Champions League titles, netting 106 goals – including some absolute stunners – and providing 67 assists. In his prime at Real Madrid, Bale arguably stood as the greatest British footballer in history, and that’s saying a lot considering the stellar names on this star-studded list. With crucial goals in the Champions League final, stunners in La Liga, and that breathtaking solo goal in the Copa del Rey final, he’s surely Britain’s finest export. What do you think?
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