A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1882, Le Coq Sportif has long been synonymous with quality and innovation in sportswear. Before global giants like adidas, Nike, and PUMA rose to dominate the football landscape, Le Coq Sportif was a trailblazer. During the 1970s and 1980s, the brand became a staple in football, producing some of the most memorable kits in the sport’s history.

The iconic rooster logo graced the jerseys of Argentina, Chelsea, PSG, and Santos during an era that saw World Cup victories and domestic trophy triumphs. One of the most enduring images in football history is Diego Maradona lifting the World Cup trophy in 1986, clad in an Argentina jersey designed by Le Coq Sportif.

Recent Triumphs and Challenges

Le Coq Sportif remained relevant in recent years, highlighted by their role as France’s official technical sponsor for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Collaborating with Pigalle’s Stéphane Ashpool, they delivered some of the most striking designs of the Games. This partnership showcased the brand’s ability to blend heritage with contemporary flair.

However, financial difficulties have plagued the company, ultimately pushing it to the brink. The announcement of bankruptcy marks the end of an illustrious journey, leaving fans and collectors with a sense of nostalgia for a brand that defined an era of football culture.

Honoring the Legacy

To celebrate Le Coq Sportif’s unparalleled contribution to football, we’ve compiled a gallery of some of their most iconic jerseys worn on the pitch. From Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph to Chelsea’s bold designs and PSG’s classic looks, these images take us back to unforgettable moments in football history.

As we bid farewell to Le Coq Sportif, we also pay tribute to the countless memories they have created for fans around the world. Their legacy will live on, not only in the jerseys they designed but also in the hearts of those who cherish football’s rich history.

A Design Rooted in History

The jersey takes its inspiration from Aston Villa’s earliest kits, worn during their formative years before the transition to their iconic claret and blue colors. The sleek black design harkens back to a significant period in the club’s history, particularly 1880, when Villa secured their first major honor—the Birmingham Senior Cup—wearing black.

Adding to its historical resonance, the jersey features a meticulously redrawn lion rampant crest, a nod to Villa’s pioneering move in 1878 as the first UK team to feature a crest on their playing kit. The original design, sourced from Scotland by William McGregor—the founder of the Football League—embodied the club’s trailblazing spirit. The authentic recreation of this emblem pays homage to the roots of Aston Villa’s identity.

A Purely Historic Tribute

Principal sponsors Betano and Trade Nation have taken a gracious step back for this special fixture, allowing the kit to remain unbranded. Their decision ensures the design remains a pure and authentic tribute to Aston Villa’s legacy, free from modern commercial influences.

Chris Heck, Aston Villa’s President of Business Operations, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“This unique anniversary kit was designed by adidas with the inspiration to deliver authenticity which is coming from the great, William McGregor. We are so grateful to have partners that go above and beyond our partnership for the good of the fans. Thank you adidas and thank you Betano and Trade Nation.”

More Than Just a Kit

The anniversary jersey is accompanied by a broader culture wear range, blending heritage with modern style. This collection allows fans to carry a piece of Aston Villa’s storied past into their everyday lives.

The partnership between adidas and Aston Villa perfectly blends tradition with innovation, creating a fitting celebration for the club’s remarkable 150-year journey. As the kit takes to the field in the FA Cup, it symbolizes more than just a football team—it represents a legacy built over a century and a half.

For collectors, football historians, and Villa fans, this anniversary jersey is more than apparel—it’s a tribute to the pioneering spirit and enduring legacy of one of England’s great football clubs.

#10 Bayern Munich Third

The Bayern Munich 2024-25 third kit is a masterful blend of retro inspiration and modern sophistication, created in collaboration with Adidas and Bureau Borsche Munich. The off-white base, officially titled “Linen,” is complemented by dark red logos and bright red accents, creating a refined yet striking aesthetic. Embossed with a diamond pattern, the shirt pays homage to the club’s heritage, while the classic Trefoil Adidas logo and a rare 1966-1967 retro team crest add nostalgic charm. Finished with a timeless polo collar, this kit captures the essence of Bayern Munich’s storied history with a fresh, contemporary twist.

#9 Japan x Y-3 Home

The Japan Football Association and Y-3 collaboration marks a groundbreaking fusion of sport and fashion, delivering one of the year’s most anticipated kit launches. For the first time, Yohji Yamamoto’s avant-garde vision pairs with Adidas’ performance innovation to create striking home and away kits for the Japanese men’s and women’s national teams, along with a stylish Culturewear collection. The standout feature is the hand-painted flame graphics, symbolizing mystic power and strength, seamlessly tying the collection together. Drawing inspiration from a cult-favorite 90s goalkeeper jersey, the designs exude boldness and heritage, perfectly timed to debut on the global stage during the Paris Olympic Games.

#8 Basel Fourth

The FC Basel 1893 24-25 fourth jersey is a striking tribute to the city’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the legendary Basilisk, a mythical guardian central to Basel’s identity. Crafted by Macron in collaboration with Basel-based designers Anaïs Marti and Tristesse, the golden kit symbolizes the creature’s protective shell, with red and burgundy accents representing its fierce gaze. The design features vertical stripes intricately interwoven with Basilisk motifs, creating a subtle yet powerful nod to the city’s folklore. This jersey seamlessly blends cultural symbolism and modern aesthetics, making it a standout piece in Basel’s collection.

#7 Genoa Away

Genoa’s 24-25 away shirt by Kappa combines timeless elegance with a nod to the club’s storied past. The clean white base is elevated by bold red and blue stripes adorning the sleeves, sides, and collar, creating a striking yet understated design. The standout feature of the jersey is the reintroduction of the classic Griffin crest, used between 1980-1985, replacing the current club emblem. This thoughtful detail not only appeals to fans’ nostalgia but also underscores the rich heritage of Genoa C.F.C., making the jersey a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

#6 Greenland Home

Hummel’s Greenland 2025 home jersey is more than just a football kit—it’s a cultural celebration and a tribute to the resilience and unity of the Greenlandic people. Featuring intricate patterns inspired by Greenland’s mythology and traditions, the design incorporates symbols like the tupilak, representing strength and spiritual guidance, and the tuukkaq, symbolizing courage and masculinity. Avittat motifs, drawn from traditional kamiks and national costumes, further honor the island’s rich craftsmanship and artistic heritage. As the world’s largest island faces harsh climatic conditions and geographic isolation, football has become a unifying force for Greenlanders, connecting over ten percent of the population who actively play the sport. Hummel’s thoughtful design, combined with their commitment to celebrating Greenland’s unique footballing community, makes this jersey a powerful symbol of hope, pride, and cultural identity.

#5 AS Monaco Centenary

To commemorate their centenary, AS Monaco and Kappa have crafted a stunning collector’s jersey, blending elegance and history to pay homage to the club’s origins in 1924. The jersey mirrors the simplicity of the original kit, featuring a black base with a white polo collar that exudes authenticity. The embroidered crest takes center stage, showcasing “ASM” lettering above red and white diamonds inspired by the House of Grimaldi’s coat of arms, a precursor to the iconic diagonal design introduced in 1960. Subtle yet meaningful details abound, from the centenary dates “1924-2024” on the crest to the celebratory logo on the back and player names integrated into the number flocking. With its understated Kappa Omini logo, this jersey is a dignified tribute to 100 years of AS Monaco’s passion and excellence.

#4 Argentina 50th Anniversary

Marking 50 years of partnership, adidas and the Argentinian Football Federation have unveiled a special edition kit and collection that captures the essence of their shared history. The design harks back to the Albiceleste’s 1974 kit, with timeless Ambient Sky and Cloud White stripes, enhanced by gold accents on the retro Trefoil logo and a minimalist 1970s Argentina crest, celebrating the nation’s illustrious achievements, including three World Cup victories. A laurel wreath and the sun symbol of the Argentinean flag adorn the inside collar, accompanied by the words “En el alma y en la piel” (In the soul and on the skin) and “50 ANOS,” symbolizing this milestone. Expected to debut against Peru on November 20, this kit is a poignant tribute to half a century of footballing legacy.

#3 AC Milan 125th Anniversary

PUMA and AC Milan have crafted a masterpiece to celebrate the Rossoneri’s 125th anniversary, blending the club’s illustrious history with its forward-looking spirit. Designed by fans through the ‘Design our Jersey, Design our Legacy’ campaign, the jersey embodies the essence of Milanismo, featuring broad stripes reminiscent of the 1950s and iconic international triumphs, alongside a badge inspired by the club’s original 1899 emblem. Limited to just 1,899 units, each with a unique serial number and exclusive packaging, this retro-style long-sleeve kit excludes sponsor logos, amplifying its vintage appeal. Inside, the “Diavoletto” symbol and the inscription “AC Milan 125” underline its historic significance. Honorary Vice President Franco Baresi calls it a “reflection of AC Milan’s soul,” making this kit a heartfelt tribute to the club’s unwavering bond with its fans and its remarkable legacy.

#2 Juventus Third

The Adidas Juventus FC 24-25 third jersey blends nostalgia with modern elegance, presenting a predominantly anthracite design accented by golden logos for a refined look. Its standout features include the iconic Trefoil logo and the vintage Juventus zebra crest, evoking a sense of classicism and history. A retro polo collar enhances the vintage vibe, while a subtle pattern of the current Juventus logo adds a contemporary touch. This harmonious mix of tradition and innovation makes the jersey a sophisticated tribute to the club’s storied heritage.

#1 Colombia Anniversary

Goalmarkt’s 2024 Shirt of the Year: Colombia Centenary is a fitting tribute to 100 years of Colombian football. adidas pays homage to the nation’s rich history with a special edition kit that combines vintage design elements with modern touches. Drawing inspiration from the 1945 South American Championship kit, the off-white base showcases a bold tricolour stripe representing the Colombian flag across the chest. The return of the Trefoil logo alongside the light-colored Colombian crest evokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The inside collar features a commemorative graphic celebrating the centenary, making this jersey a truly memorable piece for Colombian football fans.

From historic designs to innovative collaborations, the top 10 jerseys of this list showcase a deep connection to tradition, culture, and modern football aesthetics. Each kit offers a unique story, blending heritage with contemporary style, leaving a lasting impact on both players and fans alike. Whether celebrating milestones, iconic designs, or cultural significance, these jerseys stand as a testament to the artistry and passion behind football kit design. Which one is your favorite?

#20 Newcastle Third

The Newcastle United 2024/25 third shirt by adidas is a nostalgic throwback to the ’90s, celebrating the brand’s iconic EQT line and the club’s historic partnership. Featuring a crisp white base accented with EQT Green on the sleeves and side panels, the kit exudes retro energy, complemented by black details on the collar and Three Stripes for a polished finish. Rekindling the spirit of their ’90s connection, adidas Design Director Inigo Turner describes it as a “love letter” to that era, blending timeless elements with a modern streetwear vibe that appeals to fans across generations. A perfect fusion of heritage and contemporary style, this kit is a standout in Newcastle’s collection.

#19 Leverkusen 120th Anniversary

The Castore Bayer 04 2024/25 120th anniversary football shirt is a beautiful tribute to the club’s roots, echoing the design of their 1907/08 kit with a predominantly black base, a red polo collar, and yellow buttons. The standout feature is the inclusion of the founding logo from the gymnastics and games club of Farbenfabriken vorm. Friedrich Bayer & Co., featuring the iconic Bayer lion as the crest. Adding a modern twist, an integrated NFC chip beneath the logo unlocks special digital content when scanned with a smartphone. Subtle dark grey Castore and Barmenia logos complement the sleek design, while the word ‘Werkself’ on the back neck adds a finishing touch to this elegant and innovative homage to Bayer 04’s history.

#18 FC Metz Third

FC Metz’s 2024/25 third kit by Kappa is a stunning collaboration with artist Sébastien-Abdelhamid Godelu, blending football with artistic heritage. The jersey features a soft pink base adorned with a subtle pattern inspired by Metz’s iconic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, showcasing the city’s architectural beauty. A classic black polo collar adds a touch of timeless elegance, while the back of the neck proudly displays the names of the club and the artist, celebrating their creative partnership. This unique design beautifully merges cultural pride with modern football aesthetics.

#17 Portugal Away

The Nike Portugal 2024 away shirt beautifully ties in with Portugal’s cultural heritage, featuring an all-over graphic inspired by Azulejo, the traditional ceramic tilework known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. The grungy effect adds a modern twist to the classic pattern, while the color scheme echoes the 2022 World Cup away kit, with a “Sail” base complemented by light blue and dark navy (“University Blue” and “Pitch Blue”) accents. The dark navy Swoosh provides a subtle yet striking contrast, making this kit a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style that celebrates Portugal’s rich history.

#16 Germany Home

The Adidas Germany 2024 home kit pays homage to the nation’s football legacy with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from the Germany 2006 World Cup and the iconic 1994 World Cup kit. Predominantly white, the jersey features striking sleeve gradients in the German flag’s tricolor, overlaid with white Three Stripes for a dynamic look. A subtle DFB logo pattern on the front nods to the 1994 design, adding depth and heritage. The black Adidas logo contrasts sharply against the white base, completing a bold and spectacular design that celebrates Germany’s rich football history in style.

#15 Manchester United Third

The Adidas Manchester United 2024/25 third kit combines heritage and modern design, offering fans a fresh way to showcase their pride. The off-white base is complemented by a bold tricolor stripe across the chest in red, off-white, and carbon, representing the unity of Red Devils supporters worldwide. Carbon-colored logos, including the iconic Trefoil, add a sleek touch, while a tricolor flag with subtle Manchester United lettering on the back completes the look. This kit seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary style, making it a standout in the club’s collection.

#14 France Away

The Nike France Euro 2024 away shirt offers a striking design that celebrates national pride with modern elegance. Featuring a white base, the standout detail is the gradient pinstripe design transitioning from royal blue on the right to red on the left, echoing the colors of the French flag. A blue collar and sleeve cuffs provide a refined finish, while the fully colored, oversized France crest on the chest commands attention, making its debut for Euro 2024. This kit effortlessly blends bold visual impact with a nod to tradition, capturing the essence of Les Bleus on the international stage.

#13 Kansas City Third

The Adidas Sporting KC 2024 third football shirt channels 1990s nostalgia with a vibrant and eye-catching design. The jersey transitions from light blue at the top to white at the bottom, featuring a unique multicolor graphic pattern that adds dynamic flair. Replacing the regular sponsor, “Kansas City” is prominently displayed, emphasizing local pride. Classic design elements like a one-button collar, black Three Stripes, and black sleeve cuffs provide a timeless touch, making this kit a standout addition to Sporting KC’s collection while celebrating the club’s rich history.

#12 Versailles Third

Kappa continues to elevate FC Versailles’ kit collection with the unveiling of their 2024/25 third shirt, an elegant design inspired by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. The shirt features intricate motifs echoing the gilded grilles and delicate wall tapestry decorations of the historic landmark. A subtle blend of tone-on-tone colors and patterns adds depth and sophistication, perfectly tying the club to its cultural heritage. This surprise gem of a release solidifies FC Versailles as an unexpected standout in the kit world, with Kappa crafting one of the most remarkable and cohesive sets of the 2024/25 season.

#11 Albania Third

The Macron Albania 2023 third football shirt is a striking design that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Based on the same template as the home and away kits, it stands out in black with red logos, while the intricate tone-on-tone geometric patterns and dye-sub print of the double-headed eagle add depth and elegance. The sweatband inside the hem features the national motto, “Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder,” honoring Albania’s cultural pride. Additional details like the embroidered “ALBANIA” on the back collar and the FSHF logo alongside “Designed in Bologna” reinforce its unique identity. Though released in 2023, its inclusion in Euro 2024 makes it a worthy standout.

Out of the top 20-11 shirts, each one offers a unique blend of style, heritage, and innovation. From striking color combinations to meaningful details, these kits reflect the passion and identity of the teams they represent. Which one stands out to you the most?

#30 AFC Wimbledon Away

The AFC Wimbledon 2024/25 away jersey by Umbro beautifully pays homage to the club’s 1894 shirt with bold blue and dark brown stripes enhanced by a subtle diamond pattern across the fabric. The brown cuffs and polo collar add a timeless vintage touch, while the white Umbro logo and War Child sponsor logo provide a crisp, contrasting finish that ties the design together. This jersey seamlessly blends the club’s storied past with a contemporary aesthetic, making it both striking in appearance and significant in its tribute to history—a design sure to resonate with fans and players alike.

#29 Cambodia Goalkeeper Away

The Cambodia Goalkeeper Away jersey by local brand Varaman is a striking blackout design that radiates sleek sophistication. Featuring a subtle pattern across the fabric, it adds a layer of depth without overpowering the clean and minimalist aesthetic. Worn during the ASEAN Championship, this kit stands as a proud representation of Cambodian craftsmanship on the regional stage. The choice of a blackout theme perfectly complements its understated yet commanding presence, making it a standout piece for fans who value both style and functionality.

#28 Leeds United Away

Leeds United’s 2024/25 away kit by adidas is a vibrant tribute to the club’s golden era. Inspired by the 1973/74 First Division title-winning campaign under Don Revie, the kit revives the iconic yellow base, now paired with a blue-tipped button-up collar and the signature adidas 3 stripes in split blue and white across the shoulders. A standout feature is the return of the smiley crest, symbolizing a nostalgic nod to the team’s triumphs 50 years ago.

#27 Austria 50th Anniversary

Puma and the Austrian Football Association celebrate 50 years of partnership with a stunning limited-edition jersey, aptly titled “Always Again Austria.” With only 1,974 pieces released to honor the year the collaboration began, the jersey features a sleek black base adorned with elegant red-white-red pinstripes and gold accents, symbolizing Austria’s national pride. Traditional logos and commemorative lettering on the neck, chest, and hem beautifully merge heritage with modern design, making this a standout piece for fans and collectors alike.

#26 AD Ceuta FC x Pompeii

Macron and Spanish fashion label Pompeii have crafted a stunning special-edition Copa del Rey kit for AD Ceuta FC’s 2024/25 season, blending modern style with the city’s rich cultural heritage. The black-and-white base features a checkerboard pattern with abstract shapes inspired by Ceuta’s mosaic-like identity and its flag, symbolizing the city’s unique position as a multicultural bridge between Spain and Morocco. Gold accents, including the Ceuta lettering in place of a sponsor logo, add a touch of elegance to this meaningful design, making it a standout tribute to the autonomous city.

#25 Estoril Praia Home

The collaboration between Estoril Praia and Kappa for the 2024/25 season presents a collection that fuses Portuguese elegance with Italian technical expertise. The KOMBAT home jersey is a must-have for fans, showcasing the club’s iconic yellow and blue colors. Designed for optimal comfort and durability, this jersey blends tradition with modernity, featuring high-quality finishes for a distinctive style. Proudly display the colors of Estoril Praia and wear them with passion wherever you go!

#24 Vancouver FC Away

The Vancouver Football Club 2024 Away shirt by Macron, titled the “Cherry Blossom” release, beautifully captures the essence of local scenery with its light-pink floral pattern. Inspired by the delicate flowering of cherry blossoms, the jersey pays homage to the vibrant natural beauty of the region while maintaining a sleek and modern design. Macron’s attention to detail ensures both style and comfort, making it a standout addition to Vancouver FC’s kit collection.

#23 LA Galaxy Third

The Adidas LA Galaxy 2024 third jersey combines a striking half-and-half design in black and dark green (Virdia), accented by bold red details on the collar, cuffs, three stripes, and Adidas logo. The return of the classic LA Galaxy crest from 1996-2006, along with the removal of the Herbalife sponsor, brings a nostalgic and timeless look to the jersey. Paying homage to the club’s iconic 1996 home shirt, this design blends tradition with modern style, making it a standout piece for fans and collectors alike.

#22 Venezia Home

The Venezia FC 2024/25 Home kit, created in collaboration with NOCTA, strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. The sleek black base is enhanced by golden details and a starry pattern, reflecting NOCTA’s connection to Venice’s night sky. Paying tribute to the city with the iconic “Città di Venezia” branding, the design moves beyond historical references to offer a refined and contemporary interpretation of the Club’s identity. This bold collaboration bridges Venice’s rich culture with a forward-looking aesthetic, making it a standout addition to the Club’s collection.

#21 FC Copenhagen Third

The F.C. Copenhagen 2024/25 third shirt by adidas is a stunning tribute to the city’s iconic design and Scandinavian craftsmanship. Inspired by Copenhagen’s famous green benches, the kit incorporates patterns, curves, and colors that echo the city’s timeless elegance and minimalism. This beautiful jersey bridges high fashion and sportswear, reflecting Copenhagen’s ranking as one of the World’s most liveable cities in 2024. Developed with insights from the city’s rich aesthetic heritage—praised by The New York Times and UNESCO as a hub of art, architecture, and design—the shirt transcends traditional football kit design, offering a modern and meaningful homage to its cultural roots.

With so many unique and beautifully crafted designs this season, each jersey offers something special—whether it’s a nod to heritage, cultural inspiration, or innovative design. From Venezia FC’s celestial elegance to F.C. Copenhagen’s Scandinavian minimalism, the choice comes down to personal style. So, which shirt stands out as your favorite?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s family helps him stay grounded but they can also break his heart at times. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was reduced to tears when recently shown a videotaped interview of his late father conducted in 2004, a year before his death.

While José Dinis Aveiro said he was proud of his son, Cristiano’s father explained that he’d prefer to watch the Euro 2004 championship at home rather than at the stadium in Lisbon, Portugal. “My nerves are too much. I get too anxious. I can’t do it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legend

Cristiano was knocked down by his father’s comments and overwhelmed with memories of growing up with an alcoholic father who died when Cristiano was 20. He regretted they never really had a proper conversation, he explained, and that his father didn’t live long enough to see Cristiano rise to fame or share in the joy of his awards. “My father, he saw nothing. He died young. But it is what it is,” Cristiano said, wiping away tears.

Arguably the greatest footballer on earth (his rivalry with Lionel Messi is the stuff of legend), Cristiano still wonders if his success was due to his father watching over him from heaven. While his home life was far from perfect, it was José Dinis Aveiro who introduced Cristiano to football – known as soccer in America – and guided him to become the man he is today. Cristiano Ronaldo is not just competitive and driven, but also anxious to improve the world for the sake of his six children and those he touches through his work with Save the Children and other charities.

True superhero

Cristiano Ronaldo has never lacked in self-confidence, once telling an interviewer: “Most of the time, I inspired myself. I’m self-motivated.”

His background is the key to understanding his relentless drive, however. It was a long, difficult climb for Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born in 1985 and named after his father’s favorite actor Ronald Reagan.

He grew up in Madeira, Portugal, a volcanic island in the North Atlantic where the shops are now packed with Ronaldo football jerseys, hats, mugs, and backpacks. There’s a Ronaldo bronze statue to greet visitors at the airport – named, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport – and a CR7 Museum to display his trophies and sell miniature golden boots.

Cristiano Renaldo’s epic journey

Cristiano was a proud but troubled boy, the youngest of four children. His mother was a cook and a cleaner. The family was so poor his mother, Dolores Aveiro, considered terminating her pregnancy and tried a homemade recipe, she revealed in her book Mother Courage. “He told me when he found out, ‘Look mum, you wanted to abort me and now I’m the one who’s pulling the purse-strings in the house,” Dolores later recalled.

Cristiano had trouble controlling his temper and was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a teacher. He assumed he’d become a village fisherman and wasn’t interested in academics. Cristiano was obsessed with football, however, and quit school at age 14 to practice full time.

True superhero

Cristiano Ronaldo has never lacked in self-confidence, once telling an interviewer: “Most of the time, I inspired myself. I’m self-motivated.”

His background is the key to understanding his relentless drive, however. It was a long, difficult climb for Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born in 1985 and named after his father’s favorite actor Ronald Reagan.

He grew up in Madeira, Portugal, a volcanic island in the North Atlantic where the shops are now packed with Ronaldo football jerseys, hats, mugs, and backpacks. There’s a Ronaldo bronze statue to greet visitors at the airport – named, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport – and a CR7 Museum to display his trophies and sell miniature golden boots.

Cristiano Renaldo’s epic journey

Cristiano was a proud but troubled boy, the youngest of four children. His mother was a cook and a cleaner. The family was so poor his mother, Dolores Aveiro, considered terminating her pregnancy and tried a homemade recipe, she revealed in her book Mother Courage. “He told me when he found out, ‘Look mum, you wanted to abort me and now I’m the one who’s pulling the purse-strings in the house,” Dolores later recalled.

Cristiano had trouble controlling his temper and was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a teacher. He assumed he’d become a village fisherman and wasn’t interested in academics. Cristiano was obsessed with football, however, and quit school at age 14 to practice full time.

Ted Beckham

Like most doting dads, Ted Beckham was desperate to see his young son succeed in football. From the endless hours of practice in the park, to taking David to watch and later take part in his own games of football, Ted was there for him from day one. “David had a very special talent for playing the game,” he explained in David Beckham, My Son. “I knew he had been given an extraordinary gift and it was my job to try and bring it out. It wasn’t long before that job took over my life.”

Ted’s influence on the park was largely responsible for creating the player we saw every week. He would oversee David’s free-kick practice until late at night, rewarding him with a pat on the back and an extra 50p every time he hit an intended target. He would also kick the ball as high as he could for David to trap it to improve his control; the pass-and-move style we later saw was a Beckham-senior trademark.

“My skills come from working with dad in the local park,” David said in his autobiography, My Side. “We would work on passing, crossing and shooting from as soon as I got home from school until 11 o’clock at night. I knew that I would have to put that work in to make it into the Manchester United first team.”

Ted would later follow David to every game and, ultimately, gifted his son with the support that would not only help him through the pitfalls of professional football, but also life. “Even now,” he says, “I think I still judge myself by the standards I learnt from mum and dad.”

Stuart Underwood

“A massive bloke with a booming voice and a fantastic presence about him,” was the way Beckham described the man who knocked on his door asking about his availability after he had spotted him playing in the local park. Stuart set up Beckham’s first team, Ridgeway Rovers. Respected by his young charges and their parents alike, Underwood created a professional team from which several players would go on to make it professionally. “He was a father figure,” Beckham enthused. “He had a lot to do with me making a future for myself in the game.” And not just on the pitch. Stuart would instil a sense of the discipline essential at a top club: wearing a tie to big games, not missing training and remaining humble in victory… all of these traits were picked up at an early age and made Beckham a perfect mould for the United way of life.

Eric Harrison

When talking about the people who really shaped his career, Beckham mentions his United youth-team coach Eric Harrison in the same breath as his father and Sir Alex Ferguson. Harrison brought the best out of ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ and encouraged them to toughen up physically and mentally. He was also the man who coined the phrase ‘Hollywood pass’ of Beckham’s long ball – he told David not to overuse it and to become more of a team player. He would often tell Beckham to watch the man playing in his position in case he took his place. Sure enough, when Andrei Kanchelskis left in 1995, the boy Beckham was in. “His talent had to be seen to be believed,” said Eric that year. “There’s no doubt he’ll go on to become one of the most dominant players in football.” Beckham returned the compliment. “Even now,” he said in his late 20s, “I look to him for guidance and advice.”

Sir Alex Ferguson

“Sir Alex Ferguson has been the making of me,” Beckham said in 2002. “He brought me up and has made my career what it is.” The Scot welcomed Beckham to the club with open arms in 1991 and immediately made him feel part of the Red family. “He knew my name, my mum and dad, and my sisters; he knew everything about me,” Becks said. The work ethic instilled in Beckham by his father and early coaches was reinforced by Sir Alex on the United training ground. The Leytonstone-born midfielder’s willingness to practice his craft for hours on end went down well with his new mentor, and went some way to helping him become the greatest crosser on the planet. “David Beckham practices with a relentless application that the vast majority of less gifted players wouldn’t contemplate,” Sir Alex said in his autobiography, Managing My Life. Sir Alex repaid Beckham’s effort by handing him the No.7 shirt (and later, on occasion, the captaincy) – but it was the Gaffer’s footballing expertise that really struck a chord with our mercurial midfielder of old.

“The boss understands football like few other people,” he said. “Whatever situation the team’s in, either during a season or during a game, the players have the feeling he knows exactly what to do.” The two would later have their disagreements, but the mutual respect each had for the other is unquestionable. “When the chips are down on the football field, you can bet your life that David Beckham won’t be found wanting,” enthused Sir Alex. Becks is similarly effusive in his praise of Sir Alex. “He’s a very demanding man but, in all my time as a United player, the gaffer was the one person who always seemed to have even more faith in us than we had in ourselves. He made players feel special.”

Gary Peters

“David learned 99 percent of what he knows from United, but I like to believe that the missing one per cent was gained at Preston,” says Gary Peters, the Preston North End manager in 1995. Despite scoring in a 4-0 win against Galatasaray in the Champions League, there had been a feeling in the club that Beckham wasn’t quite ready. “People said he was a bit soft going into tackles and headers,” Gary Neville told United. No surprise then, that Sir Alex called him into his office and told him he was going to Third Division Preston on loan. “I thought it was a sign that the club was trying to get rid of me,” Beckham admitted. Five games and two goals later, and with lessons learned off the pitch (“You go to somewhere like Preston and realise life is not like it is at United”), Beckham had improved dramatically.

“At first I had to bully and cajole him a bit,” Peters admitted. “But he soon got the message and the fans loved him. We helped his education in that he became tougher, more competitive and resilient. You knew you were watching someone special and I was not surprised when Alex Ferguson said he was taking him back. Alex knew that David had found the physical side to his game.” A week after playing against Lincoln he made his United league debut against Leeds United. “That month at Preston was one of the most exciting times in my whole career,” said Becks afterwards.

Eric Cantona

“Eric Cantona was a very big influence on me,” says Becks. “He was my role model, the best player I’ve ever played with. The way he trained, the way he played, the way he was on and off the pitch… to play alongside him was an honour.” Little did he know that he’d later assume his no.7 shirt, but it was also the way Eric approached the game that impressed Becks. The way the Frenchman would stay behind after hours to practice aand the way he led the team – none of it was lost on the young Beckham. “If Eric was in the dressing room, I would find myself watching him, checking what he was doing, trying to work out exactly how he prepared for a game.”

Diego Simeone

At the 1998 World Cup, it all went wrong for David Beckham: a hero four days previously after scoring a brilliant free-kick against Colombia, he was demonised when he was sent off in the second-round match against Argentina. Just after half time, having been clattered and had his hair tugged contemptuously by Diego Simeone, a prostrate Beckham kicked out and the Argentine midfielder dramatically went to ground. Becks was red-carded. What followed after England’s defeat on penalties was a castigation of titanic proportions, with Beckham, then just 23, pilloried by all and sundry. When the 1998/99 season kicked off he was the most vilified player in the country. Yet the way in which he carried himself, coupled with performances on the field that established himself as the world’s best crosser, led to him scooping an historic Treble. United fans played their part too, chanting his name with increased gusto all around the country as it show of support for their man.

“As soon as I got back to Old Trafford I realised there were still people who loved me,” he told United. But the defining moment came when the Reds drew Simeone’s Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals. Would Becks get even? Would Simeone seek retribution? The world waited, but neither happened. Instead Beckham stole the show with a phenomenal performance, making both goals in United’s 2-0 first-leg win, and afterwards he swapped shirts with the ineffectual Argentinian. His game had risen to another level and he was resurrected in the eyes of the public and the media. “The whole World Cup experience;’ concluded Becks, “is central to the person I am now.”