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Often, a footballer comes to a club and leaves behind an indelible mark, managing to influence and transform the fortunes of the institution single-handedly and occupy the hearts of fans even years after their departure.
From Bobby Charlton of the original Busby babes to Lionel Messi of the champion Barcelona side, the legacy of these footballers become inextricably intertwined with the history of their respective clubs. In this article, we will take a look at ten such legends who transformed the fortunes of their clubs.
Note: This list is in no particular order.
10 footballers who transformed their clubs:
#10 Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti will forever remain one of the all-time legends of Roma, no matter what transpires in the future. L'Ottavo Re di Roma (The Eighth King of Rome), as he was nicknamed, was steadfast in his devotion to the club, with the indefatigible midfielder providing the inspiration for much of the club's success in the 2000s.
The Roman club won only their third Serie A title during that period (a feat yet to be repeated) and finished runner-up on numerous occasions besides conjuring Cup successes and impressive European runs aplenty.
On and off the pitch, the footballer won respect for himself and Roma who rubbed shoulders with the European big boys with aplomb during that golden period.
#9 Diego Maradona
This is a football story like no other. Diego Maradona is often considered the best footballer to have ever played the game, but most hail his World Cup win for Argentina as his biggest achievement. But the left-footed magician also made an Italian city revere him for eternity because of his exploits for their football club.
Many were shocked when Diego Maradona moved to Napoli for a record fee from the mighty Barcelona. However, in a trophy-laden spell at the formerly underachieving club, Maradona won the Serie A and UEFA Cup and lots and lots of love from the Napoli faithful.
Maradona's Hand of God transformed not just a club but a city from the poorer South that finally snatched away the coveted league title from the richer (and hated North).
The league triumph engendered parties on the the streets of Naples, the likes of which the city had never seen before. Though Maradona being Maradona, he got engulfed in controversies related to drugs, an illegitimate son and discipline. But the footballer remains the captain who truly transformed the club, and in his honour, Napoli retired their number ten jersey.
#8 Bobby Charlton
One of the most famous football statues of all time features Bobby Charlton, George Best and Dennis Law, three of the greatest players Manchester United have ever produced. It is a mark of respect from a club like no other, and Charlton is one player truly deserving of such an accolade.
Charlton, a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, took United to the top of the football pyramid, scoring two goals in the European Cup final of 1968 in a tournament United would not win again for three long decades. The prolific goal-scoring midfielder was also an England legend, but he will be equally remembered for his exploits as a United player till death and beyond.
#7 Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is synonymous with AC Milan and took the club to the greatest heights it has ever reached during its storied history.
One of the best left-backs to have ever graced the game, Maldini, won an impressive 25 trophies with the Rossoneri, a tally that included five Champions League triumphs, as he helped Milan become the biggest force in global football during his period.
Maldini, whose #3 shirt was retired by Milan following his retirement, was the all-time record appearance maker in the Italian top flight before Gianluigi Buffon usurped his compatriot last season.
#6 Virgil Van Dijk
When Virgil Van Dijk was bought for a reported fee of £75 million by Liverpool, many felt that the central defender would crumble under the pressure of expectations. On the contrary, the Dutchman managed to up his game several notches during his spell at Liverpool as the club entered a period of continental and domestic success the likes of which the Kop had not seen for ages.
Van Dijk himself has emerged as a lynchpin in Jurgen Klopp's scheme of things and has become one of the greatest centre-backs in the world in the process. In fact, such was his importance to the Liverpool cause in their Premier League-winning campaign last season that he became only the fifth outfield player to play every minute for a victorious side in the competition's history.
#5 Eric Cantona
Another Manchester United legend who will forever remain in the hearts of the fans, Eric Cantona, played an instrumental role in transforming Manchester United into a team to beat in the Premier League era, leading them to four titles and setting up the years of success that the Alex Ferguson era would bring.
King Eric, who retired early, was one of the quirkiest characters in the team and got into a fair share of controversies, but he was one of the greatest forwards of his age.
#4 Lionel Messi
He might have fallen out of love with the club and then decided to stay in the most dramatic and protracted saga in world football in recent times, but one cannot doubt the fact that Lionel Messi transformed FC Barcelona.
As part of the magical team coached by Pep Guardiola, Messi weaved his magic alongside fellow stalwarts Andres Iniesta and Xavi as the Blaugrana toyed with defences in Spain and Europe.
Consider this, before the Messi era, Barcelona had only won one Champions League title, doing so in 1991-92. But the putative best player in the world arrived on the scene and subsequently helped Barcelona win four in rather lightning-quick succession in a competition where he became the first player to score against 34 different opponents last season.
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#3 Frank Lampard
Chelsea's favourite son also played a huge role in transforming the club he now coaches with the same passion. Before Frank Lampard became the most influential midfielder in Chelsea's history, they had won only one league title back in the fifties.
But with Lampard running the show for the rejuvenated Blues, the London club won three EPL titles and also the Champions League as Chelsea became a giant of the English game and a force to be reckoned with in Europe and never looking back since.
#2 Ronaldinho
Before Lionel Messi, there was Ronaldinho. It can be argued that the Brazilian with the dazzling Samba skills began the revolution that Messi and Co. carried forward for Barcelona. A complete attacker, Ronaldinho, bamboozled oppositions in a Blaugrana shirt on the way to a bevvy of personal awards and success for the club.
Two La Liga wins and a Champions League triumph only tell a part of the picture as Ronaldinho helped initiate the process through which Barcelona would become the most feared and respected team in Europe in the next decade.
#1 Sergio Aguero
One could have picked from a host of players who were a part of the rise of Manchester City as the best team in England. But Sergio Aguero fits the bill better than arguably anybody else.
If he had done nothing else, Aguero would have been remembered forever by the City faithful for only that dramatic last-minute goal against QPR during the 2011-12 season that sent the City of Manchester Stadium into a frenzy as City won their first Premier League title by pipping fierce rivals Manchester United to the post.
But Aguero would do a lot more. He effortlessly transitioned into the Pep Guardiola era, becoming one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history, as City became the biggest team in England before Liverpool rose to challenge their authority.
