Logan aka, the Wolverine is not just a popular mutant from the X-Men universe but also one of Marvel’s most iconic comic-book characters. It's been seventeen years since Hugh Jackman first pulled out his claws on the big screen as the legendary Logan and is said to bid farewell to the role which brought him global recognition.
Fans of the X-Men character will definitely be disappointed with the Australian actor’s decision to move on from the role of Logan just as he came up with the best Wolverine movie till date. But at the same time, fans will cherish and celebrate seventeen years of what is one of the best portrayed comic book character roles on 70mm. Jackman’s departure from the role of Logan clears the way for another actor to take up the vicious adamantium claw yielding mutant.
Let’s take a look at five footballers who could best portray the role of Logan.
#5 Rio Ferdinand
The former Manchester United centre-back was one of the most intimidating footballers the Premier League has ever seen. His fearlessness combined with his huge size made attackers think twice before crossing paths him, something similar to Logan, aka the Wolverine.
Despite retiring from professional football, Ferdinand still manages to be as fit as ever, just like the immortal Logan. Even at 38 years of age, the Englishman looks like he can step onto the field to play in the Premier League. Rio Ferdinand’s relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson mirrors that of Charles Xavier and Logan as the former Manchester United manager could always depend on his experienced centre-back when his team (X-Men) was in trouble.
#4 Gennaro Gattuso
The former AC Milan midfielder was quite an aggressive man despite his comparably short stature. The World Cup winner with Italy has a lot in common with the vicious wolverine than one can think of.
Gattuso sports a comparatively similar style of facial hair just like Logan and also shares the same tenacity when it comes to hurting people. Gattuso has picked fights with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Christian Poulsen in the past. Taking on a man like Ibrahimovic shows the kind of toughness Gattuso possesses.
#3 Daniele De Rossi
An AS Roma legend, De Rossi has the strength, aggression, stamina and his unmatched loyalty to his club makes him relatable to the character of Logan. His ability to defend as well attack on the pitch bears a close resemblance to the nature of Logan, who can tear apart his enemies to protect and sacrifice the ones he cares for.
De Rossi also has excellent leadership quality in him which can also be seen in Logan when his team (X-Men) is in crisis or lacks a leader.
#2 Diego Costa
Probably one of the most aggressive footballers in the world at the moment, Diego Costa certainly fits the bill when it comes to playing the role of Logan. The 28-year-old Chelsea striker is known for his bad temper and aggressiveness on the pitch and has caused plenty of damage to his opponents in the past with his physicality.
Although he might not have the same facial features as Wolverine, Costa certainly carries the Marvel character’s persona in many ways. It would certainly be fun to watch Costa’s claw yielding, Spanish speaking version of Logan.
#1 Roy Keane
Roy Keane undoubtedly comes the closest when it comes to similarities to the iconic character of Logan. The Irishman’s combative style of play combined with his aggressive actions fuelled by rage often got him into trouble with both opponents and his teammates. Let’s say, a quality that Logan has been known to carry throughout his life.
Keane and Logan also share the tendency to break the rules and not care about their own teammates.
They both tend to live life by their own rules. Then, of course, comes the looks. Keane’s thick long salt and pepper beard along with his menacing looks make him look like the long lost brother of the Wolverine.
Apart from the adamantium claws and the regenerative gifts, Keane is everything Logan is.
