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As fans of the sport, we have all been fortunate enough to witness the brilliance called modern football. There can barely be any sport that meets the term 'spectator sport' as much as football.
Over the course of years, the game has evolved and so have the players. In return, we get treated to them gracing the pitch with their brilliance. There is normality in fans remembering certain goals, assists, super diving saves, or that one sliding tackle. But with them, there have also been moments of magic that have left everyone mesmerized.
Some players are gifted with the ability to change the tone of the game with a single touch of theirs. These players end up creating signature moves that are followed by generations.
Without further ado, let's take a look at
5 iconic moves named after players
#5 Berbatov Spin — Dimitar Berbatov
The Bulgarian striker was one of the finest technical players of his era. With a career spanning over 20 years, eight clubs and 500+ league games, Berbatov is remembered mostly for his Manchester United days.
Dimitar Berbatov was part of the lethal Manchester United squad during the late 2000s. He won 2 x Premier League, 2 x Community Shield, 1 x EFL Cup and 1 x FIFA Club World Cup with United.
After leaving Spurs for Manchester, Berbatov endured a tough tenure with regards to adapting at a bigger club. By October, the Bulgaria international had just one goal in the red jersey. However, it all changed when he and his side welcomed West Ham to Old Trafford in 2008.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace, it is Berbatov who is remembered more for the game. He created a moment of magic in the 31st minute while chasing an overhit Anderson pass.
He had to try to prevent the ball from crossing the line and avoid the on-coming defender James Collins. This is when Berbatov gave birth to a new move that was later known as the Berba Spin or the Berbatov spin. The move is considered one of the most iconic in the history of football.
The move involves stopping the ball from your dominant foot. Then spinning yourself 180 degrees and using the same foot to move the ball inside while beating the defender.
#4 Cruyff Turn — Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff invented the famous Cruyff Turn that is replicated by many even today. The Dutch legend led his side to the final of the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Even though his side lost the game against West Germany, Cruyff remained one of the most influential players throughout the tournament.
However, his best moment came in the group stage fixture against Sweden. In the 24th minute, the Barcelona legend was moving on towards the opposition goalpost only to find Swedish defender Jan Olsson. Cruyff, with his back towards Olsson, feinted a pass before cutting the ball towards the inside and deceiving the man who was marking him.
The iconic move has been emulated by many. Modern day footballers like Luka Modric, Harry Kane and Leo Messi are few such players.
#3 Maradona Roulette — Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona has been lauded as one of the best ever players to have graced the game of football. The Argentine has had an iconic stint with national and club sides.
Leading Argentina to 1986 World Cup glory, the hand of God, the goal of the century, Maradona is known for many things. However, the Napoli legend is mostly famous for his dribbling skills and quick feet. The same saw the Argentine create an iconic move called Maradona Roulette.
The signature move involves running towards the opposition player, a sudden stop, and a 360-degree spin that includes dragging the ball around the opponent and running away with it. The element of surprise provides the forward with an edge over the defender.
The move is also called 360 but is mostly known after the Argentine trickster's name. French icons Zidane and Franck Ribery were known for their own versions of the move as well.
Also Check Out: Maradona Net Worth
#2 Panenka — Antonín Panenka
A penalty kick is not as easy as it looks. The fact that many consider the spot-kick an easy means to score a goal itself makes it more difficult. When the referee blows the whistle and points towards the penalty spot, the kick-taker goes under immense pressure.
We have all seen the kick-taker walking slowly towards the spot with heavy steps as he is booed and jeered by opposition players and the fans. Furthermore, his own team and supporters' expectations to convert the so-called 'easy goal' adds to the pressure.
While a majority consider taking no risk with the situation, there was a certain player called Antonín Panenka who thought there's no harm in being cheeky while taking a penalty.
The incident took place at the 1976 UEFA European Championship final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia. After drawing level at the final whistle, the game entered a penalty shoot-out. When West Germany missed their 5th attempt, scoring the next penalty meant victory for Czechoslovakia.
It was Antonín Panenka who stepped up to take the decisive kick. Exhibiting nerves of steel, Antonin chipped the ball in cheeky fashion over Sepp Maier's head and handed the trophy to his country.
The move has been greatly followed till date by players with massive composure. Sergio Ramos is the one who practices Panenka the most. Other famous names include Andrea Pirlo.
#1 Ronaldo Chop — Cristiano Ronaldo
There can't be any other player who is as hungry and determined as Cristiano Ronaldo is. The Portuguese captain made the headlines not just for his personal and team stats and records but also for inventing an iconic dribbling move.
The former Real Madrid MVP is widely regarded as one of the best dribblers in the game. His acceleration, pace and quick feet are second to none. At the age of 36, Ronaldo is still at the top of his game.
However, the Manchester United forward has evolved and adapted to various styles over the course of years. It was during his first tenure at Manchester United that we saw Ronaldo dancing around a lot with the ball.
The same gave birth to an iconic move called 'Ronaldo Chop'. Ronaldo, who has played most of his career as a winger, had to rely on his pace to outrun the full-backs who marked him down the flank.
While running straight along the sideline, Cristiano came up with the chop that helped him run towards goal by changing direction without slowing down. That too, within a fraction of a second.
He does that by flicking the ball towards the goal side using the insides of his opposite foot. Although many have attempted the signature move, none could master it the way Cristiano Ronaldo did.
Also Check Out: Ronaldo Net Worth
