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Football has seen a lot of contrasting characters grace the game over the years. People often remember players for their character on the pitch, just as much as their quality.
Whether it's docile footballers like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta or more volatile ones like Steven Gerrard and John Terry, football has always been laced with interesting personalities.
Today's list will look at the five most intimidating footballers in the history of the sport. It should be noted that the list will not only take into consideration the player's approach to the game but also their demeanor on the pitch.
#5 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is by far the most intimidating footballer in the sport today. The Spaniard is notorious for his attitude and aggression towards his opponents during a game.
It comes as no surprise that the 35-year-old is the most booked player in La Liga (180) as well as in the Spanish national team history (24). He also holds the record for the most sending-offs, with 20.
Ramos' physical style of play perfectly compliments his guile as a defender, often doing his best to get a reaction out of his opponents. The Spaniard is also not one to stand down from a fight, as he is often either in the midst of the action or the one who started it.
The Spaniard is yet to make his debut for PSG since joining the French club from Real Madrid earlier this summer. But one can expect the him to pick up his first booking for the club soon after he does make his Ligue 1 debut!
Also Check Out: Sergio Ramos Net Worth
#4 Patrick Vieira
A player known more for his intimidating physical stature and style of play than his on-pitch antics, Patrick Vieira was a complete midfielder who dominated his opponents.
An absolute unit of a man, Vieira's physicality, aggression and no-nonsense approach to the game made him one of the hardest midfielders to play against. His ability to completely take over games from midfield and outclass opponents with his brutish style of play was something to behold.
The Frenchman was not afraid to get stuck in as well, holding the record for the joint-highest number of sending-offs in the Premier League, with eight. Arsenal have not been able to replace Vieira since he left the club and it's hard to see them doing so any time soon.
#3 Roy Keane
A footballer who even Sir Alex Ferguson was scared of, Roy Keane was an absolute madman both on and off the pitch. The midfielder went to war every time he stepped on the field.
Keane was not technically gifted but his physical and mental attributes made up for his lack of ability on the ball. What stood out the most about the midfielder was his tenacity and sheer anger on the field. His opponents felt his presence on the field, and usually on their shins as well!
The Irishman never shied away from a fight, often instigating scuffles due to his rash tackles and physical style of play. Keane could also be seen hurling verbal abuse constantly at anything that moved on the pitch. His demeanor and stature made him a natural leader on the pitch, which was evident during his days at Manchester United.
#2 Gennaro Gattuso
A pitbull in midfield, Gennaro Gattuso was a menace throughout his illustrious career. The Italian was one of the most feared players for both club and country.
Gattuso had to develop his technical ability on the ball over the course of his career but the midfielder's bullish style of play was what he built his reputation on. Although he was not the tallest on the pitch, the Italian was more often than not the strongest and most tenacious player, no matter who he played against.
His stamina and hard-tackling style of play made him the perfect destroyer in midfield and perfectly complimented the likes of Kaka and Andrea Pirlo's more elegant playstyles. The 43-year-old has now transitioned into the role of manager after retiring, having last coached Napoli during the 2020-21 season.
#1 Jaap Stam
Not many things are more intimidating than seeing a 6'3" bald brute of a man charging at you with all his fury. But that's what most strikers had to see when they faced Jaap Stam during the nineties and early aughts.
The Dutchman cut a frightening figure on the pitch. Stam used to bully strikers, often scaring them with his unbridled anger. It was almost as if he loathed his opponents.
The lanky footballer was often seen rushing into fights and not scared to get physical with his opponents. Luckily for the Dutchman, he was also a top-class player, having the physical attributes, speed and game-sense to command his defense. These attributes made him undroppable for any manager he played under.
