10 noteworthy ways in which football gave back to the community on Christmas

English and German soldiers playing football during historic Christmas truce in WW1The Christmas period is a time for joy and celebration and even more so in football, with teams and players making their best efforts to get close to the community and give back in any way possible. Teams are visiting community organizations and players take part in charitable work, something they might not otherwise be personally able to do because of their gruelling schedule. This entire event is very well known, with the famous World War I story of how English and German soldiers called a truce on Christmas and then played football. The spirit of that gesture has continued for all these years, and we have seen a lot of heartwarming gestures from football players since – a prime example being Pepe’s attempt to provide food to needy people in Madrid. Most of the players do try to keep their community work under the wraps so it isn’t really possible to document all the work done by the players, but here's a list of everything that did get the media spotlight.

#1 Manchester United players

Manchester United players brought some festive joy for the children at the Royal Manchester Children's hospital by paying them a little visit.

In the days preceding their Newcastle match, Manchester United stars including Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria endeavored to meet with young fans at the hospital and bring them some Christmas cheer. The players interacted with the children and even brought along gifts to share with them. Herrera, Jones, De Gea and Rojo were also in attendance.

The children were ecstatic, to be paid a visit by their heroes, but the players were also visibly moved. A humbled Herrera had this to say about this excursion:

"If we can make the children smile, then I'm very happy. It's a pleasure for me to be here and I wish that they can have a good Christmas,"

#2 Louis van Gaal

Like his players, Louis Van Gaal too was caught up in the festive spirit. The Dutch manager, famed for his cantankerous nature and bullish attitude towards the media, raised a glass to the press in his pre-match conference.

It was a warm gesture from a manager who is often aggressive towards the media. If this wasn't enough, the good will from his earlier gesture hadn't even sunk in when he walked out on Boxing day with presents in his hand.

Prior to kick off against Newcastle, the ex-Netherlands coach handed out presents to supporters near his dug out to the bemusement of supporters. It was a warm gesture from a man often derided as cold hearted. His generosity was rewarded by his team who cruised to a 3-1 win against Newcastle.

#3 Arsenal players

Arsenal kept up their tradition of making an annual visit to a hospital during the holiday season, but instead decided to visit several hospitals in North London instead of just one. The players were divided into groups and were tasked with visiting hospitals to meet its occupants and to distribute presents.

Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Debuchy, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, and Mertesacker visited the children's ward in Whittington hospital while Szczesny, Arteta, Chambers, Walcott and Chamberlain visited the Royal Free Hospital.

The players had several stories to share of an eventful day, but the best had to be the one from Chamberlain where he met a kid who wasn't too amused at having to meet Arsenal players and wanted to meet Liverpool players instead.

#4 Leigh Griffiths

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has probably won Christmas this year with this most heart touching story. Griffiths offered to replace the presents of a 5-year-old supporter of a rival team after his house was broken into and robbed.

Hearts fan Shane Wright found himself in the unwanted position of having his Christmas presents, which included PlayStation games, robbed just a week from Christmas. His father took to Facebook to lament about this cruel act, which somehow reached Griffiths and moved him enough to contact the father with an offer to replace the gifts.

His message to the father read: “Heard about the story of your house getting broken into. What games did you want for the little man and I'll buy them for you. It’s a hard time of year for people to lose stuff and I’d like to help.”

Leigh Griffiths and his message to the Hearts fan’s father

The father, Michael Wright, replied with: “Wow! You were the last person I ever expected to send me a message. Lol. Your generosity touches me but we have it covered. Thank you very much mate.”

Leigh Griffiths has a history of altercations with Hearts, the fans and the club as a whole, often getting him into trouble with the Scottish FA so this came as a very nice and pleasant surprise.

#5 Luis Suarez

It is no secret that Luis Suarez is a philanthropist so it wasn't surprising to see what he had in store for Christmas.

The now Barcelona star donated Christmas packages to a children's cancer charity back home in Uruguay. He sent 500 packages to Pereira Rossell hospital in Montevideo. The packages came attested with a message from Suarez which read: "Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015 with your loved ones. Luis Suarez and family."

The parcels are said to contain traditional Christmas food and drinks. Suarez, who is an ambassador for Children's cancer charity in Uruguay, is said to have wanted to keep this donation a secret, but despite his best attempts it has leaked out to the public.

Suarez is seen as a cult figure in Uruguay and is treated like a hero despite his somewhat tainted reputation in Europe. It is easy to see why after such generous and charitable acts.

#6 David Luiz

David Luiz got into the Christmas cheer in the most David Luiz fashion, by shedding tears on national television. Luiz, back home in Brazil for Christmas, appeared on famous Brazilian show the Domingo show to fulfill the dreams of a young boy.

The young boy in question, Ricardinho, spent much of his time on the show gushing about how he loved David Luiz and how he'd like to emulate his hero. "When I grow up I want to be just like you," he said before concluding with a "David Luiz, my biggest dream is to meet you."

Ricardinho was then blindfolded and magicked in front of David Luiz, who could not hold back his tears as embraced the little lad.

#7 Neymar

It would be understandable if a footballer wanted a break from his hectic schedule and wanted to just fade into the background, but not Neymar. He spent his holiday doing what he does best, playing football.

Neymar spent his holidays playing charity matches the highlight of which was the Neymar and friends versus Sao Paulo friends. The match was graced by legends such as Roberto Carlos, Elano, Julio Baptista and Robinho. As was likely to be, with names such as those, the match ended up being a high scoring affair, ending in a draw with each team scoring 8.

The match ended in good spirits and was marked by Neymar stripping off of his entire kit and giving it away to frenzied fans.

#8 Nani

Nani donned the role of Santa Claus this Christmas, as he wore the famous red and white and dished out presents.

The 28 year old who has seen something of a revival this season, of his career, sought to revive an old legend too. Judging by the expressions on that picture, the kids don't look too impressed, either because of the presents or Nani's surprising lack of attention to detail in forgetting to wear a beard.

The picture first appeared on Nani's instagram feed and it is unclear where this was taken and in what capacity he was participating, but he does seem fairly generous in doling out gifts.

#9 Dennis Aogo

Schalke left back Dennis Aogo was busy giving back to the community, along with his mum, during the Bundesliga's Christmas break.

Aogo, a devout Christian, spent one night of his Christmas holidays working in a local organization helping the poor get food for the festive season. The German international was accompanied by his mother who was also in a very charitable mood.

He later posted pictures on Facebook and invited his fans and followers also to get involved and gave instructions as to how they could contribute.

#10 Everton

Everton were led in their annual visit to Alder Hey Children's hospital by manager Roberto Martinez this year.

The Toffees put behind their disappointment of being thrashed 3-0 by Southampton to spread a bit of festive cheer and visited the children at Alder Hey hospital. Jagielka, Baines, Eto'o, Mirallas and Howard were all in attendance.

The team spent the day by interacting with fans, sharing stories and distributing presents which included cuddly toys, cushions, blankets, coloring books and footballs.

Speaking to Everton's website, Martinez said: "The players are incredible ambassadors of Everton and are well aware of what they represent in their community. They like coming here to share moments and stories and to see the spirit everyone has."