The hard player: Nwankwo Kanu
Born on August 1, 1976 in Owerri, Nigeria, Nwankwo Kanu is a striker with an extraordinary profile. After starting out at Fed Works (35 matches, 20 goals), he made his mark at Ajax Amsterdam with 27 goals in 73 matches, before the Premier League became his favourite stage.
It is in England that he left his deepest impression: 44 goals in 198 matches at Arsenal, 9 goals in 58 matches at West Bromwich Albion, and finally 28 goals in 167 matches at Portsmouth – three clubs, one consistently baffling talent. Internationally, he wore Nigeria’s colours from the under-17 level, scoring 5 goals in 6 matches, laying the foundations for an international career worthy of his ability.
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PlayThe medium player: Rui Costa
Born on March 29, 1972 in Lisbon, Rui Costa is a Portuguese attacking midfielder whose Serie A career remains a benchmark. He came through the ranks at Benfica before a loan spell at AD Fafe (38 matches, 6 goals), a formative step that shaped the elegant player he would become.
It was at Fiorentina that he truly flourished: 276 matches and 50 goals for the Florentine club – a standout record that earned him a move to AC Milan, where he played 192 matches and scored 11 goals. He returned home at the end of his career, hanging up his boots at Benfica after 111 matches and 19 goals for the Lisbon club – a journey completed with the grace of a true maestro.
The easy player: Hristo Stoichkov
Born on February 8, 1966 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Hristo Stoichkov is a striker whose name is forever linked to 1990s football. Before conquering Europe, he honed his craft at CSKA Sofia, scoring 81 goals in 119 matches – a statement of intent if there ever was one.
It was at FC Barcelona that he reached his peak: 108 goals in 212 matches in Catalan colours. He would even return for a second spell (42 matches, 9 goals) before crossing the Atlantic to join the Chicago Fire (66 matches, 27 goals). With the Bulgarian national team, he racked up 37 goals in 83 matches, making him one of the most decisive strikers in his country’s history.