The hard player: Shinji Kagawa
Born on 17 March 1989 in Kobe, Japan, Shinji Kagawa developed his game at Cerezo Osaka, scoring 57 goals in 127 appearances during his first stint, before Borussia Dortmund brought him into European football’s elite. He made his mark in the Bundesliga across two spells at Dortmund (145 games, 31 goals and 71 games, 29 goals) and also had a stint in the Premier League at Manchester United (57 games, 6 goals). This Japanese attacking midfielder embodied his country’s growing presence on the European stage.
Kagawa later returned to Cerezo Osaka (92 games, 8 goals), coming full circle with the club where it all started. He also represented Japan at under-20 level (6 games, 0 goals), laying the foundation for one of the most travelled careers of his generation.
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PlayThe medium player: Didier Deschamps
Born on 15 October 1968 in Bayonne, France, Didier Deschamps played as a defensive midfielder and built his career across Europe’s biggest clubs. From Olympique de Marseille (180 games, 14 goals) to Juventus FC (178 games, 4 goals), via FC Nantes (135 games, 8 goals) and Chelsea FC (47 games, 1 goal), he wrapped up at Girondins de Bordeaux (38 games, 4 goals): a packed career shaped by discipline and consistency.
With 103 caps and 4 goals for France, Deschamps stands as a central figure in French football. His longevity at the highest level, from Marseille to Turin via London, speaks to a career built on collective rigour and relentless standards.
The easy player: George Weah
Born on 1 October 1966 in Monrovia, Liberia, George Weah played as a forward and began his professional career at Invincible Eleven (23 games, 24 goals) before making his move to Europe. He went on to shine at AS Monaco (149 games, 66 goals), Paris Saint-Germain (138 games, 55 goals) and AC Milan (147 games, 58 goals), racking up goals across the continent with remarkable consistency.
Capped 75 times for Liberia and scoring 18 goals, Weah carried his nation’s football on his shoulders for an entire decade. He rounded off his playing days at Al-Jazira Club (38 games, 28 goals) before hanging up his boots for good.