Curated playlist
Real Madrid CF players
- Michael OwenBefore he turned twelve, footballer Michael Owen had broken Ian Rush's goalscoring record.
- Luka ModrićLuka Modrić grew up in a hotel car park after his grandfather was killed. He later won the 2018 Ballon d'Or.
- Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)Hours before the 1998 World Cup final, Ronaldo suffered a convulsive fit. He was dropped, then reinstated.
- Thibaut CourtoisThibaut Courtois began as a left back before coaches turned him into a goalkeeper.
- Davor ŠukerDavor Šuker won the 1998 World Cup Golden Boot in Croatia's first World Cup. He scored six goals in seven matches.
- Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo's mother wanted to abort him, but her doctor refused. He became football's top goalscorer.
- Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappé's famous arms-folded celebration was invented by his little brother.
- Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidane scored two headers from corners in the 1998 World Cup Final. France beat Brazil 3-0 in Paris.
- James RodríguezJames Rodríguez chested down a high ball and volleyed it in at the 2014 World Cup. It won the FIFA Puskás Award.
- Iker CasillasAs a child, goalkeeper Iker Casillas forgot to post his father's winning pool entry.
- Robert ProsinečkiRobert Prosinečki is the only player to score World Cup goals for two national teams.