When Manchester United faced Liverpool on October 1, 1995, the footballing world had its eyes on one man: Eric Cantona. The enigmatic Frenchman was making his long-awaited return from an eight-month suspension following his infamous "kung-fu kick" incident at Selhurst Park. As United hosted their fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, anticipation was electric. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but the story was all about Cantona's comeback.
October is a month that has gifted the world with some of the greatest footballers ever to grace the pitch. From mesmerizing dribblers to imperious defenders, the players born in this month have etched their names into footballing folklore. Here’s a look at the greatest XI of players born in October, featuring legends from different eras and corners of the world.
Some moments in football are destined to go down in history, and Wayne Rooney’s UEFA Champions League debut for Manchester United on 28 September 2004 was one such moment. At just 18 years old, Rooney delivered a performance that left fans in awe, announcing his arrival on the grandest European stage. Facing Turkish giants Fenerbahçe at Old Trafford, Rooney not only scored a hat-trick but also laid on an assist, leading United to a commanding 6–2 victory.
September 22, 2005, was a highly anticipated night for Jonathan Woodgate. After a year on the sidelines due to injury, he was finally set to make his Real Madrid debut against Athletic Club. Signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2004 for €13.4 million, Woodgate had a stellar reputation as one of the best defenders in England. However, his debut for Los Blancos turned into one of the most infamous in football history, featuring an own goal and a red card in a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In this post, we present the updated version of the football XI featuring legendary players whose surnames begin with the letter "B." With a mix of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and tactical brilliance, this team is built to dominate. Let’s dive into the revised lineup and formation.