When it comes to assembling an all-time XI, it’s always an exciting challenge to explore players from the same birth year. Here, we focus on a lineup of footballers born in 1985, a year that produced a range of exceptional talent across the globe. This team is built on a blend of experience, versatility, and star power, highlighted by iconic figures who left a significant mark on world football.
The 1998/99 PFA Team of the Season encapsulated the best of Premier League football. It was a year defined by Manchester United’s treble, but players from across the league contributed moments of brilliance that shaped the season. From the defensive solidity of Sol Campbell and Jaap Stam to the attacking flair of David Ginola and Nicolas Anelka, this team was packed with talent that would go on to define an era of English football.
The legacy of this team endures, as many of these players became icons of the sport. Whether it was through their leadership, creativity, or goal-scoring prowess, each member of the 1998/99 PFA Team of the Season left an indelible mark on the history of the Premier League.
Romário’s hat-trick against Real Sociedad remains one of the greatest debuts of all time. It was a perfect introduction, showcasing everything he would bring to Barcelona: goals, magic, and the joy of football. In just 90 minutes, Romário had gone from a new signing to a Camp Nou hero, etching his name into the storied history of one of the world’s most iconic clubs. The Brazilian maestro had arrived, and he made sure the world knew it.
In the storied history of English football, few managerial reigns have been as short and tumultuous as that of Sam Allardyce. Known affectionately as "Big Sam," Allardyce's tenure at the helm of the England national team lasted just 67 days, making it the shortest in history. His reign began with a sense of optimism, but it ended almost as quickly as it started, with controversy overshadowing his lone game in charge—a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4, 2016. Let's revisit that match, which turned out to be both his debut and his swan song as England's manager.
Football is not just a game; it’s a feeling, a series of moments that leave fans breathless and yearning for more. On September 3, 2003, one such moment unfolded at the iconic Camp Nou, a moment that would forever be etched into the memories of FC Barcelona supporters. That night, Ronaldinho, the club’s new Brazilian signing, introduced himself to the Barça faithful in spectacular fashion, scoring an incredible goal that signaled the beginning of a new era for the Catalan giants.