Football's cult heroes

To be a footballing cult hero, you have to have something a little special...

Now that doesn't necessarily mean the best player, it can also mean the most stylish, charismatic, eccentric or memorable. With that in mind, sit back and enjoy this low-down of football's greatest characters…

Attilio Lombardo

This Italian playmaker was known for 2 things: His sublime skill and his big ol' baldy head. He soon became a cult figure for Sampdoria in the 90's, winning the Scudetto in 1991 and getting to the European Cup final the following year with the Genoa side. Inexplicably, he moved to perennial relegation/promotion fodder Crystal Palace in 1996, and after several highly entertaining years in England as a player-coach, he returned to his native Italy, achieving later success with Lazio.

Carlos Valderama

Another great player known for his hairstyle, this Colombian centre-half was the talisman and captain of the national team for over a decade. He played in 3 World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998, but more importantly he gave us all a good laugh with his mad perm-type thingy. Out of interest, has anyone ever seen Carlos and Sideshow Bob in the same room? I could be on to something…

Faustino Asprilla  

Another Colombian cult hero, Asprilla was a very skilful forward who was well known for his death-defying somersault of a goal celebration. He played in Italy for Parma and then in England for Newcastle United, but in keeping with his colourful personality he was often in trouble with the disciplinary committee…Currently plying his trade for mega-bucks in the Middle East.

Gabriel Batistuta

Or “The Angel Gabriel” as he's known in Florence, where the man is so revered they erected a bronze statue of him. No joke. In almost a decade playing for Fiorentina, the Argentine hit man scored more goals than any other player in the club's history and is largely responsible for Fiorentina's excellent domestic and European form in the mid and late nineties. Like Asprilla, is currently playing in the Middle East.

By: Patrick Duffy

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