Football Heroes Episodes 01-26 Synopses

WORLD WIDE ENTERTAINMENT SYNOPSES
ʻFOOTBALL HEROESʼ
ʻGet Ready for 2010…ʼ
World Cup 2010. A chance to reflect on some of our greatest footballers of our time.
Episode 1
Lionel Messi
This time on Football Heroes, we take a look at the young Argentine star dubbed the “next Maradonna”, and
follow his career from club football to international stardom. At only 17, and before he played a single game for
Barcelona, Messi debuted for Argentina in an under-20ʼs friendly match against Paraguay. In 2005 he led
Argentinaʼs under 20ʼs side to FIFAʼs Youth World Championship. The World Cup is known as the best
competition the world has to offer. In 2006, the young star helped Argentina advance all the way to Round 16.
With the 2010 World Cup approaching, can Lionel Messi lead his country to victory?
Episode 2
Cristiano Ronaldo
Born in Portugal and named after President Reagan, Ronaldo started showing glimpses of his talent at just three
years of age. Thirteen years later, Manchester United paid a transfer fee of 22.2 million Euros to bring him to the
worldʼs most famous club. His career with the “Red Devils” was rocky, however, with the star having to win back
the respect of the fans after some on-field incidents. He became the most expensive player in the history of the
game when Real Madrid bought his services for a rumoured 13 million Euros per year.
Episode 3
Ronaldo
Not to be confused with the young Portuguese star Christiano Ronaldo; Ronaldo Luis Mizzario Delemar, or
simply Ronaldo has wowed the football world with his superb ball control, mercurial finishing skills and winning
smile for over a decade. The Brazilian is a true icon of the game, winning FIFA World Player of the Year on three
occasions, and within the first day of signing with Real Madrid, his jersey sales broke all previous records. Yet
his career has had its trials, with numerous club changes and a longstanding knee injury hampering further
success.
Episode 4
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian soccer star developed his talent playing Futsal, the indoor version of the world game.
The young midfielder went on to play for Paris St Jerome in 1998 and followed that up with a blistering
performance in the FIFA World Cup, which in turn generated a lot of interest from clubs such as FC Barcelona
and Manchester United. Barcelona eventually won the bidding war, paying Ronaldinho 32.2 million Euro. He was
named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004. After five seasons, over 200 games and 95 goals for FC
Barcelona, Ronaldinho was off to Italy, in 2008, to play for A.C Milan.
Episode 5
Kaka
Winning of the FIFA Player of the Year award and part of Brazilʼs winning World Cup side in 2002, Kakaʼs clean
image has made him a worthy role model for young fans. He was spotted during a tournament in Sao Paulo,
Brazil at the age of eight by talent scouts and he joined the Sao Paulo junior team. At the age of 18 he mixed it
with the seniors. Kakaʼs form in Brazil interested the big leagues of Europe and in 2003 the young star signed
with AC Milan. He impressed that first year, ending with an average game score of 7.9, which has remained one
of the highest game scores ever recorded in a playerʼs first season.
Episode 6
Henry
Thierry Henry has a playing record that would turn any footballer green with envy. With a FIFA World Cup,
European Championship and UAFA Cup under his belt, as well as kicking hundreds of goals and playing for
some of the worldʼs greatest clubs, he knows what it takes to make it as an elite footballer. He got his start in the
world game without so much as a trial, as the Monaco scout was so impressed by his ball skills, he was recruited
on the spot. He was transferred to Arsenal after a frustrating year with Italy. After a slow start, Henryʼs boot took
the Gunners to the kind of glory they hadnʼt seen since the early 1990ʼs, culminating in two EPA titles
from 2001-2004.
Episode 7
Rooney
Itʼs a name that strikes fear into the heart of any defender he faces. Wayne Rooney has earned his reputation as
one of the gameʼs supreme forwards. Born in Liverpool in 1985, Wayne grew up in Croxton and supported local
club Everton Football Club. Even at an early age, his commitment and talent were clear, impressing football
scout Bob Pendleton. His career took off when he transferred to Manchester United in August 2004. He wore the
captainʼs armband for the first time in 2006, in a clash against FC Copenhagen. His habit for not only scoring
goals but assisting his team mates in scoring goals, shows a maturity and a sportsmanship beyond his years.
Episode 8
Lampard
Frank James Lampard fought the weight of expectation before heʼd even played a game of football, due to his
father Frank Snr, a talented footballer and coach. Frank Junior transferred to Chelsea and in 2004, his talent
really began to blossom, helping his team to its first win of the league cup in fifty years. Lampard was the clubʼs
highest goal scorer with 13 goals for the season. His international career began in 1997 when he made his debut
against Greece with the Under 21ʼs squad. Since then, despite being overlooked for the World Cup in 2002, he
has figured in the 2006 World Cup, but an inability to score in big matches brought him under intense scrutiny
from English fans.
Episode 9
Drogba
Didya Drogba faced the kind of childhood challenges that few of us can relate to, but that didnʼt stop him from
developing his football skills with the help of his uncle. After scoring 17 goals in 34 games in a local league, he
caught the eye of a scout from Marseilles and joined the team in 2003. From there, the sky should have been the
limit, if it werenʼt for a leg injury before the UEFA Cup. Twenty-six million Euros was the transfer fee to take
Drogba to Chelsea, and the chance to play in the English Premier League. But injury would delay his career yet
again, and after returning to the side he found it difficult to regain form. However, he finished the season with
sixteen goals from 40 games, a more than acceptable return for the clubʼs investment.
Episode 10
Owen
Currently playing for EPL club Manchester United, Michael Owen has been scoring goals on a regular basis for a
decade. His sharp pace and deadly strikes have seen him mix it with some of the best footballers on the planet.
From an early age it was evident that he had what it took, and while still in high school, scored a staggering 79
goals in a single season, breaking his own record and making headlines in the process. His rise the top still
continues to inspire the local children in his hometown of Chester, England. After eight successful years with
Liverpool, he transferred to Real Madrid in 2004, but he struggled to shine in Spain, with so many stars in the
team, including Beckham and Zidane.
Episode 11
Beckham
The most recognized footballer on the planet has played for some of the worldʼs most famous clubs. The son of
two fanatical Man U supporters, his talent was spotted at an early age, and although he dreamed of beginning
his career at Old Trafford it was the Tottenham Spurs who first took an interest in the young superstar. Man U
signed him as a trainee at age 16, and his dream of becoming a Red Devil finally realized. Between 1995 and
2003 the club had a run of success that has yet to be equalled in league history. But tensions between Beckham
and coach Alex Ferguson were at boiling point, and Beckham signed with Spanish club Real Madrid, a move that
would see more trouble in his personal life than on the field.
Episode 12
Ballack
Six foot two in socks, Michael Ballackʼs impressive height makes him an imposing figure to rival teams. But itʼs
his team work and skill in the midfield that has charmed fans and coaches throughout his career. In 2002 he
signed with German team Munchen Ev, helping take them to a flag his first year. The next year the club suffered
a premiership hangover, and Michael had his worst return in three years – just nine goals for the season. But
both he and the club found top gear in2004/05, winning the double for the second time in three seasons. The
following year the talented midfielder sought greener pastures elsewhere, signing with English Premier League
team Chelsea.
Episode 13
Van Nistelrooy
Dutch footballer Rood Van Nistelrooy has played for five top sides in his career, but surprisingly, has only ever
competed in the World Cup once. His skill as a striker has seen him play for such celebrated clubs as
Manchester United, and Real
Madrid. After winning the Dutch Player of the Year award for 31 goals in 34 matches, Van Nistelrooy was sighed
to Manchester United in April 2001, following a fight-back from a debilitating knee injury. It didnʼt take long for
him to settle into his new club, scoring 23 goals in his first season. In 2006 he left the famous club to join Real
Madrid, amid rumours of personality clashes with both manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and
team mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Episode 14
Pele
Pele is a name recognized throughout the world, not only by fanatical football fans, but also those with a passing
interest in the game. A national hero in his native Brazil, he earned the nickname “the king” because of his
amazing exploits on the field. Before he grew to prominence on the field, he lived in poverty in San Paolo, and
worked in tea shops to earn money to help his family. His talent was noticed early on, and he made his debut for
Santos at the age of 15. His most prolific year came in 1958 with a staggering 66 goals to his name. There was
no shortage of clubs eager to sign the young star, but in the end Pele stayed loyal to his first team Santos.
However, he was lured out of retirement to join the US team Cosmos, not only because of the paycheck, but a
desire to learn the English language.
Episode 15
Zidane
Arguably the best player ever to have come out of France, Zinidine Zidane - or Zizou as he is called
affectionately by fans - enjoyed an epic career spanning two decades. On the field he was a general, leading his
troops by example. Off the field he was and still is a devoted family man, and dedicated to charity work. Number
One recruit for Italian club Uventis, he made 151 appearances, scoring 24 times, and helped them to six titles. It
was only a matter of time before he got the call from Spanish super club Real Madrid, the club paying a massive
78 million Euros for his services. A highlight of his international career was the 1998 World Cup Final, where
France beat the favorites, Brazil, in a 3-Nil whitewash, two of those goals coming from Zizou himself, meaning
that he single handily won France itʼs first World Cup.
Episode 16
Maradona
Arguably the best, certainly the most well-known South American soccer star, Diego Maradona made his debut
on the 20th October 1976, ten days before his sixteenth birthday. Two of his brothers also became professional
football players but it would be Diego who would impress talent scouts with his skills at an early age. He was
selected to play for Argentina in the 1982 World Cup, which in turn lead him to Spanish club Barcelona. After
disputes with officials couldnʼt be settled he demanded to be transferred, and was bought by Italian club Napoli
for a record fee of 6.9 million pounds, and it was here that the Argentineanʼs talent really came to the fore. He
helped the club to its most successful period in itʼs history, becoming a club icon.
Episode 17
Figo
Though his transfer from Barcelona FC to Real Madrid was considered one of the most controversial decisions
of recent history, Louis Figo has taken things in his stride, refusing to get caught up in the hype. He started his
club career at Barcelona in 1995, and played a crucial role in the clubʼs run of success between 1996 and 1999,
including the Spanish Super Cup and EUAFA Super Cup. Then after appearing 249 times and scoring 47 for
Barcelona, he left the club via a transfer that shook the Spanish league to itʼs foundations.
Episode 18
Best
His legacy lives in the saying “Maradona, good; Pele, better; George Best”. Known mainly for his eleven year
with the most famous club in the world - Manchester United - Best played for over 15 clubs in his 21 year career.
The Irish midfielder earned his reputation as one of the stars of the game, as much for his rock ʼnʼ roll lifestyle
and good looks as for his speed, ball-handling and prolific goal-scoring. Unfortunately, an addiction to alcohol
would inevitably be his undoing, first causing a decline in his career, and finally resulting in his death.
Episode 19
Charlton
Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton is one of the most esteemed and respected footballers of all time. As a midfielder he
was feared by opponents for his attacking instincts, and dangerous long-line shots. Playing for Manchester
United he found himself considered a veteran at the age of just 20 after the Munich air disaster in 1958, which
decimated the club when eight of its players were killed. New coach Matt Busby would rebuild the team in the
next decade, and “Busbyʼs Babes”, George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, became fan favorites and an
inspiration to the team.
Episode 20
Ferguson
The football worldʼs most famous club has been steered since 1986 by the talented and capable Sir Alex
Ferguson. The second longest running coach of Manchester United, Ferguson wasnʼt the popular choice to take
over the reins from a succession of less successful leaders, but he soon changed minds, and brought to the club
a host of new talent including Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantana and perhaps the most famous footballer in Britain
– David Beckham.
Episode 21
Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbaur is regarded is one of the greatest footballers to have ever come out of Germany. Renown as
the player who reinvented the position of “sweeper”, the superstar played for his country on 103 occasions, and
is also the only player to have captained his country to three European cups. In a career that spanned more than
two decades, he is recognized as one of the most influential players of the world game. He was also among the
great thinkers of the game, his tactics revolutionizing the way a “central defender” or sweeper, is played.
Episode 22
Barthez
French footballer Fabian Barthez built a strong reputation over a long and successful career. Despite his father
wanting him to play rugby, Barthez knew where his heart – and talent – lay, and instead joined Toulouse FC.
After some time with French clubs in the minor leagues, he transferred to Manchester United for a fee of 7.8
million pounds; such was his flair as goalkeeper. The Man U fans held great hopes for the new recruit, and he
repaid their faith with a hugely successful first year, quickly becoming a crowd favorite. As far as playing for his
country went, Barthez helped France to their first World Cup in 1998.
Episode 23
Etoʼo
Samuel Etoʼo is one of Africaʼs most exciting football exports. Scoring more than 100 goals in five seasons with
FC Barcelona, he was also part of the squad that won the 2000 Olympic tournament. He currently plays for
Italian club De Nationale. A long way from his humble beginnings in Cameroon, indeed! He has participated in
two World Cups and five African Nations Cups, winning two; and remains Africaʼs most decorated and revered
player.
Episode 24
Tevez
The courage and poise of the Manchester forward have earned him accolades from the gameʼs greats, such as
Diego Maradona. He has enjoyed great success at both club and international level, earning an impressive tally
of individual honors along the way. Nicknamed “The Apache” for the Argentine neighborhood where he grew up,
Carlos Tevez was born into a poor area, but his talent on the football field has given him a ticket to fame and
wealth that will ensure he never again lives in poverty.
Episode 25
Kahn
The royal title of King Kahn was fitting for the formidable stature of Oliver Kahn, the German goalkeeper who
finished a distinguished career when he retired in 2008. He made his professional debut in 1987, and it wasnʼt
long before he established himself as a quality keeper, possessing an uncanny ability to save penalty kicks, and
his imposing frame and style of play intimidated opposing forwards. By the end of the ʻ98/ʼ98 season, he was
considered the best goalkeeper in the Bundersleague.
Episode 26
Rivaldo
Football fame and glory must have seemed a world away for Brazilian Rivaldo, who was born into extreme
poverty in his hometown of Paulista. His natural talent led to his being signed with his local club, but the officials
there thought his poor health (due to malnutrition) would hold him back from the type of career his talent
promised. After years of being shuffled from club to club, Rivaldo settled in at FC Barcelona in 1997, where he
spent five years building a solid name and reputation; ensuring he would never again want for the essentials in
life.