The beautiful game can bring out all forms of emotion, ones that are normally locked deep down and are only revealed because of the rollercoaster journey football can take you on.
Whether it’s pure euphoria, or dejection, these 16 football photos just about have it all…
Materazzi & Rui Costa
AC Milan vs Inter Milan, is there a more hostile derby? With all the crowd trouble, both Marco Materazzi and Rui Costa showed that football is more important than the rivalry with this iconic image. Source: Gazzetta
David Seaman and Gareth Southgate
Pure heartbreak for Gareth Southgate and England in 1996. But, who better to pick you up than the legend, David Seaman, in the best footballing attire the game has seen. It's a shame Southgate couldn't return the favour in 2002 ?. Source: Telegraph
Andres Escobar
What a terrible story this one is. When poor Colombian defender, Andres Escobar, scored an own-goal in the 1994 World Cup. It was sadly to be his last contribution to football, as the player was tragically murdered after the goal kicked Colombia out the tournament. Source: Aljazeera
Dani Alvez
What a brilliant way for the Barcelona man to respond to those bastards who try and ruin the beautiful game. Alvez gesture in eating the banana thrown by a Villarreal supporter, led to a viral social media campaign 'We Are All Monkeys'. Brilliant from the Brazilian. Source: Ytimg
David Beckham 1.0
Oh wow, what a moment for England fans. Following Beckham's tragic 1998 World Cup, getting sent-off against Argentina, and then being put on the chopping board back in England. *That* free-kick at Old Trafford against Greece, was probably the captain's finest moment in an England shirt. Source: EuroSport
João Havelange and General Videla
This photo turns my stomach. FIFA President, João Havelange, joined by head of the Argentine military, General Videla (with the moustache). The two were associates and a reason why Argentina was awarded with hosting the World Cup in 1978. This was during a period where concentration camps were held just a couple of miles from stadiums, all under the control of Videla. Source: NRC
Materazzi and Zanetti fighting for Henry’s shirt
Oh Christ, to have two legends of the game, Marco Materazzi and Javier Zanetti fight over your shirt, just highlights how good Thierry Henry was. A brilliant, brilliant player. Source: PinInterest
Chelsea reaction
One word: John Terry. *That* slip in the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United, did this to his fellow teammates. The personalities are interesting, from Anelka not really giving a shit, to Frank Lampard, trying to act the rock as usual for his fellow teammates. Source: Reddit
Oliver Kahn and Santi Canizares
Not that we need to reaffirm how much of a legend Oliver Khan is. But, this photo just about sums it up in one shot. Before the German even cracked a smile after winning the Champions League for Bayern Munich, the 'keeper consolidated Santi Canizares straight away. Source: YouTube
The Birth of the Trio
Currently three of the greatest managers in the world. Once all mates working together, now meticulous enemies, going head-to-head. Source: The Sun
Alexis Sanchez
Ok, this photo isn't 'defining'. But, it's still one of the coolest pictures in football. First class profile picture for Alexis, right there. Source: The Telegraph
David Beckham 2.0
From one photo of euphoria, to one of the end. This image just encapsulates how the game can break anyone. David Beckham in his last professional game for PSG, was spine tingling stuff. Whatever your nationality, whatever your club, you can not deny that Becks is nothing but a legend within football. Source: You Tube
Roy Keane
If anyone was in doubt about how much of a thug Roy Keane is, the tackle on Alf-Inge Håland, followed by the United's skipper reaction just proves what sort of bloke he is. Not welcome here, Roy. Source: Daily Mail
Frank Rijkaard spit
For such a legend, what was Rijkaard thinking? A terrible moment in the Dutchman's career. Source: Egpwallace
Luis Figo
If you can't comprehend the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, this photo of Luis Figo sums up the hatred. In Mafia-esque fasion, the Barca fans threw a pig's head at the Portuguese winger. Christ. Source: Sky Sports
Zinedine Zidane
Yes, we could have included the head-butt. But, who wants to remember the great Frenchman in a negative light. The Real Madrid superstar's contribution to the game was second to none from midfield, and this special goal in the Champions League final was one of his best. Source: You Tube
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