Hao Haidong: China Greatest Marksman

Goalscoring in the Chinese Super League during the 2000s followed a familiar theme: foreigners dominated it. The media and fans were not immune to reminiscing about Hao Haidong, who finished in the top three on the scoring chart year after year. For when the Qingdao native was in his prime, it was a different story. … Read more

Rene Higuita: Colombia’s Goalscoring Goalkeeper – historyofsoccer.info

Goalkeeper Rene Higuita was an inspired, eccentric, and trailblazing player who played for several South American club teams and the Colombian national team. Although he is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers to wear the gloves in Colombia, he is best known for one thing and one thing only: his scorpion kick. The Scorpion Kick … Read more

Claudio Taffarel: One Of Brazil’s Greatest Goalkeepers

Brazilian soccer player Claudio Taffarel played as a goalkeeper. He played professional soccer for five clubs in Brazil and Europe during an 18-year career. His senior career began with Internacional in 1985, while his later clubs were Parma, Reggiana, Atlético Mineiro, and Galatasaray. After a second stint with Parma in Italy, his career ended in … Read more

Djamel Zidane: The Original Zidane From Algeria – History Of Soccer

Algerian soccer fans had their own Zidane, long before Zinedine Zidane burst onto the scene in France. Djamel Zidane was an inspiration to the illustrious Frenchman in his formative years. His Kabyle ancestry explains his two-footed appearance. A great deal like his French namesake, he is equally dangerous with the ball and equally comfortable in … Read more

Gabel Conejo: The Costa Rican Fan Favorite – historyofsoccer.info

The 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy was a tournament remembered more for tactical and defensive discipline than attacking flair. Yet, there was one side that managed to add some much-needed color to proceedings. Given little chance by the experts of making an impression on their first appearance in the competition, unfancied Costa Rica surprised … Read more