Athletes as Little Kids II: Soccer Edition

Remember our post from a few months back of four different baby pictures? That was definitely one of the most popular posts we’ve had so far. Today, I bring you child pictures of soccer stars. We covered NBA players last time, giving us the chance to make fun of Dwyane Wade’s lazy eye and Larry Bird’s homicidal tendencies. Now, we can laugh at some soccer stars. Click the thumbnails to see a larger picture.

Michael Ballack: Having spent some time in Germany, I realized that a good majority of the population looks like they could kick my ass. But Ballack’s picture from his childhood days shows a softer, more pansy Germany. Ballack has three kids so let’s hope he’s raising them to look a bit tougher than his parents did. Nevertheless, Ballack is a huge star. It’s too bad he’s struggled for much of the year in his debut season at Chelsea.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Who knew the kid that looked like a mobster would become one of the best soccer players in the world? In contrast to Ballack, little Ronaldo looks tough. It’s ironic to think that he’s turned out to be one of soccer’s biggest divers. His hair hasn’t changed much.

Ryan Giggs: Nice coat. I’m pretty sure Ryan Giggs hasn’t shaved since he took that baby picture. The scruffy Welsh winger plays across from Ronaldo in the Manchester United midfield. He’s been a part of the United team since 1990, where he’s made nearly 500 appearances and scored close to 100 goals. It’s a shame Giggs has never gotten a chance to play in the World Cup. Blame that on Wales sucking.

David Beckham: Before being worshipped by fans all over the world, Beckham was just another kid who liked English soccer. Since then, he’s been the country’s scapegoat/hero for the last 10 years. He was a villian in the 1998 World Cup, a hero in 2002, and past his prime in 2006.

Ronaldhino: All of the players mentioned so far are generally seen as icons for their looks and their skills. Ronaldhino can’t say the same thing. But as a kid, he wasn’t brutal to look at. Known for his skill and jacked teeth, young Gaucho didn’t have messed up teeth. But if I had a chance to be the world’s most popular athlete at the expense of dental work, I’d probably make the sacrifice.

Update: So apparently these pictures are just a few of a large compilation of soccer players as children over at Metric March. Check out a much larger list of your favorite footballers as kids here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).

Tagged as: Gossip, Soccer