the cult footballers
The Cult: Ronaldo
In his pomp, Ronaldo was a striker sent from heaven. His career took a steep downward trajectory, however, and he bowed out of football as a mortal much like the rest of us.
The Cult: Ledley King
Ledley King possessed immense footballing ability, but the sacrifices he made to wear a Spurs shirt each weekend are what elevate him to a place in The Cult.
The Cult: Jorge Campos
A colourful eccentric, Jorge Campos was a revolutionary in the world of goalkeeping. The Mexican was a legend inside his box – and often outside it, too.
The Cult: Alan Shearer
Our latest inductee to The Cult is an England goalscoring legend who was never more alive than during that sun-drenched summer of '96. Say what you like about Big Al, he knew how to bang.
The Cult: David Seaman
David Seaman was known as a rock between the sticks for club and country, but also for his powerful and career-spanning 'tash. More than mere facial hair, it served as a metaphor for the man himself.
The Cult: Fernando Torres
Ahead of Euro 2016 we're ushering four international football stars into The Cult. First up it's Spanish goalscoring conundrum Fernando Torres.
The Cult: Roberto Carlos
A tyrant of the left flank, Roberto Carlos also possessed an ability to defy gravity with his free-kicks. The Brazilian icon is our latest inductee to The Cult.
The Cult: Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy could be volatile both on and off the pitch, but he possesses a humanity missing from many of his contemporaries. The Welshman is our latest inductee to The Cult.
The Cult: Dennis Bergkamp
A legend for club and country, Dennis Bergkamp seemed capable of manipulating both time and space with effortless cool. The Dutchman is our latest inductee to The Cult.
The Cult: Rivaldo
For much of his illustrious career, Rivaldo deserved even more than he ultimately received. But this was inevitable: there is always a price when you do things your own way.
The Cult: Michael Owen
Once the brightest young hope in English football, now a pundit and expert in stating the obvious. Guess you should join The Cult, Michael Owen.
The Cult: Kelly Smith
England icon Kelly Smith has battled drink problems, serious injuries and her own introversion to become one of the most recognisable figures in the women's game. She's our latest inductee to The Cult.