Top Ten Musical Footballers

John Barnes - 
World in Motion
Perhaps an obvious choice but that's probably because its the only genuinely good football song out there, Barnes raps his way in to football folklore with a glorious 40 second interlude. The rap off contest in the England squad saw Barnes given the honour over fellow musical footballs Chris Waddle and Paul Gascoigne (who both had glittering music careers)



Barnes 2nd essential work comes on 1988 Liverpool FA Cup final work the Anfield Rap, where he proclaims that he is set to show us "some serious rapping", before bizarrely changing his name to "Barnez"  For being the only man to rap slower than he actually speaks Barnes gets the number one vote.

Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle

Many people will only appreciate Waddle and Hoddles work on hit single Diamond Lights, but their underrated follow up single “Its Goodbye” (which was shelved after Waddle moved to Marseille) and Waddles subsequent work on the continent with Marseille team mate Basile Boli is also worthy of a mention.

Paul Gascoigne

Gazza may only be known to younger football fans as the man who tried to enter negotiations with gunman Raoul Moat, but, to fans who saw Gascoigne play he was a true football genius. His ability to adapt to a strange Geordie rapping style of music also earned him many admirers in the music community. His best known work came with his cover of Lindisfarnes Fog On the Tyne. But lesser known hit Geordie Boys is certainly worthy of a mention.

Toni Polster

Austrian football legend Toni Polster is perhaps best remembered by myself for breaking Cameroon hearts in the 1998 World Cup with a dramatic late equaliser in their 1-1 draw. Cameroon fans should not despair just yet though as Polster has had a glittering pop music career since. With styles ranging from Pop to heavy metal, Polster continues to this day to write hits including this “Reggae” version of his classic “Walk on Toni”.

Igor Stimac

Derby County cult hero Igor Stimac was part of the Croatia side which reached the World Cup Semi Finals in 1998, what is less well known is that he also spent 6 weeks at number one with his hit single “Mare i Kate” (In Croatia of course)

Kevin Keegan

Keegan of course will be best remember for his footballing ability and his bizzare “I woul’d love it…” rant, but, he also released a ‘delightful’ pop hit in “Head Over Heels in Love” Apparently there was an whole album, but I’d guess if this was the main single then it’s probably not worth finding out!

Andy Cole

Coles was at the top of his game for Manchester United in the late 90s, a treble winner in 1999, people asked what can he do to better this? A rapping career perhaps? Coles sole hit Outstanding proved that maybe footballers should stick to what they know best. The inevitable ‘Cole’ and ‘Goal’ ryhme possibly even led to Sir Alex Fergusson shipping the striker out to Blackburn a year later.

Ian Wright

Ian Wright ; great goalscorer? Yes. Dance music hero? Hmmm maybe, certainly not the worst effort on this list.

Ossie Ardilles

Though Ossie could barely speak broken English at the time he was to play a pivotal role in both Spurs charge to the FA Cup final and also, Chas and Daves well known Spurs final song that follows. His single line in the song of “Win the cup for Totting-ham” sees him nominated in this list

Alan Shearer

Shearer narrowily pips the Scotland National teams who had efforts such as “Ally Army” into the top 10 with this cover of Lionel Richies All Night Long.