It’s November 12th, and this day marks the birthdays of some famous footballing faces from past and present, including a Champions League winner and top-flight cult hero, a player who crossed the Milan divide and a current Republic of Ireland international.
So, here are Coral’s five that will be blowing out their candles today..
Benni McCarthy
Formerly of Dutch giants Ajax, Porto, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, South African cult hero McCarthy enjoyed plenty of success during his playing time, having most recently been contracted to Orlando Pirates in his homeland.
Although, it was at Porto that the all-time Bafana Bafana international marksman paved the way for a future switch to England, helping Jose Mourinho’s Portuguese side incredibly lift the 2004 Champions League trophy.
A move to Blackburn followed in 2006, where he enjoyed four seasons, becoming somewhat of a fan favourite at Ewood Park with 52 goals in 140 matches, before an indifferent year-long spell with the Hammers.
Martin O’Neill will hope his midfield maestro McCarthy lays off any extreme celebrations today, on the eve of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 play-off first leg battle with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Once international duty is completed, with Euro 2016 qualification hopefully secured, McCarthy will look to help guide Roberto Martinez’s Toffees climb further up the top flight table from their current ninth position.
Nedum Onuoha
This former England Under-21 international, now 28, may not have reached his full potential, after early signs of promise, having graduated from Manchester City’s academy.
With the influx of funds arriving at the club, Onuoha ultimately saw his career derailed, eventually endured a season-long loan with Sunderland, before switching to his current employers QPR.
Dario Simic
Before retiring, long-serving former Croatia international versatility player Simic returned to his boyhood club of Dinamo Zagreb to finish his career, featuring in three competitive games and then hanging up his boots.
The defender joined Inter Milan before the turn of the millennium for €11m, which was a Croatian transfer record back then, featuring alongside such stars as Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Diego Simeone and Christian Vieri.
Although, Simic soon did the unthinkable and crossed the city’s divide, signing for AC Milan 2002, where he went on to acquire an abundance of honours, including a Serie A title and no less than two Champions League crowns.
Ignazio Abate
From a former San Siro star to a current one. AC Milan and Italy international full back Abate, renowned for his ferocious pace and stamina, is currently in his 12th senior season with the Rossoneri.
The talented Serie A defender is a product of the club’s youth system, having been promoted to the first team back in 2003, and has since clinched a domestic league title and an Italian Super Cup. He is part of the current side hoping to rediscover past glories, after a recent decline, and Milan are 66/1 to win Serie A this term.
