Welcome back to our football advent calendar, with all of the festive footy facts on the lead-up to Christmas.
Has your Christmas tree got ‘ball-bles’ on? Will you be singing Andy ‘Carols’?
Ok, we’ll see ourselves out.
The Football Faithful’s Advent Calendar: December 7th
Shirt Number: 7
Some absolute icons of the beautiful game have adorned the number 7 shirt at Manchester United.
The first player to popularise the number was George Best. The Northern Irishman is largely considered to be the greatest player of his generation.
David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most famous players of all time and they made their name with the number seven on their backs.
Before them, there was a royalty wearing the number 7, King Eric Cantona. The Frenchman terrorised opposition defenders, and occasionally fans, for fun during his five years with the Red Devils.
“Just a genius”
Relive Eric Cantona’s finest #PL moments as former players explain why they picked him for the #PLHallOfFame pic.twitter.com/y1jR0LACWs
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2021
We mustn’t forget Bryan Robison, who was voted as United’s greatest ever player in a poll of their former players in 2011.
But the lucky number hasn’t always brought good fortune.
Angel Di Maria was given the number after a £59.7 million move back in 2014 but it’s safe to say the winger flopped.
Alexis Sanchez’s time at United also didn’t go according to plan. An uninspiring goal return of five in 45 appearances was hugely disappointing and the forward admitted he wanted to leave the club after his first training session.
Memphis Depay failed to live up to the hype at Old Trafford and Liverpool legend Michael Owen’s United career was plagued by injuries.
The current occupant of the shirt is Mason Mount. Injuries have held him back from settling in but Ruben Amorim is affording him some chances to make an impression.
Goal on this Day: Son and Suarez’s Puskas Nominated Goals
There must have been something in the water on the 7th of December 2019 as two phenomenal goals were scored in Europe.
Heung-min Son’s lung-busting solo effort for Tottenham against Burnley was crowned winner of the FIFAS Puskas Award in the 2020 ceremony.
The South Korean picked up possession on the edge of his own box before running the length of the pitch, leaving the majority of the Burnley team in the dust before slotting past Nick Pope.
Son Heung-min v Burnley, 2019. Stunning 🤩 pic.twitter.com/kuTPecHOIL
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 8, 2024
Son’s goal was up against a cheeky effort from Luis Suarez for the Puskas Award.
The Uruguayan was still at the peak of his powers when Barcelona welcomed Mallorca to Camp Nou.
After Frenkie de Jong fed him the ball Suarez performed a wonderfully inventive back-heel that he somehow managed to elevate.
The former Liverpool striker was a true entertainer but Son’s goal deservedly won the award just for the sheer athleticism.
Footballer Born on this Day: John Terry
44 years ago in Barking, Greater London, a future Premier League title-winning captain was welcomed into the world.
John Terry spent 19 years at Chelsea where he made nearly 500 appearances and lifted countless trophies.
Terry captained the Blues to five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Europa League and their first-ever Champions League. Not a bad collection.
He made history as the first captain to lift the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium and the first player to score an international goal under the arch with a header against Brazil.
🔵 John Terry. @ChelseaFC warrior 👊#TBT | @JohnTerry26 | #UCL pic.twitter.com/jlKTU3iurS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 11, 2021
The defender was a prime example of what is now a dying breed of player. He was brave, tenacious and fearless and would do whatever he could to get his body in the way, no matter the cost.
Since retiring in 2018, Terry has delved into coaching having been a part of Dean Smith’s backroom staff at Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Captain. Leader. Legend.
Stat: Last Ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park
The hallowed turf of Goodison Park is set to host its 119th and last Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool today.
The local rivals have each won 41 games at the stadium with the first encounter being played way back in 1894.
The Merseyside Derby… you just know we’re dusting this off 🤝🤪 pic.twitter.com/zruAKdTu0s
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) December 6, 2024
The Toffees new home at Bramley-Moore Dock is nearing completion and they will say goodbye to one of English football’s most distinguished ampitheatres next summer.
Admittedly, there is a small chance Everton could draw Liverpool in the FA Cup and today’s game ends up being the penultimate showdown.
Let’s just hope Storm Darragh doesn’t disrupt it, eh?
Read – 5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶
See more – Premier League Awards – Incredible Iwobi, Title race twist
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