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The Football Faithful’s Advent Calendar: December 20th

There are now only five – yes five – days until Christmas.

This means that we are approaching the conclusion of our Advent Calendar. But have no fear; there are still plenty of facts, stats and anecdotes to come!

Shirt Number: 20

Dele Alli was a teenage sensation for Tottenham Hotspur all while adorning the number 20 on the back of his shirt.

The MK Dons academy product was Europe’s hottest prospect and was the recipient of the PFA Young Player of the Season Award in 2016 and 2017.

However, a mixture of injuries and personal factors contributed to Dele’s fall from grace and he hasn’t played football for over a year. But a redemption arc may be on the cards. The 28-year-old is due to start training with Italian outfit Como, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas.

Everyone in football would love to see Dele ripping up defences once again.

Remember when @dele_official did THIS?! 🤯#GoalOfTheDay @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/EWiILIgtum

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 19, 2019

Robin van Persie also provided some magical moments with the number 20.

The Dutchman signed for Manchester United back in 2012 in a contentious move from Arsenal. In his first season with the club, he won the Golden Boot as the Red Devils won their 20th top-flight title.

“Well No.10, the number itself is nicer than 20…but it’s the story with it that makes it special,” Van Persie said when asked about his favourite shirt number.

“I will go for 20 because that story has more impact.”

That title would be Sir Alex Ferguson’s last campaign with the club and the Scotsman had his number 20 to thank for making it a successful one.

A move to @ManUtd that led to a Golden Boot in a #PL title-winning season 🔴@Persie_Official also scored a few special goals along the way… pic.twitter.com/mT0Thet8SK

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 17, 2023

Game on this Day: Longest Penalty Shootout in History

On this day in 2009, there was a painstakingly long spot-kick showdown in South America.

Argentinian teams Juventud Alianza and General Paz Juniors were battling it out in the qualifying round of the Apertura (opening Championship) for the Ronda Final.

Paz Juniors won the first leg 2-1 before Alianza levelled the scores on aggregate in the second leg.

A penalty shootout decided the fate of the two teams, but no one could have expected what would ensue. A bewildering 41 penalties were netted and remarkably only one was missed.

With the shootout finely poised at 20-20 Paz Juniors goalkeeper Marcos De Tobillas denied Johnny Ruiz. It was then the stopper’s turn to take the penalty, which he converted to seal General Paz Juniors’ progression – outrageous scenes.

Footballer Born on this Day: Kylian Mbappe

One of the world’s greatest players, Kylian Mbappe, turns 26 years old today.

It feels just like yesterday we were watching the fresh-faced teenager burst onto the scene at AS Monaco.

Fast forward almost a decade later and he has a World Cup to his name, a World Cup final hat-trick and seven Ligue 1 titles.

Mbappe is the man for the big occasion for his nation and his heroics saw Didier Deschamps name him as the captain of Les Blues earlier this year.

Now 26, the Frenchman is entering his prime and he will be trying to get his hands on a Champions League title that so far has proved elusive.

A child’s dream came true 🇫🇷🎂

Happy Birthday Kylian Mbappe! ✨ pic.twitter.com/dHp1hwonZK

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 19, 2024

Ashley Cole is also celebrating his 44th birthday today. Cole is largely recognised as one of the greatest left-backs in football history.

The Englishman made the controversial switch from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006, having formed part of the Gunners ‘Invincible Season’ two years previous.

He lifted the Champions League with the Blues and is the sixth most-capped Englishman of all-time with 107 appearances for his country. Cole also holds the record for most FA Cup wins, having lifted the trophy seven times across his spells with the London rivals.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen will be blowing out 28 birthday candles today while Arsenal’s Jorginho and Newcastle’s Swiss centre-half Fabian Schar are now 33.

Stat: A bubble bath at half-time?

A sending-off in football is colloquially known as an ‘early bath.’ But have you ever heard of a footballer self-inducing the punishment? Well, Leicester City player Keith Weller did just that on this day in 1974.

The Foxes were on a poor run of form having lost their last seven games on the trot when they welcomed Ipswich Town to Filbert Street. In the weeks prior, Weller had put a transfer request in, which was denied, and the home crowd were starting to get on his back.

After arguing with a teammate in the tunnel at half-time, Weller had come to his wit’s end. He ran himself a relaxing bath and refused to come out for the second period.

This act of defiance earned him a fine from the club but he did get his wish granted as he was placed on the transfer list. However, after an honest discussion, Weller’s foolishness was forgiven, and he remained with the club for another four years. Let bygones be bygones.