Rough, rugged and raw: A look at the scariest footballers ever

In the world of football, there are players for whom it is worth paying a ticket, but then there are the so-called stonemasons of football... Those legendary players who make up for their lack of quality with aggressive strategies to scare off their rivals. Let's take a look at some of the scariest players to ever step on a pitch.

One of the most iconic footballers capable of imposing fear upon their rivals was Vinnie Jones. Born in Watford (1965), the British footballer became notorious for his countless ways of intimidating and harassing rivals. He then became a renowned actor, starring in big Guy Ritchie films. Nevertheless, he will always be remembered for his 'dirty grip' on Paul Gascoigne.

The infamous Manchester United captain was all grit and pride, but he did not mess around on the pitch. Ask Alf-Inge Haaland, father of Erling Haaland, whom he waited for months, after injuring his knee, to take his revenge and remove him from professional football entirely.

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The Italian midfielder lived games with raw intensity! The Milan legend would not only shout at rivals and referees, but also his teammates when he felt they could do better on the pitch.

The notorious former Real Madrid defender made history at the Bernabeu thanks to his relentless defense. Adored by 'Madridistas', feared by rivals. If he was going down, he was taking his opponent down with him, by any means necessary.

Sergio Ramos, Pepe's partner in crime for years. To many, Ramos is the 'eternal captain of Real Madrid' and till today he holds the red card record in La Liga. He was rough, raw, and rugged, defending his rivals like no other.

Arguably one of the most controversial players in European football, Marco Materazzi went down as a true stonemason. He will always be remembered for the headbutt that Zidane gave him in the 2006 World Cup final after the Italian mentioned the Frenchman's sister. Textbook trash-talking.

Javi Navarro was the embodiment of 'Rock 'n' Roll' football. The legendary Sevilla player is remembered for a brutal foul over Arango, for which Diego Armando Maradona asked for a prison sentence for the Sevilla center-back.

Javi Navarro's partner in crime, Alfaro was a no-nonsense centerback. Although he looked slow and old, he was never out of position. He would defend his line by any means necessary!

At the age of 21, young Tony Adams was leading Arsenal to big titles. He was a natural leader and would make his presence known on the pitch. Adams was also sentenced to prison for driving under the influence of alcohol.

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The Dutch defender is remembered for his dirty chest kick during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. De Jong went studs up on Xabi Alonso, and he only saw a yellow!

The 191 cm Dutch defender would scare off his rivals with his presence. Stam was a striker's nightmare...

This Scottish midfielder admitted that he shaved his head to intimidate his rivals, and the trick worked! He would make his rivals very uncomfortable whenever he was around.

The Dutch defensive midfielder was an attackdog who would not let go of his rival until he took the ball from him or saw him on the ground.

The Bayern Munich legend was one of the most charismatic goalies in the history of football. He would spend the entire game shouting at rivals and teammates, but luckily the goal kept him rooted in the six-yard box.

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