Greetings everyone...I'm working on a project focusing on the lack of socer in US media. I am planning to use pictures of about 20 world soccer stars who are highly recognizeable almost anywhere in the world, except here in the states. I have a few ideas of who to use, but most are European...any ideas on world football stars to add in to my project? Thank you in advance!
Know what would be interesting to find out, but I'm not sure you could get your hands on it? Sport's stars' or soccer star's 'Q-rating' or something similar to that. In the media tv types, celebrities and I imagine public figures like sports star's have a rating, frequently called a Q-rating which is used by companies and advertisers to gauge a person's name recognition. You might be able to do a search for those types of lists and come up with something a little more academic. Beyond that, if you're scouring for names that you don't know, you're kind of defeating the purpose of your project. Also, you might want to touch on the historical statement that Pele is/was better known globably than Jesus Christ, probably wouldn't be that hard to find some sort of academic analysis on that. Best of luck.
There are quite a few big media names who aren't European. Consider, for example: George Weah (yes, he's retired, but he's still extremely famous) Gabriel Batistuta Jose Luis Chilavert Hidetoshi Nakata Jay-Jay Okocha Ronaldinho Alvaro Recoba Among Europeans, I think Edgar Davids is a must, because his appearance on the field is so distinctive. You might want to throw in a Mexican or two, because this is the United States after all. Luis Hernandez is instantly recognized in Mexico. Also, an American star or two: Landon Donovan? DaMarcus Beasley? Or perhaps one of those American players who are instantly recognized almost anywhere in Europe - any of the Big Three keepers, of course.
Hell, I wouldn't reckognize 80% of those household name guys from a picture. And I wouldn't be too fast in assuming 'every' football fan throughout the world is much different from me in this aspect.
Thanks for the replies so far! I was thinking about guys like: Van Nistlerooy Wayne Rooney Figo Zidane Totti (Since they all were headliners from Euro 2004 and all) Good ideas with going old school...I'm definitely going to put DaMarcus and Donovan in there as well. Being in Columbus and all, and being a Crew fan, I'll definitely throw in Cunningham and maybe Buddle....and since he's American and the reigning best keeper in EPL, Howard will earn a spot too... Anyone think of any big name African players to add on?
He is argueably much better known that any other American soccer player, including DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan. Howard has been recently profiled in ESPN the Magazine and Sports Illustrated with 60 Minutes doing one on him right now. Roger Milla and George Weah are probably the two biggest African players. I'm suprised Real Madrid's David Beckham and Ronaldo were left out. As for Italian players, I'd add Roberto Baggio.
I was thinking of Beasley, Donovan and other MLS guys because they should be known here in the States...they are some of the young representatives of our country in the world's most popular game...but sadly, they can probably walk into many a shopping mall completely unnoticed. But anyhow...I think I have plenty to go on. Thank you to everyone who posted , you've been a great help!