Who are the best flat-footed soccer players in the history of the game?

Who are the best flat-footed soccer players in the history of the game?

Grace Waruguru
April 10, 2024 at 11:35 AM
In this article:
L. Figo
-MPortugal logo
David Beckham logo
D. Beckham
-MEngland logo
Karim Benzema logo
K.Benzema
Al-Ittihad Club logoFFrance logo
Diogo Costa logo
D. Costa
FC Porto logoGPortugal logo

Who are the best flat-footed soccer players ever? Footballers primarily depend on their feet for their play and performance, so they must always be in the best condition. Sports Brief reveals some of the best players who have flat feet and their profile.

David Beckam, Diego Costa, Karim Benzema
David Beckam (L), Diego Costa (C), and Karim Benzema (R) are some of the best flat-footed football players. Photo: @davidbeckham, @diego.costa, @karimbenzema (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Table of Сontents:

Do soccer players have flat feet? The condition means that the arches of your feet are naturally lower than the norm. When you apply pressure to the feet, they appear flatter than others. However, the condition is not life-threatening and does not adversely affect athletes' performance.

The best flat-footed soccer players

Are there any flat-footed soccer players? According to medical experts, some children outgrow flat feet by six. However, those who do not outlive it learn to cope with it, which has been made possible by specialized cleats designed by various companies.

Can you play soccer with flat feet?

Does a flat foot affect soccer? Flat feet are a common phenomenon among soccer players. Thankfully, the condition has not stopped them from becoming the best. The players might occasionally suffer discomfort, aches, and pains, but specialists have designed insoles to manage the condition.

So, which soccer players have flat feet? Here is a list of the best flat-footed soccer players compiled from various online sources, such as SoccerPrime and Soccer Blade.

Luis Figo

Luis Figo at the Laureus World Sports Awards
Luis Figo looks at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 nominations announcement at Real Casa de Correos on February 26, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Angel Martinez
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo
  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Date of birth: November 4th, 1972
  • Teams: Sporting CP, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona

Luis Figo is one of the familiar flat-footed soccer players' names. The retired Portuguese player was a winger for several clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. He also represented Portugal, attaining 127 caps. Figo is among the greatest football players of all time, with a decorated career, having won three Spanish Super Cups and four Serie A titles.

Figo was named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001. His professional career lasted about two decades. The athlete has served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and runs several business ventures.

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad during the AFC Champions League
Karim Benzema at the AFC Champions League match between Al Ittihad and Navbahor at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on February 22, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Stringer
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
  • Nationality: French
  • Date of birth: December 19th, 1987
  • Teams: Lyon, Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema is a French player who joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 and is the team captain. The striker won 24 trophies with Real Madrid and is the club's all-time second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider. Benzema is among the famous flat-footed soccer players and has 25 titles as of March 2024.

Benzema made history with Real Madrid in the 2011/2012 season when he scored a goal 21 seconds after kick-off, the fastest foal in an El Clásico. The record remains unbeaten as of March 2024.

Diego Costa

Diego Costa
Diego Costa joined his first professional club at 18 and is one of the best flat-footed soccer players. Photo: @diego.costa (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram
  • Full name: Diego da Silva Costa
  • Nationality: Brazillian
  • Date of birth: October 7th, 1988
  • Teams: Braga, Celta, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Grêmio

Brazillian-Spanish player Diego Costa is one of the best flat-footed professional soccer players, born in October 1988. The striker has represented clubs like Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers. Some of his titles include one Copa del Rey Cup and two Premier Leagues.

Diego joined his first professional club at 18. He scored 27 league goals for Atletico Madrid, making him the third-highest scorer in the division in 2013/2014. His performance saw the club win their first La Liga since 1996.

Robert Pires

Arsenal legend Robert Pires
Robert Pires before the UEFA Champions League match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 03, 2023, in Lens, France. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Robert Emmanuel Pires
  • Nationality: French
  • Date of birth: October 29th, 1973
  • Teams: Metz, Marseille, Arsenal, Aston Villa, FC Goa

Robert Pires is one of the retired soccer players who is flat-footed. He was a winger and attacking midfielder for teams like Aston Villa and Arsenal and is considered one of the greatest Gunners players ever. He also played for the French national team and was a two-time Premier League and FA Cup winner.

The French player registered 198 career goals in 720 appearances. He won 79 caps with his national team and scored 14 goals.

David Beckham

David Beckham at the premiere of "The Gentlemen"
David Beckham at the UK series global premiere of "The Gentlemen" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on March 05, 2024, in London, England. Photo: Stuart C. Wilson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: David Robert Joseph Beckham
  • Nationality: English
  • Date of birth: May 2nd, 1975
  • Teams: Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain

David Beckham is one of the best midfielders of his generation. According to his website, the retired English player attained 19 major trophies over his 20-year career and was the first to win league titles in four countries. Beckham was also the first British footballer to play 100 UEFA Champions League games before he retired in 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

These flat-footed soccer players have defied the odds and risen to win numerous championships. Here are some frequently asked questions about the best flat-footed soccer players.

What footballers have flat feet?

Renowned footballers like Luis Figo, Karim Benzema, and David Beckham are flat-footed. However, the condition has not stopped them from achieving incredible trophies and titles.

What are the best sports for flat feet?

Luis Figo during FC Internazionale Legend Series friendly match
Luis Figo during the FC Internazionale Legend Series friendly match on March 07, 2024, in Batumi, Georgia. Photo: Mattia Ozbot
Source: Getty Images

Athletes with flat feet can play several sports, including football and basketball. They can also participate in several exercises to help their condition. Additionally, customized shoes are available that support the arch.

What are the disadvantages of flat feet?

Flat-footed people regularly suffer from ankle, leg, and back pains. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing muscle strain because the body has to compensate for the foot's lack of stability.

Final word

The best flat-footed soccer players are predisposed to overpronation, heel pain, and muscle spasms. However, thanks to technological advancements, they have overcome these challenges and become among the best in the sport. Athletes are encouraged to consult medical practitioners before starting any treatment.

READ ALSO: The top 20 best left-footed football players

Sports Brief published a listicle of the 20 best left-footed football players. These individuals bear the unique ability to score and pass the ball using their left feet and have earned numerous titles and accolades.

Lionel Messi is among the best left-footed players, popularly known for his dribbling and passing skills. Others include Mohamed Salah, Paulo Dybala and David Silva. Check out the complete list in the above link.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.