5 Footballers Who Earned a Fortune With Their Gaming Skills

Today when we see the rich, celebrated and tempting lifestyle of the footballers we might get attracted to the same. But growing up to be a skilled professional footballer and get recognition for the same is harder than it seems. In the days of players like Pele and Maradona, the sport was not considered to be a profession. Rather it was a mere part of the entertainment. Whether it’s the Brazilian street football or the German specialists, there’s a rag to riches story for many great footballers who have adorned the international football fraternity. Playing fantasy football and winning real cash was not there even a few years back. Thus, the struggle behind the success is real and sometimes painful.  

Here’s a list of the top 5 from among many who have struggled their way through adversities just for the sake of passion that they had for football. It’s their struggle and never give up attitude that gifted the world with so many talented international players and made football the most popular game of the world.  

Pele 

Unquestionably till date considered to be the best player of football, no soccer fan or online fantasy football fan can do without this man. But Pele was not a man born with a sliver spoon. However, you might say that soccer was in his blood as his father was an ex-soccer player. However, the father’s sudden retirement from the game due to leg fracture dipped the family into deep poverty. However, with mere talent, the young boy caught the eyes of selectors at the tender age of 17 years. it was a treat to watch Pele on the field. Fortunes shone upon him and till date, he is considered to be the greatest of all. 

Diego Maradona 

Coming from a shanty town in Argentina, he had seven siblings and all of them were forced to stay within one single room. No formal education, no formal training, no connection to football – this god gifted man had an unbeatable passion for street football. This took him to the heights of fame, fortune and accolades. Such was his skills that he was taken by Barcelona for a record amount of £5m and by Napoli for £6.9m. One day he had struggled for a little money, and then he was the king of football!  

Lauren 

The “invincible” player of Arsenal was originally born in Cameroon under was raised under continuous political pressures of the country. However, his family moved to Spain very soon and his journey as a footballer started from there. As bad as his birth country may seem, this humble player didn’t forget his roots and thus chose to represent Cameroon instead of Spain during the Sydney Olympics. And avid boxer unprofessionally, today when he looks back, his struggles seem like a dream for him.  

Ronaldo 

Born in 1976 in Rio De Janeiro to a very poor family, Ronaldo, unlike his namesake Cristiano Ronaldo, was not served fortune, fame and luck in a sliver platter! When he failed to raise the sufficient bus fare for the Flamengo football trial, he thought that his career is over even before it started. However, in 1993 after joining Cruzeiro, his life changed. Later coined as the “player of the decade”, Ronaldo not only made his family proud but also proved that if there’s a will, there’s away! Online fantasy football leagues adore such players who have a passion for the game. Ronaldo played for clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. With an amazing goal of 280 out of 384 games, he ended his marvellous career in 2011.  

Rivaldo 

Rivaldo is yet another Brazilian legend who also learnt football from the streets of Brazil. Due to malnourishment in the initial days, he lost a lot of weight and also some of his teeth. However, he never gave up on his passion for football. At a very young age of 16 years only, he started his career as a footballer. Then he started playing for famous clubs like Barcelona and was later given the Ballon d’Or and FIFA awards.  

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Top 5 Brazilian Footballers Loved By All Fantasy Football Players

Whether it’s the catchy names or the enticing goals, whenever you hear the name Brazil, football is the first thing that comes to your mind. From Pele to Ronaldo to Kaka this country has produced an unbelievable number of football stars. Online fantasy football leagues get the highest number of players who select majorly the Brazilian players as a part of their dream team. Brazil having one of the biggest populations in the world is a perfect breeding ground for any sport. With street football being a popular concept in Brazil, this became a very important sport for the Brazilians. 

If you make a list of the best Brazilian players, then it would be very difficult to rank them according to their efficiencies. Perhaps more than any other countries, Brazil has the leading number of footballers who can be ranked high. Fantasy football players adore such talents in the team. 

Let’s get on with the list now. 

1.Socrates 

This man was the legendary captain of the 1982 world cup and his cool and composed brilliance on the field made him stand out among all the greatest Brazilian footballers. Winner of three Brazilian championships, he left football in 1989 way before the trend of playing fantasy football was even introduced. For people who’ve seen their gameplay, Socrates is undoubtedly a naturally gifted player.  

2.Ronaldinho 

Unquestionably the most flamboyant showman that world football has ever seen, Ronaldinho holds a special place in the history of football and has a special talent that is unbeatable. Enormously dexterous and effective, Ronaldinho is among the players who made people believe that football is not a mere game, rather it can be played and enjoyed as well! Although he quitted playing football in 2018, however the memories of his gameplay remain fresh in the mind of the fans.  

3. Pele 

There are many in this generation who’ve not seen Pele playing football. Although counted in the same rank as Messi and Ronaldo, Pele till date remains a cult and fantasy football gamers aspire to reach the likes of this legend one day! At the age of 17, Pele became the world cup winner and became a sensation since then. The most prestigious title conferred on him is the title of national treasure by the Brazilian government to prevent his transfer to any other European club. So, you can well imagine how good a player he was!  

4. Ronaldo 

For many football means Ronaldo. With one of the highest fans following base, and eight-goal win in World cup 2002, Ronaldo is not only a player but also a god for his fans. Explosive, talented and extraordinary player who has to end his career because of an injury! 47 goals in 49 games – unquestionably a superhuman can do it! However, fate didn’t permit him to play after 1999 and hence he is thoroughly missed in the current trending online fantasy football games.   

5. Romario 

Born in the year 1966, gen-next knows Romario as a famous Brazilian politician. But he shot into fame with his extraordinary football skills and is till date counted as one of the best footballers of all time. He was a brilliant striker and penalty scorer. During the 1994 World cup, he scored 5 goals for Brazil and has always been a consistent performer. 55 goals and 70 caps, undoubtedly made him one of the best players of the time. 

Top 5 Talented Footballers Who Wore The Number 10 Shirt

Football currently has become a business for many. With introduction of the concept of fantasy football leagues, earning money for the games have become a considerable action. But for real fans, the game is all about entertainment. And players are the idols that they worship and look on to! Although football ahs a rich history of spectacular goals, embarrassing moments and different player history, however, there’s a bizarre fact that every ardent football player should know.  

Among such fun facts, the jersey number of the players play a major role. Whenever you’re playing for fantasy premier leagues, number 7 jersey will undoubtedly bring the name of Cristiano Ronaldo in your minds. Similarly, for number 8, the excellent strikers like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard needs special mention. These would have been merely numbers, but the players have unquestionably made the numbers more prestigious.  

But in this blog, the focus is merely led on the five greatest footballers who have ruled the hearts of many for a decade and there’s one thing common among them. They all wore, jersey number 10. The amazing coincidence isn’t it? Check out for more. 

Diego Maradona 

A legend, the prince and the superhero of Argentina, Maradona was the most famous footballer wearing number 10 jersey who single-handedly helped Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup. Popularly known for the “Hand of God” goal, he is the best player ever that football fraternity has seen. Fantasy football game players have missed the real-life game of Maradona, however, every one is aware of the magic of this god of football.  

Pele 

This Brazilian legend is one of the most inspirational footballers till date. With 3 FIFA victories to his name, Pele majorly played for the Brazilian club Santos for the most part of his career. Later he shifted to the NY Cosmos and ended his career with the same. Call it a coincidence, he was also a number 10 jersey holder and was a famous footballer of all time.  

Lionel Messi 

For any fantasy football player, Messi has been a known name among the crowd. Achievements, accolades and innumerable number of honors makes him the best of the lot! He is undoubtedly a legend of his time. Top scorers in all aspect, Messi is again the jersey 10 holder which can make you believe that this number is lucky for any football player who wears it.  

Ronaldinho 

This Brazilian samba boy with immense talent is at number 4 on the list not because he has less talent, but because the others before him are legends in their own unique way. Ronaldinho, another number 10 jersey holder, made millions and billions fall in love with the game. Twice winner of the FIFA world player of the year, his talent is unprecedented. Barcelona won their first Champions league in 14 years only because of Ronaldinho.  

Zinedine Zidane 

Currently the manager of Madrid club, this person has played for Juventus and France national team and has scored around 117 goals throughout his career. Simply and unarguably the best mid fielder, it’s certainly an uncanny coincidence that Zidane is also the number 10 jersey holder. He is the best, there’s no doubt in that, and hence Real Madrid took him for a price of 77.5 million pounds in the year 2001 which was an unimaginable amount at that time.            

Fantasy Football Facts: Top 5 Teams with Awesome Fan Base

Football is till date the most popular sport in the world. Unlike cricket, there’s no compulsion for the football players to stick to one single team. Hence, thousands of matches among different clubs and a variant number of inter-club transfers take place throughout the year. So, with football creating a single fan base or rather a loyal one is very difficult. With the transfer of players, the support base also gets transferred. Fantasy football games taking place are based on the same theory. However, the fan base for the same remains unaffected.  

With so many clubs and so many matches, previously it was difficult to anticipate the number of fans for any football club. But now, thanks to social media, likes and followers of a club can be seen showering their virtual love for their clubs.  

People playing online fantasy football leagues are well aware of these clubs. Let’s have a look at the amazing list. 

Liverpool 

English clubs are always at a dominating position. If you have a look at the social media fans for Liverpool, you’ll find around 82.2 million virtual fans across all social media platforms. The most memorable and prestigious incident for any club happened with Liverpool during the 2005 Champions League Final. Even after the club lost the match, the fans kept on cheering at high paced voice to make sure that the mood of the team members are not dampened. What followed next was a miracle! One penalty shootout and the match were in Liverpool’s court.  

Manchester United 

Established in the year 1880, MU is one of the oldest English clubs to have played football for so many years. Online fantasy football games are incomplete without the participation of MU in the leagues. So, you can well imagine that the fan base of this club will be huge. And from the time the concept of playing fantasy football and winning money came into existence, MU became more famous. If you want to see the same for yourself then at least once visit Manchester and check out the match in the Etihad Stadium. On an average 55,000 fans will be supporting the team without fail!  

Bayern Munich 

FC Bayern Munich was founded in the year 1900 and on an average 75,000 people are found in the Allianz Arena stadium when the team participates in the Bundesliga tournament! With 29 victories till date in the Bundesliga tournament and 5 times winner of the Champion’s league, the club has a vast and loyal fan base that remains unrooted even during the hard times. Even if Bayern Munich players change teams during fantasy premier leagues, however, the club still remains strong in terms of fan base.  

Chelsea 

With around 86.58 million social media fan bases, Chelsea is certainly leading in terms of social fan followers. Another English club in the league, the fans of this team literally love their team. Nicknamed as The Blues, this is an old club and was founded in the year 1905. The club has won Champion’s league once and now he is repeatedly winning the same.  

Juventus  

Overtaking the number of social media fan base, Juventus is having around 92.4 million social media fans and followers. The Juventus Stadium has a capacity of handling 41,000 and if you watch any match of this club, you’ll find the stadium overpopulated every time. With Cristiano Ronaldo joining the club in 2018, the fan base of this club has now exceeded beyond leaps and bounds.  

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Top 4 Football Commentators Enriching the Viewer’s Experience

Even before the televisions started showcasing football matches, people used to listen to the live commentaries of the matches over the radios. There’s no scope of denying the fact that any sport without commentary will seem a lifeless affair. But not all commentators have the ability of keeping the audiences glued to their seats. Even online fantasy football leagues will become boring if there’s no chirpy comments coming from the other end.  

A good commentator should know the nitty-gritties of the sport in order to be able to give a clear depiction of whatever is happening over the field. Having said that, here are a few names that needs to be mentioned whenever world football commentary is being considered!  

Their smooth version of the incidents has surely created an excitement within the audience.  

Brian Moore 

Covering around 9 FIFA world cups and twenty Championship finals, Moore was the man who brought the trend of English football commentary into the limelight. His smooth and flawless depiction of the on-field activities in football shows that the man knew every possible twist and turns of the game. For people who have heard him commentating, are well aware of the famous line “it’s up for grabs now!” With France’s victory in the 1998 world cup, he retired as a commentator. Fantasy football gamers of the present day have undoubtedly missed some magical moments that this man has created. Although he passed away in 2001, however he will live through his words forever.  

Peter Drury 

Popularly known for his poetic commentary style, Drury is currently the best football commentator alive! His expressive description of the on-field actions shows that he is highly knowledgeable about the technicalities of football. He is gifted with the ability of making a normal match enhancing. While playing fantasy football during Manchester Derbies, this voice will surely welcome you to the match.  

Martin Tyler 

Tyler is till date the most enthusiastic commentator that world football has seen. The iconic title winning goal of Sergio Aguero is incomplete without the exciting and screeching commentary from Tyler where he shouted “Aguerooooo” with full energy as if the man was playing on the field. Age is just a number and Tyler proved the same. Even at 74 he is a full-time commentator with no shakiness in his voice. Unarguably one of the oldest and the most energetic commentator that every fantasy football fan loves!  

Alan Smith 

Now coming to the professional ones, Smith is undoubtedly one in the list because he has played the game. This former Arsenal and Leicester City player has made a mark for himself in the commentary ground by commenting in the most technical manner. No exaggeration, no poetry, no theatrics – pure narration of the things that are happening on the field. Unlike others, in Smith’s commentary, you’ll here the dos and don’ts, pros and cons and negative and positive aspects of every move, every strike and every goal. Afterall a professional player can analyze the situations in a very significant manner.  

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Top 5 All-Time Favorite French Footballers till Date

France and football – two inseparable aspects in the history of the world football fraternity. Having been the nation that shared football in unique ways, this country participated in different European Champion’s league. Having won the 2018 World Championship in FIFA against Russia, there are unquestionably a lot of talented players who are some of the most favourite players in fantasy football games.  

Zinedine Zidane 

From 1994 to 2006, this French player flawlessly managed to get 108 caps and 31 goals to his name. Although his career ended with controversies, but France football team will always be indebted to this great footballer. It’s wrong to call him a footballer, rather people loving call him an artist. With his marvelous header in the 1998 world cup which made France the winner of the cup, he instantly shot to fame. With two world finals, three goals and one red card to his name – as much as you try to find flaws in his playing skills, this unpredictable player has unimaginably made France proud.  

Thierry Henry 

All time top scorer with around 51 goals and 123 caps to his name, he is mostly remembered due to his brilliant performance with the Arsenal team. With guidance from a great coach like Arsene Wegner, Henry became the center forward and since then every aspect of his career changed. While playing for the Barcelona team, the won the Champion’s league for the club. In 2010, he ended his career on a positive note with France winning the world cup that year as well. Undoubtedly, he would have been a favorite choice for online fantasy football leagues, if he would have continued his career!  

Lilian Thuram 

Unlike any other players Thuram has played the maximum number of times for France’s international team. Within a span of 1994 and 2008, he has 142 caps in his bucket which means on an average 17% of the international matches has been played by this extraordinarily talented player. Still regarded as one of the best defenders by many fantasy football players, his time in the French team is regarded as the best time of the country’s football league.  

Raymond Kopa 

After being consecutively topping the charts for the Ballon d’Or award, Kopa finally won the award in the year 1958. Belonging from a polish family, this French attacker was one of kind player who took French football to new heights. He was not only a footballer but also an entertainer.  At club level he played for Real Madrid and won 3 European cups. Such was his talent and quickness on the field, that he was named as one of the 125 greatest living footballers at the FIFA award ceremony by the legend Pele.  

Just Fontaine 

Generations back from the ones mentioned above in the list, Just played during the years 1953 to 1960. He is mostly recognized by the fantasy football gamers till date because of his record of `3 goals during the 1958 world cup. He single-handedly won the match against the long-reigning champions West Germany. Till date, this is the highest number of goals that is scored in any tournament.  

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Fantasy Fun Facts: Most Bizarre Goals of All Time

Football is a global sport. Unlike cricket, where you can get to see runs through out the over, in football unlimited wait for an awe-inspiring goal is what the viewers wait for. That’s the most important element of football game. Even during online fantasy football league, the only thing that the players are concerned is about the number of goals that their selected team members have scored.  

However, there are some instances, when a match changing goal has been hit and the same has become quite controversial. Looking back at some of those memorable days, you’ll be amazed at the way these goals turned out to be. The “Hand of God” goal is undoubtedly one the most talked about goal among fantasy football gamers and also among the normal ones.  

Let’s have a look at the some of the iconic moments in the history of football.  

Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal 

Unfortunate for all football lovers, the most controversial goal of Maradona in 1986 world cup against England can now been seen in hazy recorded videos only. For the lucky ones, who had witnessed the same in reality, within that Maradona had brilliantly knocked off the ball with his raised fist and with that one single goal snatched the cup away from England. Later Maradona had termed this action as a revenge against England. Point to be noted in this respect: At that time Anglo-Argentine relations were at stake due to the Falklands War that was ongoing at that time!  

Senegal’s M’Baye Niang’s unnoticeable goal 

Although not a controversial one, but certainly a bizarre incident. During the 2018 world cup, in a match against Senegal vs Poland, Niang was injured and was out of the pitch, being treated for the injury. However, as soon as he reentered into the field, he got a back-pass and scored the goals without the Polish players even noticing or intercepting the goal! Such bizarre incidents are definitely the ones to look out for while playing fantasy primer leagues.  

Argentina’s Carlos scores controversial offside goal 

Many years after Diego’s controversial goal for Argentina, during 2010 world cup, again came the moment for Argentina. Carlos Tevez score the opening goal against Mexico. The inexplicable thing about the goal was that, Carlos was on the offside and the linesman completely missed the call and the referee had to call for innumerable replays in order to understand the technique that has been used for scoring the goal. The more replays occurred; the more controversies were generated. This also led to the introduction of the concept of goal-line technology.  

Darren Bent’s harmless goal 

In October 2009, Bent’s harmless shot on behalf of Sunderland against Liverpool was about to land straight into the arms of the Liverpool goal keeper. But somehow the ball took an unfortunate deflection and landed in a goal by touching the net. Try watching the video and you’ll get tired trying to find the flaw in the process.  

5 Efficient Football Managers Who Never Played the Game

If you’re a good player, then you’ll certainly be a great coach. That’s a common notion acceptable in all sports fields. However, as surprising as it may sound, in football there have been a few coaches or managers active still now, who can train and manage a team more successfully than any ex-football player. Although fantasy football game players are not very concerned about the managers because their major focus is on the selection of players, however knowing the same won’t hurt.  

As you read through the list, you’ll be amazed to know that even if these managers have never played football professionally, however, fate and skills had something else in-store for them. People believe that destinies come by birth, but there are people like the ones mentioned in this list who’ve successfully made their own destinies irrespective of any limitations. 

Player turned managers – simply a myth in football. So, next time while playing online fantasy football leagues, do recount these names as well.  

Andre Villas Boas 

He started his coaching career from the age of 17 and with his extraordinary footballing intellect, he became the head coach of British Virgin Islands national team only at the age of 21. Not only a brilliant trained, but a self-made manager, Villas has wins like treble of Primeira Liga, Portuguese cup and Europa League to his name. Although he made a good name in the European football leagues, but was not warmly welcomed in the English team. Nevertheless, this man is a shinning example of a manager who is not a footballer but still successful.  

Carlos Alberto Parreira 

Football and fitness are two interrelated terms. And Parreira, who was a physiotherapist by profession knew the trick of the game. An utter stranger to the world of football, he started his career as a sports physiotherapist with his favorite team and later joined the Kuwait national team and became the U-21 coach. Winning in online fantasy football games becomes difficult if the managers of the respective teams are not capable enough! Hence, checking the same is also important.  

Arrigo Sacchi 

Italian man marking – a fearful gameplay that every online fantasy football player must be knowing off. But do you know which coach abolished this strategy? It was Sacchi who was a shoe seller by profession and later turned out to be the manager of the greatest club, AC Milan. During his time as a coach for Milan his club won two cups back-to-back – one in 1989 and the other in 1990.  Although he was never a professional footballer, however, call it fate or his skills, he is certainly a gifted coach.  

Bill Struth 

18 league championships, 10 Scottish cups, 2 League cups, 7 wartime championships, 19 Glasgow cups and so on. With around 73 trophies listed to his name, Struth is the most efficient and the best manager football fraternity has ever seen. But did you know his profession? He was a stoneman initially! Physicall he was tough, but who would have ever thought that a stoneman can be one of the greatest football coaches.  

Avram Grant 

At the age of 64, Grant has been serving different clubs as coach for around 47 years. Surprised with the numbers? That’s because his knack for football was vigilant from the tender age of 18 years. Since then, he started coaching the local team and later became the first boss of the team Hapoel Petah Tikva. Then, people started to know him from the time he took over as a coach of Chelsea. Undoubtedly a successful manager whose passion for the game took him to such heights!  

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5 Lucky Indian Footballers to Play for Other Countries

Although in terms of cricket, India is undoubtedly a leading nation, we can’t claim the same for football. Like cricket fantasy football games in India are popular, however, our players haven’t been able to secure a popular place among the European players. Unfortunately, most of the footballers in India have been forced to spend their entire career in India itself.  

However, to develop the goalkeeping, dribbling and skipping skills, for every Indian footballer its necessary to spend a few years in a European club. The likes of Messi and Ronaldo are difficult to find if they stay in India life-long. For example, the former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia player for Bury FC in league one for 3 years and gained invincible skills that not only helped him develop his game but also proved to be beneficial for the Indian football team. 

With the most recent entry of Dheeraj Singh with a Scottish club, there are a few others who have been fortunate enough to play for some other clubs. Online fantasy football leagues are incomplete without such players on board. So, if you don’t know the names, then it’s definitely a loss! Check out the names of these talents who have tried hard to bring in some difference into the Indian football team.  

Bhaichung Bhutia 

With a huge successful out of India playing career, Bhutia’s exceptional skills have made his place high on the lists of great football players. From 1995 to 2011, he has been playing in the Indian football team and has been playing for both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal alternatively. However, a 3-year contract with Bury in Manchester, England, made a place for him among the European footballers. While in that club he made around 37 appearances and out of that he made three scores. Online fantasy football would have been more popular if Bhutia was still active.  

Sunil Chhetri 

One of the biggest names in Indian football currently, Chhetri has joined the Kansas City Wizards in US and he is among the few who have tried their luck out of India and have emerged as a successful player. One interesting fact for fantasy football game lovers – After Ronaldo, he is the one with the 2nd highest number of international goals. Although he began his career with Mohun Bagan in 2002, later he also played for the Sporting Clube de Portugal.  

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu 

Currently the goalkeeper of Bangalore FC and having played for East Bengal for about a year, this very young footballer has already been named as a captain for India during a friendly match against Puerto Rico. However, later he moved to Norway and became the first Indian footballer to play in the Europa league. Within a very short span of time, he has made around 11 appearances. Unquestionably he is a popular choice during the online fantasy football leagues.  

Uttam Rai 

Many people assume him to be a successor of Chhetri. Although initially Rai didn’t consider football as a career option, however, later he represented India in U-16 and U-19 tournaments. Later he started training and playing with the Colorado Rush which is a US based club. However, he didn’t make it to the top.  

Ishan Pandita 

Initially this player has spent his training years in Philippines and established himself as a player of Spain Lower tiers. Even the coaches of Manchester United were impressed with the performances delivered by this young talent. Again, later he joined U-18 side of UD Almeria for 8 long months.  

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Fantasy Football Facts – 5 Fascinating facts about The Famous Kolkata Derby

In the history of football, there are two iconic clubs playing against each other in Kolkata. Like every other Derby match, the two arch rivals Mohun Bagan AC and East Bengal FC has an aged old history of fascinating matches. With entry of East Bengal into the ISL this year, things have got bigger for the two clubs. The supporters and the fantasy football players are waiting eagerly for their respective teams to win in the ISL.  

Just as the big matches waits for all online fantasy football players, here are a few intriguing facts that make Kolkata derby special and different from the others.  Let’s take a look at the rich history of the two clubs that dates back to 100 years. 

Fact 1: First year of Kolkata Derby 

The first Kolkata derby was held on 8th august 1921. It was long before the independence when these two clubs were created and the fight began. The game initially ended with 0-0 but later in the replay match Mohun Bagan won by 3 goals. Unarguably one of the oldest clubs in Asia, Mohun Bagan was established in the year 1889 and you would be amazed to know that they were the first club that had beaten the British team and won a trophy during the pre-independence era.  

Fact 2: Distressing event of the rivalry 

This rivalry is beyond the game. It’s a complete emotion. Although all players playing for the clubs are Bengalis but there are two divisions that separates them. West Bengal born “ghotis” are the ones playing from the Mohun Bagan team, whereas the eastern Bengal born “bangals” are the ones playing for the East Bengal team. Like India-Pakistan match, supporters are emotionally engaged with their respective teams. For fantasy football games player, the 1975 incident was very distressing indeed. In this match Mohun Bagan’s loss to East Bengal by 5 goals provoked an ardent Mohun Bagan Fan named Umakanta Palodhi to commit suicide in grief.  

Fact 3: Darkest day of Kolkata rivalry 

Another depressing incident that certainly makes this rivalry stand out in the crowd is the match day of 16th August 1980. Even the players engaged in fantasy premier leagues experience the negative vibes during any match between these two clubs till date. However, dating back to this day, when referee game a red card to two players namely Dilip Palit and Bidesh Basu of East Bengal in the 2nd half of the match, the crowd erupted in anger. What’s was the result? A major stampede within the Eden Gardens causing death of 16 young lives! That day was certainly a very painful day in the history of Kolkata Derby.  

Fact 4: Rivalry beyond the fields – the fish wars 

Even if you’re not acquainted with Bengali cuisines, the rivalry between these two clubs have made sure that you know the names of two most important fishes of Kolkata – hilsa and prawns. Loving known as the illish and chingri, each fish is deemed to represent East Bengal and Mohun Bagan respectively. Fantasy football in India is more popular because of the presence of these two clubs. So, the moment a team wins, the supporters deliberately engage into their favorite fish cuisine and celebrate the victory!  

Fact 5: Highest number of audiences 

During the Federation cup 1977 semifinal, East Bengal won the match when Baichung Bhutia socred 3 goals, the average attendance in Salt Lake team was around 131000. This number shows the craze that people have for this Derby! 

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