25 World Footballers Past and Present Most Desperate for Attention

World Football is a sport that is all about a team of 11 players coming together to create magic on the pitch.

But, who are we kidding to think that is all that would ever come of the beautiful game.

Football also has some of the biggest attention lovers in the game, and here are some of those that we have loved and loathed over the years of recent memory.

Hope Solo

United States Women's National Team goalkeeper, Hope Solo, is one of the most attention desperate soccer players in the world.

There truly is little she will not turn to in order to get attention, check out her video from ABC's Dancing With the Stars.

David Beckham

Although his talent was once the stuff of legend, as his career continues to fade, David Beckham never shy's away from a chance at a little extra attention.

He may have missed out on one of the three over-age player spots in the Olympics for team Great Britain, it sure didn't stop him from managing to get on the big screen for the opening ceremony.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A list such as this would never be complete without the likes of Real Madrid's Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The player has had a flair for the dramatic his entire career and is not showing any signs of stopping.

Check out the famous, "I am better than Messi," interview with CNN's Pedro Pinto.

Rio Ferdinand

One of the top 10 players followed on Twitter, Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, is never far from the spotlight.

Whether it is controversy over Manchester United, the English National team or any other issue, Ferdinand is always somewhere near the action.

Check out Rio and his United teammates during one of his video diary outtakes from the Red Devils 2011 United States summer tour.

John Terry

Another English Premier League and England international center half that is never far from the spotlight is Chelsea's John Terry.

Lately, Terry has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, but he is never one to stay away from a camera.

David Luiz

Another Chelsea player that is a fan of the spotlight and all the attention he can get is young Brazilian defender, David Luiz.

Not only is Luiz one of the Blues' brightest young talents, he also is the club's biggest joker.

Joey Barton

There really is no need for explanation on the matter of Joey Barton.

He is a victim of his own design as the hits keep on coming, but sometimes you have to wonder if he does it all on purpose.

Mario Balotelli

"Why Always Me," said the shirt of Mario Balotelli after he scored against local rivals Manchester United during the 2011-12 English Premier League season.

The young Italian is always in the news and whether it is good press or bad, he is always accepting of the attention.

Didier Drogba

One of the newest members of the Chinese foray into major player signings, former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba has always been known as a player that loved the spotlight.

That was always made clear with his comedic antics on Chelsea TV.

Alan Shearer

Retired Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer never leaves the chance to make a comment heard through the media.

No matter the circumstance, if there is an opportunity to voice his opinion on NUFC, he takes it. If the opportunity presents itself for something more, he is sure to have something to add.

Robbie Savage

Former footballer, Robbie Savage took his show from the pitch to the press and continues to make sure his golden locks are remembered in the context of football.

The former Derby County midfielder is always one to have a bit of fun or a jab if the opportunity arises, such as asking Roberto Mancini if the Manchester City manager would sign him.

Thierry Henry

Former Arsenal, FC Barcelona and now New York Red Bull striker, Thierry Henry has always been known as a leader and a bit of a joker, as well as loving being in front of the camera.

This classic interview alongside a young Cesc Fabregas is one that combines all three of those antics at once.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

New Paris Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always been an outspoken individual.

He also is not afraid to tell the trainers he isn't ready to head to the training ground.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Always a lively character, AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng enjoys being in the spotlight on and off the pitch.

Check out his moon-walking skills above.

Stan Collymore

Former footballer, Stan Collymore's best years were between time at Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa, but the player turned movie and media personality is never far from the spotlight.

Patrice Evra

French international and Manchester United defender, Patrice Evra became an instant media sensation with the racism argument between himself and Luis Suarez of Uruguay.

Since the incident, Evra remains a top player in the news whenever issues of questionable intention occur.

Romário De Souza Faria

A lively personality, the now 46-year-old Brazilian former player, Romário de Souza Faria was once a rule breaker and all-night party animal.

Since then the player has become a well known politician in Brazil, making sure to still be a daily topic for all the country to know about as reported by the New York Times.

Alexi Lalas

The long-winded, former long-haired ESPN Analyst Alexi Lalas is one of the most well-known figures in the game, as far as the United States in concerned.

However, few analysts latch onto the chance of camera time like the Major League Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. Sometimes he does get put in his place, as Michael Ballack does to him in the video above.

Diego Maradona

Is there truly a former player that is more of an attention seeker than Argentine legend Diego Maradona?

Honestly, probably not. The player that made hand ball goals famous is always ready to get in front of the camera.

Pepe Reina

Liverpool's first choice goal keeper, Pepe Reina is a known funny man for the Reds, but he takes that job to another level with the Spanish National team.

When you are the backup to Iker Casillas it is always better to make yourself at least entertaining if you aren't useful for anything else the majority of the time.

Wayne Rooney

He may never admit it, but Manchseter United and England international striker Wayne Rooney loves getting attention.

The player has taken over the spotlight since Real Madrid bought Cristiano Ronaldo several years ago, and continues to make the Red Devils all about Rooney.

Rooney's video above highlights some of Rooney's funny moments.

Sir Alex Ferguson

As the manager of Manchester United, it is easy to forget that Sir Alex Ferguson was once a player, but as a manager, he is always in the spotlight, hoping to make his club image grow.

It is always great to see him call out those that would attempt to take away from his agenda of forwarding United and himself.

Ahmed Hassan

One player that has began to chase the spotlight in a positive way is Egyptian star, Ahmed Hassan, who was interviewed by CNN in April of 2012.

Since the Port Said tragedy earlier in 2012, Hassan has sought media attention for remembering the victims of the incident and hoping to prevent another such indecent from ever happening.

Piers Morgan

He is not a former player, but CNN's Piers Morgan is one of the most attention-hungry personalities when it comes to football.

Morgan is always hammering on players, and despite his love of Arsenal, he is never afraid to blast any club's players or fans. His opinions cry out for comment and attention via his twitter account @Piersmorgan.

Ashley Cole

Chelsea star Ashley Cole is never one to shy from an argument, though he doesn't always go seeking one.

However, his recent comments via twitter in the last month have sparked much controversy as reported by the Daily Star.