Famous divers in football

It is sad to say, but diving, or “simulation” to use the correct terminology, is now firmly part of the beautiful game. Here are some famous "divers"

1 - Cristiano Ronaldo

The world number one without a shadow of a doubt. After his theatrics in the recent Carling Cup final, Luca Modric questioned why Ronaldo felt the need to hit the deck with such alarming regularity, and he was right to do so. It is sad to see a player of such undoubted skill resort to these underhand tactics when his natural footballing ability suggests that he need not. If you put 'ronaldo dive' into Youtube, you get a staggering 462 results. To watch an example, click here.

2 - Jürgen Klinsmann

One of the original divers in world football, and it can be argued that he helped its spread in the Premier League after his move to Tottenham. At least he had the ability to laugh at himself with his famous 'klinsmann dive' celebration after scoring on his Spurs début. In this example from World Cup 1990, he definitely gets some artistic points for his wild spasm after he falls over.

3 - Emmanuel Eboue

A much maligned player for his penchant to take a tumble, his most famous dive came in the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona. The referee was duped and Arsenal opened the scoring from the resulting free kick, yet Wenger still openly criticised him for it. To watch an example, click here.

4 – David Ginola

Much like Klinsmann, was another foreign import that brought diving with them to the premier league following a move from the continent. . The fact he had long hair, and was French, really didn't help enamour him with opposition supporters, and much like Ronaldo, it was sad to see him 'fake it' when he was blessed with such natural footballing ability

5 – Rivaldo

Not as famous a diver as many others on this list, he is included for one incident alone. It is of course his infamous play acting at the 2002 world cup when a ball strikes him on the shin, yet he goes down in agony clutching his face. What makes it even more incredible is the fact that the linesman is stood about a foot away yet fails to punish him for it. A cliché, but he really should get an Oscar for this.

6 – Luis Figo

Another Portuguese player, and in honesty, this list could have easily been entitled 'Top 10 Portuguese Divers' such is their fame for simulation. They must put something in the water over there.In this example, Boulharouz's arm goes no where near his face, yet from Figo's reaction, you'd have though he'd just been thumped by Mike Tyson.

7 – Didier Drogba

For such a large and well built man, Drogba seems to be a bit of a fairy when it comes to physical contact, taking a spill when an opposition player seemingly comes within a 5 meter radius of him. Famously had to backtrack after it seemed like he had admitted to cheating saying “Sometimes I dive, sometimes I stand" followed immediately by "I don't dive, I play my game" . Make up your mind Didier! This video conclusively proves that the former statement is probably more accurate than the latter.

8 – Deco

We're only at number 8, yet a third Portuguese player makes it onto the list. There seems to be a correlation between the skill of a player and their diving prowess, as Deco is another who is immeasurably skilful, yet falls over when anyone gets near him. In this clip, John Terry does what everyone would like to do and has a little dig at him and gets a yellow as a result.

9 – Robert Pires

Another Frenchman with silly hair. An Arsenal legend, but a cheat it must be said. This example is unbelievable, both for the fact that Stephen Carr (who is visibly incensed) hardly touches Pires when he falls over, and that the referee awards Arsenal a free kick.

10 – Alberto Gilardino

Much like Rivaldo, Alberto Gilardino makes it into the list for a single incident. Depending on how you look at these things, this dive against Celtic in the Champions League is one of the greatest or worst dives in football history. In acres of space with no players near him at all, Gilardino takes a spill in the vain hope of winning a penalty. Luckily, the referee isn't fooled and he receives a yellow. Definitely points for trying though.