Football: Top 10 Xmas kids

Only one set of presents, and having to play football on your birthday instead of painting the town red. The perils of the footballers born during the festive period.

1) Aaron Ramsey (Dec 26, 1990)

What better way to spend your birthday than running around Upton Park yesterday trying to lift your side back to the summit of the EPL? Ramsey was dubbed "The Next Fabregas" after breaking into the Arsenal side as a teenager, but a broken leg suffered against Stoke hindered his progress.

However, the Welshman has re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes this season, shocking a footballing world who had all but written him off.

Even at 23, he still looks young enough to believe in Father Christmas.

2) Gary McAllister (Dec 25, 1964)

After long, successful spells with Coventry and Leeds, G-Mac arguably peaked during the twilight of his career as he inspired Liverpool to a cup treble in 2001 at the age of 36.

Gerard Houllier described the Scot as his most inspirational signing and, despite spending only two years at Anfield, he was placed at No. 32 in the Players Who Shook Up The Kop survey.

Was given an emotional standing ovation on his final appearance for the club in May 2002 in the 5-0 drubbing of Ipswich.

3) Chris Kamara (Dec 25, 1957)

A hard-as-nails footballer, who got his break at Portsmouth after being spotted playing for the Royal Navy.

Pompey boss Ian St John paid the princely sum of £200 ($415) to release him from the services, and Kammy went on to enjoy a 20-year career kicking people from pillar to post before becoming a renowned TV pundit, who seems to be as excited by a 0-0 draw in League Two as a 12-goal thriller in the EPL.

4) Robbie Elliott (Dec 25, 1973)

Elliott's career had its fair share of mixed fortunes. He enjoyed two spells with boyhood club Newcastle, but broke his leg on debut for Bolton after a big-money move.

His career wound down with lowly Hartlepool, for whom he was sent off on his home debut against Doncaster Rovers.

Now holds the grandiose title of Youth National Team Performance Expert for the United States women's team.

5) Esteban Fuertes (Dec 26, 1972)

A classic journeyman footballer who played for 10 different teams in Argentina, France, England, Chile and Spain. However, he had plenty of ability, as 250 goals in 577 appearances testify.

After joining EPL side Derby for £2.3 million in 1999, the Argentinian scored two goals in 10 games before being nicked at Heathrow Airport for trying to use a forged Italian passport.

Enjoyed an amazing swansong to his career in May 2009 when he was handed his international debut by coach Diego Maradona in a friendly against Panama at the tender age of 36, making him the oldest player ever to make his debut for the Argentina national team.

6) Marcelo Salas (Dec 24, 1974)

The former South American Footballer of the Year is Chile's all-time top scorer with no less than 37 strikes, four of which came during his star turn at the 1998 World Cup.

Salas won league titles in Chile, Argentina and Italy, where he was crowned Serie A winner with both Juventus and Lazio. Despite retiring in 2009, he remains Chile's most famous legal export.

7) Chris Cahill (Dec 24, 1984)

Like his big brother Tim, Chris is an all-action footballer. Unlike his sibling, who has scored 29 goals in 66 matches for Australia, Chris chose to represent the mighty Samoa at the international level. Currently plying his trade at club level for St George FC in Australia, Chris should have received a joint birthday and Christmas present from his millionaire brother.

8) Jairzinho (Dec 25, 1944)

The Brazilian legend with the cracking Afro was part of the all-conquering 1970 World Cup team. Scorer of the only goal in the victory over England in the group stage, he remains one of three players to have notched in every game of a World Cup Finals.

The flying winger failed to achieve much as a manager, but he did spot the talent of a certain Ronaldo (the original) as a 14-year old during his time as coach of Sao Cristovao.

He kick-started the career of the future three-time World Player of the Year by recommending him to his former side Cruzeiro, and the Brazilian youth team.

9) Joel Santana (Dec 25, 1948)

The journeyman Brazilian became a highly sought-after coach following his retirement in 1980. However, he has since become even more of a journeyman as a manager, holding down no less than 33 jobs in the past 32 years.

Currently boss of the Angola national team, he was fired from his previous international position as South Africa head coach prior to the 2010 World Cup following a run of eight defeats in nine games. On the upside, his name sounds a bit like Santa.

10) Felix (Dec 24, 1937)

Unlike Santana, this Brazilian was anything but a journeyman. "Felix The Cat" was part of the World Cup-winning Brazilian side in 1970.

However, while Pele et al were making all the headlines, Felix was twiddling his thumbs in goal. Felix's mother was totally against her son trying to forge a footballing career, but thankfully, he completely ignored her and went on to win 47 caps for his country.

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