Tidiane Kienou

A model of humility, this Burkinabe defensive titan combines an elite footballing brain with explosive acceleration, though his occasional aggressive streak keeps opponents guessing. He insists on keeping a polished pebble in his left cleat before kickoff for luck, a ritual that leaves his teammates rolling their eyes as they help him lace up. Despite his quirky superstition, his command of the backline is nothing short of masterclass.