More than 1700 international players took part in the Toulon Tournament founded in 1967 by Maurice Revello. Many of these players have enjoyed a successful career . Ahead of the 45th edition of the Toulon Tournament (29 May-10 June), we unveil you the best 100 players in the Toulon Tournament history. Today, we continue our countdown by looking at the players ranked 20-16.
20. THIAGO MOTTA
Born on 28th August 1982
Position : midfielder
Played the Toulon Tournament on : 1999
Clubs : FC Barcelone (2001-2007), Atletico Madrid (2007-2008), Genoa FC (2008-2009), Inter Milan (2009-2012), Paris Saint-Germain (depuis 2012)
International caps : 30 (1 goal)
Titles :
- Champions League (2006, 2010)
- Liga (2005, 2006)
- Spanish Super Cup (2006)
- Serie A (2010)
- Italian Cup (2010, 2011)
- Clubs World Cup (2010)
- Ligue 1 (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- French Cup (2015, 2016)
- French League Cup (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- French Champions Trophy (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
Before to play for Italia, Thiago Motta wore the Brazil shirt when he was in youth categories. It was the case during the Toulon Tournament 1999. At this moment, the midfielder was only 17 years old and had not made yet his debut in professional.
19. JUAN ROMAN RIQUELME
Born on 24th June 1978
Position : midfielder
Played the Toulon Tournament on : 1998
Clubs : Argentinos Juniors (1995-1996), Boca Juniors (1996-2002), FC Barcelone (2002-2003), Villarreal (2003-2007), Boca Juniors (2007-2014), Argentinos Juniors (2014)
International caps : 68 (17 goals)
Titles :
- Copa Libertadores (2000, 2001, 2007)
- Argentinian League (1998, 1999, 2000, 2008, 2011)
- Intercontinental Cup (2000)
- Intertoto Cup (2004)
- Olympic Games (2008)
- Festival International Espoirs (1998)
The elegant playmaker shown all his talent during Toulon Tournament 1998. Named as the best player of the competition, Juan Roman Riquelme led Argentina to the title.
18. DAVID BECKHAM
Born on 2nd May 1975
Position : midfielder
Played the Toulon Tournament on : 1995
Clubs : Manchester United (1992-2003), Preston (loan, 1995), Real Madrid (2003-2007), Los Angeles Galaxy (2007-2012), Milan AC (loan, 2009, 2010), Paris Saint Germain (2013).
International caps : 115 (17 goals)
Titles :
- Champions League (1999)
- Intercontinental Cup (1999)
- Premier League (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003)
- FA Cup (1996, 1999)
- Community Shield (1996, 1997)
- Liga (2007)
- Spanish Super Cup (2004)
- Major League Soccer (2011, 2012)
- Ligue 1 (2013)
Before to become a world star, David Beckham played the Toulon Tournament 1995 with England. This year, the "Golden Boy" and the Three Lions were third of the competition. During his career, David Beckham won several titles with Manchester United before to join Real Madrid, where he played four years.
17. CLAUDIO TAFFAREL
Born on 8th May 1966
Position : goalkeeper
Played the Toulon Tournament on : 1987
Clubs : FC Tupi (1982-1984), SC Internacional (1984-1990), Parme AC (1990-1993), Reggiana AC (1993-1994), Atletico Mineiro (1995-1998), Galatasaray (1998-2001), Parme AC (2001-2003)
International caps : 101
Titles :
- World Cup (1994)
- Copa America (1989, 1997)
- U20s World Cup (1985)
- UEFA Cup (2000)
- UEFA Super Cup (2000)
- Turkish League (1999, 2000)
- Turkish Cup (1999, 2000)
- Italian Cup (1992, 2002)
- Copa CONMEBOL (1997)
Festival International Espoirs permits to discover new talents as Claudio Taffarel. If Brazil sitted on the third spot of Toulon Tournament 1987, Taffarel was impressive and won the best goalkeeper award of the competition. Seven years later, he won the World Cup with his country.
16. RUI COSTA
Born on 29th March 1972
Position : midfielder
Played the Toulon Tournament on : 1992
Clubs : Benfica Lisbonne (1990-1994), AD Fafe (loan, 1990-1991), Fiorentina (1994-2001), AC Milan (2001-2006), Benfica Lisbonne (2006-2008)
International caps : 94 (26 goals)
Titles :
- U20s World Cup (1991)
- Champions League (2003)
- UEFA Super Cup (2003)
- Portuguese Cup (1993)
- Portuguese League (1994)
- Italian Cup (1996, 2001, 2003)
- Italian Super Cup (1996)
- Serie A (2004)
Midfielder with wonderful skills, Rui Costa was outstanding during Toulon Tournament 1992. Best scorer of the competition with 4 goals, the former AC Milan player was also named as the best player of the Festival this year.
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (100-91)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (90-81)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (80-71)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (70-61)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (60-51)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (50-41)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (40-31)
READ ALSO : Toulon Tournament's 100 best players (30-21)
Amayes Brahmi -