Valentine's Day

Today is St. Valentine's Day.  In many countries in Europe, today is just February 14th.  For example, in Barcelona, the day of lovers is April 23rd, also known as San Jordi.  On that particular day, a man gifts his sweetheart a flower and, in return, receives a book.  Not a bad exchange if you ask me.  Then again, in Italy, every day is Valentine's Day.  In Russia, there is no Valentine's Day.

But I am not here to discuss European mating rituals...or am I?  Since today is a day dedicated to love, why not spice things up a bit by digging into the love lives of the footballers we have come to adore?  At this moment, I would like to make my opinion known that soccer players are not role models.  They are incredibly talented at what they do and make a tubload of money.  Many are very attractive men.

And yet, at the end of the day, that is all they are: men.  Men like you and men like me.  Men like Bill Clinton and men like Barack Obama.  All of them have some sort of vice.  Whether that vice happens to secretaries or cigarettes, these guys are not perfect.  What does set these men apart is that society puts them on a pedestal because of their ability to kick a ball.

Antonio Cassano

Historic Lover Comparison:  Wilt Chamberlain

While his scoring on the field has not rivaled the Stilt, the AC Milan striker's off the field performances are just as prolific.  In his 2008 biography, Cassano discloses that he has slept with approximately 600-700 women.  And that was while he was warming the bench in Madrid!  Three years later and a call-up to the Azzuri can only help the man known as Il Gioiello di Bari Vecchia attain Chamberlainesque statistics.

Mourinho refuses to be another one of Cassano's conquests.

Iker Casillas


Historic Lover Comparison:  Ryan Gosling in The Notebook

When Spain dropped its first match in South Africa 2010, the Spanish media blamed Iker's TV reporter novia, Sara Carbonero for the loss, claiming the exotic Espanola distracted the Real Madrid netminder.  Iker was forced to temporarily abandon his love.  The tactic worked, as keeping his eyes off the brunette beauty allowed him to  keep clean sheets in 5 of the next 6 matches.  When Spain defeated the Dutch 1-0 in the final (INIESTA!) Casillas was able to return to his heart's desire and lay a serious smooch on her on national television.  

Its so moving, Iker makes himself cry.

John Terry


Historic Lover Comparison:  Bill Clinton

John Terry, like Bill Clinton, is associated with a Chelsea that wins ugly.  When the accusations came out in January 2010 that Terry had been having an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge's ex-wife, he was as close as you could get to the presidency (of English football).  John was in charge of two squads that were enjoying an outstanding run of form.  The Blues were 2-time defending FA Cup winners and poised to win the EPL.  The Three Lions had qualified for the World Cup in style, notching 8 consecutive victories with none other than Terry as their leader.  Oh, and did I mention that Terry was voted the UK's "Dad of the Year" for 2009?  Its no wonder the Chelsea skipper denied the allegations so vehemently.  After the scandal broke and the media leaked the news, Fabio Capello impeached Terry from the captainship and handed the armband to Rio Ferdinand.

At least Clinton had something good to say.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Historic Lover Comparison:  Don Juan

Latin?  Check.  Epic womanizer?  Check.  Destined to burn in hell?  Double check.

The 2008 World Player of the Year has notches on his belt that include Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and other incredibly good looking models/actresses that you would not know because they reside in Europe.  With a body like Adonis and an ego to match, Ronaldo goes about dating according to Janet Jackson's age-old creedo "What Have You Done For Me Lately?"  Like his Spanish counterpart, the Lusitano libertine chews up women and spits them out - seemingly for fun.  I find the manner in which he fathered a child quite admirable, paying a woman to keep out of the tabloids in exchange for her egg.  Better than making a mockery of marriage like countless athletes these days.  But we are not here to discuss Ronaldo's one redeeming quality.  Truth be told, he loves himself and relishes in the role of the Don Juan.  I just want to be there when Richard Hilton's ghost invites him to dinner.

And the Brits say we have no class.

Whatever you do this Valentine's Day, remember one thing:  It is not just a cheesy holiday.  Use it as an opportunity to tell that special person in your life how much they mean to you.  Just when you don't have the time is when you need it the most.