Coming off the substitutes bench can be a daunting task. It can mean that your contribution may only be for a few minutes and you may not have much time to make an impact. But for these 10 players, coming on as a substitute was the making of them. They turned stardom into superstardom by scoring goals, setting up goals or simply changing the game when it mattered most. So if you’re ever feeling down about coming off the bench, just remember these 10 players who made an impact in world football while doing so.
1. Zinedine Zidane
One of the greatest players of all time, Zidane was a master of the late impact goal. He scored some of the most important goals in Real Madrid history, including an extra-time winner in the 2002 Champions League final. He also set up Sergio Ramos’ winning goal in the 2005 final.
2. Lionel Messi
The greatest player of his generation, Messi has scored some of the most important goals in Barcelona’s history. He has a habit of coming off the bench and scoring decisive goals, including a late winner against Real Madrid in El Clasico.
3. Andrea Pirlo
One of the most decorated players of his generation, Pirlo is a true maestro in midfield. He often came on as a substitute for AC Milan and was instrumental in their Champions League success in 2003.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. He has a habit of scoring important goals, including a last-minute winner in the 2014 Champions League final.
5. Luis Suarez
One of the most lethal strikers in world football, Suarez has been a revelation since joining Barcelona. He has scored some crucial goals for the Catalan giants, including a late winner against Real Madrid in El Clasico.
6. Gareth Bale
The Welsh wizard has been a key player for Real Madrid since joining from Tottenham Hotspur. He has scored some important goals, including a last-minute winner in the 2014 Champions League final.
7. Sergio Aguero
One of the most lethal strikers in world football, Aguero has been a revelation since joining Manchester City. He has scored some crucial goals for the Citizens, including a last-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
8. Diego Maradona
One of the greatest players of all time, Maradona is synonymous with Argentina. He scored some of the most important goals in his country’s history, including the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.
9. Pele
The greatest player of all time, Pele is a true legend of the game. He scored some of the most important goals in Brazil’s history, including the winning goal in the 1970 World Cup final.
10. Neymar
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Neymar is one of the greatest players of his generation. He has already achieved so much at a young age and is destined for greatness. He has a habit of coming off the bench and making an impact, as he did in Brazil’s 2014 World Cup victory.
How many subs in soccer
There are a total of seven substitutes allowed in soccer. Three of these substitutes can be used during the course of regular play, while the other four are reserved for use in extra time periods. This rule was put in place to prevent teams from tiring out their players too much, as well as to give opportunities to other players who may not have gotten as much playing time during the regular season.
