Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie is considered one of the most complete and elegant strikers of his generation. The Dutch player, born in Rotterdam in 1983, combined refined technique, precise finishing with both feet and a singular ability to score goals of rare beauty, becoming an idol at all the clubs he defended. At Arsenal, where he arrived in 2004 from Feyenoord, Van Persie went through a transformation from irregular talent to absolute leader. His 2011-12 season was historic: 30 goals in the Premier League, the Golden Boot and the English league Player of the Year, in an individual campaign rarely seen in English football. His transfer to Manchester United in 2012 caused a stir. The striker lived up to expectations and was the main responsible for the Premier League title in 2012-13, scoring 26 goals including a memorable hat-trick against Aston Villa that practically sealed the championship for Sir Alex Ferguson, who would retire shortly after. For the Dutch national team, Van Persie played in three World Cups and was captain of the team that finished in third place in Brazil in 2014. His long-range header goal against Spain, at the opening of that tournament, is considered one of the most beautiful goals in the history of the World Cup.