Christmas Day Birthdays: Famous Footballers Born on December 25th

It’s a familiar tale for those born on December 25th—an afterthought amidst the festive fervor of Christmas. The little ones born on this date often find themselves overshadowed by the season’s celebrations. Fewer presents, combined gifts that cover both their birthday and Christmas, and the challenge of gathering friends for a celebration during one of the year’s busiest periods can be a tough reality. For many footballers though, a glimmer of joy emerges amid the chaos: a rare day off from the relentless grind of the game. Let’s delve into the illustrious players graced with a birthday on this significant date…

Joel Santana

Born on Christmas Day in 1948, Joel Santana carved his name in the annals of football history as a distinguished defender for Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama and others during the ’70s. However, it is his coaching journey that truly defines him—a sprawling career of over 35 years that saw him at the helm of esteemed clubs like Flamengo, Botafogo, and the South African national team from 2008 to 2009. His varied accolades include lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy with Al-Nassr, showcasing his versatility and adaptability across continents.

Stole Dimitrievski

Stole Dimitrievski, hailing from Kumanovo, North Macedonia, was born on December 25th, 1988, and has since become a stalwart for his national team, earning over 75 caps since debuting in 2015. After an impressive five-year spell with Rayo Vallecano, he made headlines with a summer switch to Valencia in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in his country. His career is punctuated by tenures with Granada and Gimnàstic de Tarragona, showcasing a blend of resilience and talent that is a hallmark of modern footballing greats.

Dele Adeleye

December 25th, 1988, heralded the birth of Dele Adeleye in Lagos, Nigeria—an athletic figure who graced the pitch for his nation as a part of the Super Eagles, earning ten caps and contributing to their memorable silver medal finish in the 2008 Olympics. His professional journey, marked by international travels, saw him play across the Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, and Kazakhstan, in addition to his humble beginnings with Shooting Stars.

Eric Gehrig

Eric Gehrig, born in Harvey, Illinois, on December 25th, 1987, donned the jersey as a defender in Major League Soccer, notably for the Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire from 2011 until 2016. Stepping off the pitch in February 2017, Gehrig shifted gears to coaching, taking an assistant role at Chicago Fire and marking the progression of his football journey from player to mentor.

Manuel Lajud

Another gem born on December 25th, 1994, Manuel Lajud is known for guarding the net after originating from Mexico City. As a goalkeeper, he plied his trade with Tijuana and Santos Laguna, having kickstarted his career with Cruz Azul. His repertoire includes a solitary senior cap for Mexico, despite a robust presence in the under-23 ranks. Interestingly, Lajud’s Lebanese roots have him contemplating a shift in allegiance for future international duties.

Alexandre Jankewitz

Emerging from Swiss soil on December 25th, 2001, Alexandre Jankewitz displayed the mastery of a midfielder during his tenure at Southampton. Despite limited appearances, his career took a sharp turn when he endured a memorable red card in a staggering 9-0 defeat to Manchester United. Moving back to Switzerland in July 2021, he now represents Young Boys, marking a new chapter in his journey.

Joel Porter

Joel Porter, born in Adelaide on December 25th, 1978, navigated the terrains of Australian football, but it was his six-year stint at Hartlepool United that garnered attention, showcasing his prowess as a striker. The pride of Australia, Porter donned the national colors, netting six goals across four caps in 2002, including a commanding performance in an 8-0 rout of Fiji.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards, born on December 25th, 1982, in England, kickstarted his career at Aston Villa before making waves with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he clocked over 100 appearances. While he was capped for England at youth levels, it was his Welsh heritage through his parents that earned him 15 caps for Wales. Transitioning from player to manager, Edwards celebrated a landmark achievement by guiding Luton Town back to the Premier League in 2023, solidifying his legacy both on and off the pitch.

Wilfried Singo

Wilfried Singo, a dynamic right-back, burst onto the scene upon his birth in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast, on December 25th, 2000. He began his professional career with Torino before making a leap to the elite level with AS Monaco in 2023. Capable of executing defensive duties across various positions, his versatility makes him a valuable asset for both club and country.

Chris Kamara

Chris Kamara, a charismatic figure born on December 25th, 1957, in Middlesbrough, began his footballing journey at Portsmouth, with significant engagements at clubs such as Leeds United and Brentford marking his path. After retiring from playing, Kamara transitioned into broadcasting, where he became a household name, known for his exuberance and deep connections to the sport. In light of his health struggles with speech apraxia, he has recently become an advocate for awareness in this area.

Emi Buendía

Bursting onto the scene on December 25th, 1996, in the coastal city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, Emi Buendía is a dynamic midfielder who has dazzled fans in England with his performances for both Norwich City and Aston Villa. His trajectory also includes a youth spell at Real Madrid, and today he proudly wears the colors of Argentina at the international level, solidifying his presence in the competitive climate of world football.

Joãozinho

Joãozinho, a Brazilian winger born on December 25th, 1988, illuminated the Russian football scene for over a decade, making his mark with teams such as Krasnodar and Dynamo Moscow. More recently, he returned to Brazil with Brasiliense, showcasing his commitment to the sport. His journey across continents epitomizes the global nature of football, where talent knows no borders.

Robbie Elliott

Robbie Elliott, born on December 25th, 1973, in Gosforth, Newcastle, is best known for his tenure with Newcastle United throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to navigate as a left-back and central defender made him a versatile player for the teams he graced, including Sunderland and Leeds. His contributions on the pitch still resonate with passionate fans who remember his time during Newcastle’s rise.

Anthony Mandrea

Anthony Mandrea has crossed international boundaries, born on December 25th, 1996, in Caen, France, yet proudly representing Algeria since 2022. Having started with his hometown club he has now transitioned through clubs like Nice and Angers, showcasing resilience and determination throughout his career.

Gary McAllister

Hailing from Motherwell on December 25th, 1964, Gary McAllister was a pivotal piece of the Leeds United’s championship-winning squad of 1991/92. His illustrious career extended to Liverpool, where he played a crucial role in securing a treble in 2001, leaving an indelible mark on English football. McAllister’s expertise is echoed in the over 50 caps he tallied for Scotland, cementing his status as a revered figure in the game.

Jairzinho

Born on December 25th, 1944, in Rio de Janeiro, Jairzinho stands tall among the pantheon of football greatness. Renowned for his dazzling performances, he scored in every match of Brazil’s triumphant 1970 World Cup campaign—a staggering eight goals that still resonate in the annals of the sport. With 81 caps for his nation and a legacy as a hallmark of Brazilian flair, he remains one of the most celebrated wingers to have ever graced the game.