R9 or CR7? England Bonuses & Maradona Mayhem | EP 27

What did each of Gary, Alan and Micah do with their England bonuses and who forced Micah to give his away? How good was the Brazilian Ronaldo? And who stopped Diego Maradona falling off a balcony at the Bombonera? Plus Gary recounts the night he thought his career was over.
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - The trios' origin story
06:26 - Jock Wallace story
09:37 - Micah's international fee bonuses
12:33 - Alan's golf tournament
13:20 - R9's potential without the injuries
21:41 - Managers being sacked early on in the season
24:35 - Which footballer would you be?
26:26 - East Lancs Derby

[@alexb.703]

I saw R9 live in Milan when he was in his prime at Inter. I’ve never seen anybody like him (and I saw live also Messi and Cristiano). He was called phenomenon for a reason. Unreal

[@miamitten1123]

Prime was Barcelona

[@spz8342]

​@@miamitten1123tougher competition in serie A

[@readventurekids]

At his peak, Brazilian Ronaldo was frighteningly unplayable. I absolutely love him. The footballing equivalent of peak Iron Mike Tyson.

[@Ghost-tx4ft]

his prime was like 10 games bro.

[@RajSingh-jv4dn]

💯 r9 the best ever

[@BluesFanUK_]

@@Ghost-tx4ft Indeed, his peak lasted up until the back end of 99, he then struggled with injuries and came back a different player - the Ronaldo who won the Ballon d'Or in 2002 was a very different player to the one who won it in 97. All round talent he was a superior player to Cristiano, but it's a case of what could have been.

[@akashpandey7466]

@@Ghost-tx4fthe never reached his prime kid.. And 95-98 he was 80% of his prime.. This is 50% more than cr7 prime.. In 2002 r9 was 50 % of what he used be in 90’s And kid am not talking about no of goals scored its about quality difficulty...

[@broxy2007]

@@Ghost-tx4fthis prime was more like 100 games but ce7 fanboys liken you just don't get it lol

[@mha10]

The speed at which both of them said R9 gave me chills. R9 was just unbelievable.

[@andyc302]

Ronaldo was injured for a total of 1,324 days in his career he missed nearly 5 years of football in total and considering that imagine if he never got injured still to this day one of the best strikers ever

[@boubacardiallo5945]

THE best Striker ever

[@Footballazz]

He’s the best talent in football history Gary: He was still one of the best even with his injuries Alan: equal to if not better than Messi and CR7 without his injuries Micah: Undisputed greatest of all time without the injuries And that’s just these 3. Many other great players managers and pundits would say the same. And if you watched him play, you’d say the same too.

[@z3dda]

Messi, R9, Ronaldinho, Zidane.. Top 4, 5th can be debated. Just how it is.. R9 Best Stiker Ever.

[@pauldavison486]

Yes. But he DID get injured. That’s what makes CR7 so incredible. His dedication to maintaining his fitness is unparalleled. If R9 committed half as much he would have stayed healthy. Just look at him now. 🤔

[@antonransome5932]

Three different but overlapping generations make for a great dynamic. Alan Shearer is the most pleasant surprise on KZbin. Expected him to be rigid but he's an absolute delight in this environment. They genuinely all are.

[@koinutachi]

I completely agree. Although I have a deep admiration for english football, I am not english; I am spanish, hailing from Barcelona, for instance (warm regards to our legend Gary Lineker, by the way). The thing is, I wasn't acquainted with Shearer's personality beyond the pitch. Naturally, I held him in high regard as a player, but it's been a pleasure to observe his rather easy-going, if not somewhat laid-back, demeanor. I found it quite appealing. I also thoroughly enjoy Micah. The guy is an absolute delight and can light up a room with his presence. In summary, I love this podcast 🙌

[@TheLuminousOne]

Prime Ronaldo from 1996-1999 was the greatest footballer i ever saw play the game. He was frightening. Then his knee exploded and was never the same player.

[@xGibbo1]

R9 is by far the best player I've ever seen, the things he was doing were unthinkable at the time. He had every single attribute of a striker to the highest level there was. The fact he gets included in best player of all time debates despite having his 3 and half year practically career ending injury shows truly what a gift he was to football and his mentality to come back and do what he did in 2002. Blessed to have been able to witness him

[@readventurekids]

I echo your words. Brazilian Ronaldo was an unstoppable force. A joy to have lived through his young years and watched him at PSV and Barca.

[@shehrozamar4644]

At his best, comfortably top 3 players I've ever seen. The most complete striker I've ever seen.

[@lelethumnisi4478]

By far? Have you watched Messi?

[@BluesFanUK_]

@@lelethumnisi4478 None of them have, Ronaldo's become a myth, like Maradona 'single handedly' winning Argentina the 1986 World Cup. He was a phenomenal footballer, but like Gary pointed out, he scored a lot of poachers goals too. If you look at a 10 year gap either side of Ronaldo's peak, so between 1986 - 2006, you had Romario, Zidane, Van Basten, Platini and Maradona, then Henry and Ronaldinho - Ronaldo wasn't a clear cut above all of them, he was on course to be, no one will ever truely know though. Messi on the other hand legitimately was, was doing things by the time he was 21/22 we'd never seen before. Maradona-esque number 10 with Gerd Muller's scoring prowess, absolute freak.

[@relentero8547]

⁠@@BluesFanUK_Tbh though, we don’t have the level of competition that we used to have. Every excellent player from Ronaldo’s time would all take the top spots for best players in the world currently and it’s not even close. R9 dominated his competition in the past, he was levels above everyone else.

[@DirtyJamesUK]

I've seen MADNESS from CR7. Some real amazing goals. But with all that said I still think R9 would have been the better player. And quite easily. R9 is the most amazing player I've ever seen with the ball at his feet.

[@davidclark2669]

Great comment.... Nice to see others put there with a brain, all these kids annoy me such much, cr 7 cr7 cr7 bla bla bla clueless R9 different gravy

[@motoruss]

R9 supposedly scored around 80 goals where he rounds the keeper. You hardly see that today, he was something else. I went 98 opening game in Paris against Scotland and he was incredible to watch, what a talent.

[@snuffly6492]

88!

[@tris87don16]

That was his trademark unstoppable in his prime definitely one of the goats

[@Prime-R9]

Big up guys 💥 Another fantastic episode 🙂 The Scottish accent was hilarious 😆 Nice to hear you guys talk about R9 🔥 Fun fact - I use to have a blogspot/forum about 13 yrs ago where I use to highlight different players each week from legends to unappreciated players from all around the world & I named it Prime R9. It was a joke/play on the kids at the time, when they started to use their favourite players names on their display names/usernames so I named the site & my username Prime R9 a nod to my favourite player from my younger years. So now when people say Prime "insert players name" that comes from me. Over the years my slang has caught on 😉 no one really says "in his prime" it's always "prime" then the players name.

[@Shunei_187]

💯 Good times! It's much more than that bro you're being too humble! All these KZbinrs who now exist from big to small it doesn't matter who they support they all try to talk like you and they all use your quotes and lines when they talk. You influenced a whole generation they wouldn't exist without you.

[@JuanCarlos11920]

Greetings you are a legend in your own right amigo your impact and influence is unparalleled. You are one of the only person from England that is well versed on players from all over the world and not just from England. I miss the in-depth conversations and player comparisons on your forum.

[@SMthere]

Incredible story...

[@MrHenhen5]

I think what sums up r9 is that he had a big injury, potentially career ending. Came back, won the 2002 world cup, and the ballondor. He was clearly affected by the injury, not as explosive as before, but still so so good. Unreal player.

[@bigpmc]

Micah is gold. He would improve anything you put him in-his laugh is incredible

[@lotuseater7247]

Ronaldo Phenomenon is the greatest attacking player I've ever seen. There's no question 'R9' is far better than CR7, which sounds crazy, and Christiano of course isn't simply a striker, and I'd regard him as the best wide player in his position, but Brazilian Ronaldo is truly the greatest from the 90's to today (at his peak). He played like a computer game on amateur mode; strength, speed, agility, touch, dribbling, and even vision were all perfect. The way he thought so quickly to get out of positional problems, or tackles was just electrifying. People talk about his injuries, but I think it's almost as though a human body containing his ability and speed could never have maintained it for more than 5 years. Lightning.

[@dean1807]

Best football podcast around, haven’t missed an episode. Please keep it going!

[@keshavbagga]

Cheeky Henry teaser, can’t wait for the episode lads. Enjoying the podcast!

[@welcome2football]

Love hearing Lineker and Shearer talk about players from past generations. I need to go and check out highlights of Glen Hoddle now😂

[@Leon-Noir]

Please let me know what you think. I promise you that the highlights will not do him justice.

[@christaylor1913]

​@@Leon-NoirI second that the highlights will not do him justice

[@TheGregcellent]

I was watching an old Tottenham cup game from the early 80s the other day, and whilst it's hard to tell due to the nature of the game back then, it's clear to see he's head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch in terms of technical ability. Steve Archibald looked good too

[@Leon-Noir]

@@TheGregcellent He genuinely played in the wrong era or in the wrong country. He was so technically brilliant, but the press and various managers never knew how to utilise him. They wanted 100mph battling players. He was French, Italian, BraIlian, etc he would have had 200 caps.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Hope you can find his goal vs Watford or his volley vs Liverpool. He was a wonderfully gifted player.

[@jamesthomas6164]

Most crazy stat about R9 he scored 88 goals after taking it round the goalkeeper

[@GIBBO4182]

R9 genuinely lived up to his Phenomeno nickname!

[@alandemaio3043]

Fenomeno the Brazilian media creates to different atlethes, there’s the phenomenon of MMA Vitor Belfort and many others.

[@jkjkjkjkjk537]

I saw a video where Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram and Frank Lebouf discuss ways to stop Ronaldo before the '98 world cup final. A back line like that being even the tiniest bit worried about a player is the highest form of respect they could afford to an opponent. Damn those glass knees of his, he would've been an alien if not for them. Long live El fenomeno!!

[@C4rL72]

After a long day /week at work nothing better than sitting down with a beer and listening to you guys. Amazing as ever guys.

[@ElBarcoGaming]

Kids today cant imagine the difference in goals scored by strikers today due to high defensive lines and teams defending the oppositon box instead of their own. R9 would thrive today even more than he did back then.. and injuries would have been treated better

[@vDJara]

First time listening. Just wanted to say this reminded me of an old radio show I used to listen to through my alarm clock at night when I had anxiety. It was the only way I used to fall asleep. This reminds me of it, but about something I love. So thank you.

[@forcesensitive6371]

In my time, I've had the honour of seeing some of the greatest play the game. And to this day, including Messi and CR7, nothing still compares to watching R9 in his prime. For me, he is the GOAT.

[@paullomas4620]

100%

[@notaspeck6104]

That's your opinion

[@GIBBO4182]

@@notaspeck6104that’s why he said “for me” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@forcesensitive6371]

@@GIBBO4182 Thaank You!🤦🏿

[@Scott-bh2qb]

@@notaspeck6104clown

[@Mrdorf14]

Loving this podcast. The three of you are brilliant and I always look forward to watching it. Great shout, Micah, about the Superbowl

[@cspeeddawg7763]

This podcast really helps my day go by at work, thanks lads what a great show.

[@stuartchadwick5940]

Got goosebumps listening to you talk about Ronaldo, what a player. He was playing against 90s Serie A defenders, Christiano was playing (for the most part) against 2010's La Liga defenders. Ronaldo would have scored even more goals in that league.

[@anirudhmenon9099]

2010s la liga had great defenders too?

[@stuartchadwick5940]

@@anirudhmenon9099 really? Several players got close to or over 1 goal per game in that league and for the likes of Suarez and Christiano they never got near that in other leagues before or after. Even Neymar had a better record and he went to France after.

[@JoblessJazz]

What? La Liga centre halves who coincided with Spanish football domination? A league with many of the best in the world who won multiple European and world level honours? 😅 Clueless and again just trying to push a narrative that R9s career was anywhere near CR7s.

[@stuartchadwick5940]

@@JoblessJazz when someone resorts to insults, you know you're right. You're comparing Serie A in the 90s, a league where Shevchenko, Zamorano, Trezeguet, Crespo, Batistuta, Inzaghi, Del Piero (list is endless) never got anywhere near a goal a game. The league as a whole was notoriously defensive, that's without mentioning the colossal defenders throughout the league. Were you alive in the 90s? Because that is baffling to me, how you can call someone clueless is frankly outrageous.

[@stuartchadwick5940]

Ronaldo got around 0.67 goals per game at Real Madrid, this was whilst being 3 stone overweight, 3 & 1/2 years out injured and most of his pace and explosiveness a distant memory. Clueless LOOOOL!

[@neilblake5466]

You can't help but smile listening to these three brilliant podcast 👍

[@Matthew-fb6lh]

This podcast should be massive subscribers wise in 5 months very good entertainment. Id definitely get a guest on once a week. Good effort lads

[@TheTwistybandit]

Love micah you have to admit, i know hes only talking and having a laugh on all these shows but hes got some work ethic. I see him on every broadcaster for any game i watch

[@robthomas3968]

This has become my favourite podcast, keep up the good work boys fantastic

[@siralexferguson4640]

If R9 never had them career ending injuries he would be THE greatest.

[@davidplummer936]

How is R9's English? Would love to see him on the podcast to learn how he views his career and what he achieved. If his English isn't great, maybe he could speak in Spanish and Gary could translate for us?

[@n0213862]

The man speaks good English. He’d be a great guest, I think.

[@JamboP26]

I remember him interviewed at the Brazilian Grand Prix. His English is basic but good

[@mediacenterman8583]

Lineker interviewed him in Spanish and R9 responded in Portuguese. The BBC broadcast had subs in English

[@davidplummer936]

I had a look. Couldn't find the one with him speaking Portugese but found this documentary Gary did in Brazil which R9 spoke in English (pretty well to be fair). It was on football in Brazil though so would love to hear a more personal interview about his career kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKbYfKBtgcytkLMsi=58rIzJ1NRRssiI2j

[@mmlentertainment]

These 3 are fantastic on the Top 10 and now these podcasts a great to listen to.

[@rosswakenshaw2259]

good choice, my 3 favourite pundits, love listening and watching you guys

[@johncarden12]

I don't listen to or watch podcasts really, never got into them other than maybe DOAC, but this is brilliant. Proper mates taking the piss out of each other and great stories. You really feel part of it, great podcast. 😂

[@fearsome1376]

R9 is the goat for me

[@troublesumdemon5595]

This show is brilliant guys . Keep it up

[@_Highvalue_]

This is certainly becoming a monster pod. It's the best one currently, every episode is fantastic and look forward to more.

[@cookieshooky]

Love every video! I can't wait for the ep with Thierry! ❤️

[@JackFM06]

I’m officially addicted to how much joy this podcast brings me.

[@dreamer2355]

Great podcast!. I am super looking forward to seeing Henry on the show!. It would be fun having other legends on the podcast too from all those different era’s.

[@darthseti9492]

I'm sorry I took so long to subscribe, I've been a viewer for a while now. Great show ❤

[@1derehman]

Can we get R9 on the podcast😅? Loving the stories!

[@jakey2006]

Love this podcast one of my favourites. Takes my mind off the crap happening in the world

[@Leon-Noir]

It is wonderful to hear you mention Hoddle Gary. I think he gets overlooked sometimes and it tends to be only Spurs fans who remember how good he actually was. He is still one of the most gifted English players to have ever put boots on.

[@herytik4027]

I’m a Chelsea fan and to me, he modernised the club and started to change the English game by bringing in continental players and attitudes. Shame he couldn’t keep his beliefs to himself.

[@georgeschofield6099]

Top players gary in day the best with Alan shearer Harry kane in my book top ten best great goalscorer love mica special being city fan aah so friendly great porgas keep good show . Keep good work up guys thanks all goals

[@ameyapotdar461]

As a Milan fan, I sweated bullets when R9 had the ball at his feet, when he had the ball at his feet , I just knew that this guy was going to do something crazy with the ball. I still remember the goal he scored against Inter when he was with us at Milan in 2007-08 season. My only wish was that he had his prime with us.

[@JJ-ev9uz]

CR7 In his prime I would prefer! people forget that Ronaldo between 2010 - and 2015

[@navjitbassi03]

Nah thats very recent. We all remember that. 1998 r9 is easier to forget

[@bercey07]

I love Micah but what he said while comparing R9 and CR7 was nonsense. Thanks to Garry for correcting

[@nate_wil]

The banter and chemistry between you three is S tier. (That means totally elite for you oldies😂😂)

[@mattyearl8281]

This podcast is elite....no more words needed

[@williamhargrave9202]

Acer it once again, brilliant show.

[@situn4377]

R9 is the greatest CF in history and no one's has matched his level since

[@beetledune9264]

R9.he was beast in his prime.esp 2002 WC.

[@GeorgeLista]

He wasn’t even top of his prime in 2002. Incredible.

[@HOEL]

Thierry is my footballing hero, so I'm very excited to see the man and the legend on the podcast very soon!

[@darrenwoolley8433]

Another awesome episode lads.

[@GlasgowCelticChampionsagain]

R9 is no doubt the better of the two a phenomenal talent

[@pn074]

😂😂😂

[@sherry75baby]

Oh my gosh, it just gets better by the week!! Micah’s smile and belly laughs are the best!

[@godseye13k]

Thanks very much for the content and stay safe 👊

[@robertflanagan1364]

I love this pod. Watching Micah laugh is medicine

[@realest2506]

these guys are so mainstream yet so funny and interesting not boring at all best footy pod

[@simonleach2983]

Gary, I love you being a Spurs fan, but me and my boy love these. I wasn't convinced in Micah, but he's great and doing a wonderful job in this format. You cover Pre Premier League, start of the premier league and modern day, well done! I love that Micah is respecting you finally as a baller!! Long may this podcast continue, I see Sky is copying it now. All the best to the three of you

[@EKOvision]

Alan: “By the lugs!” Especially with the room acoustics 😂😂

[@writtenalphabeticallypoetr6997]

The difference is we getting from former players view. Which is the difference. Players who have gone the distance, much respect. Gary and Alan and Micah. Regardless of what MIcah when you burst on the scene you fifa stats were high. You were always my right back in FIFA that time. Unlucky on the injuries. You had the potential to be great bro. Keep going. Great podcast.

[@haroldkane9714]

Great podcast guys

[@ladvee6788]

Never knew Leicester was managed by a pirate! 😂😂😂 great podcast gents and loved the story Gary!

[@financialtemplatesbyseanCFP]

Micah needs to start commentating during games. R9 shone in a Brazilian team with Ronaldinho (Ballon d'Or winner), Kaka (Ballon d'Or winner), Rivaldo (Ballan d'Or winner), Carlos (Madrid GOAT), and Cafu. For context, R9 played 98 times for Brazil with knee injuries throughout his career, which resulted in multiple clubs. He also was diagnosed with a thyroid condition which resulted in weight gain. Had he been playing in the modern game today, he would average 40-50 goals per season when you look at Haaland and Mbappe and what they are doing with a fraction of his talent.

[@manoamatairavula9989]

Brilliant love this podcast

[@chriswatson8102]

3 different generations …. Legends of the game and Micah 😉

[@sheep910]

"yes, I think that's clearly the question, Micah" killed me 😂

[@barryduncan]

Very entertaining great stuff

[@michaelkneale3825]

Great podcast! Micah is really funny.

[@PistolPanda28]

World Cup and international stories are the best from Gary

[@MultiSmashx]

Cristiano Ronaldo has actually become somehow underrated.

[@AurelAvramescu]

Lineker last question was gold 🤣🤣🤣🤣. He was smiling before asking the question 🙂.

[@Bikerz_rule]

Love this podcast. Much as I love CR7 and think he's an amazing footballer and machine, R9 was nothing more than tremendous! Even with all those injuries he was still a phenomenal footballer. By the way, trophies outside of football, the Masters and the Ashes I can understand but the Ryder Cup is something really special!

[@mymatenick8335]

I could listen to Gary tell old football stories all day! Love his energy and clear passion

[@Bernardo1143Duce]

Totally agree that Hoddle has to be in the convo on the best English midfielder, alongside with Stevie, Scholes (I didn't hear Lamps name but I'm assuming he was mentioned) and Gazza. 😊

[@jimwatson7238]

Seen both Ronaldos play, R9 was a class above Cr7.

[@pn074]

I've seen both play and Cr7 was massively above R9

[@realife1542]

Of course a football podcast with 2 football legends (and Micah) is going to do well

[@stephenmorris8947]

"Pablo Zabeletta" made me laugh out loud - well done chaps.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Lineker was a savage for that one. It was hilarious.

[@akamiguelsanchez9985]

It’s obviously the original, and best Ronaldo

[@k17nopasi]

What’s interesting is the R9 most people know is the post-injury one and even them he was deemed an all time great. Most don’t know the R9 in the mid to late 90s

[@ruaraidhmorrison5879]

Ronaldo is the best player I’ve seen, definitely. Cristiano is great and achieved far more at club level but club football changed so much in that time. It’s such a small amount of clubs that can win things now, 20 years ago clubs were far closer in ability as money gap wasn’t so vast.

[@SydPeppa]

14:07 Just to add a little bit, he was flying in the 2002 WC. What a player!

[@peteroduntan4536]

Good show. Take on R9 and Cristiano is rubbish though.

[@morethanawheelchair2344]

Best podcast out

[@i.blomen]

16:05 when Gary says "recently" it could be anything between yesterday and 2004.

[@TheShaneGuy]

Great Episode as usual. How to you message questions in?

[@AwakeningFromADream]

Speaking on halftime entertainment. A few seasons ago West Ham would have a girl called Harper sing at every game at halftime. She was signed to West Ham Records. No idea what happened with it all

[@gavknight6152]

Under the cosh is another great podcast

[@stevenevans6132]

R9 over CR7 all day long ,best centre forward of my lifetime without doubt !!

[@pruney84]

Ronaldo (the one and only, the other is Cristiano) without injuries would be the absolute GOAT

[@dharktv1340]

But he’s not d Goat y’all gotta stop with d iffssss😂😂😂😂

[@MaxxD]

Can we buy Alan a tripod for his phone at least? 😆

[@kyber8117]

I'm obsessed with this podcast. Incredible

[@F.MNZ.91]

Micah is a positivity and good vibes GOAT ❤

[@GilangRamadhan-tc3zk]

Ronaldo always be my idol, my GOAT. I just love when he playing

[@lebbeatty9127]

What do you think is the best country team in the past other than the golden generation that didn’t win a World Cup or euros?? Watch every second of every video love it keep it up lads

[@somethingcleverhere]

I kinda think the English golden generation is a bit reflected glory from the premier league, but that Portgual side that lost to Greece in 2004 has to be one.

[@laffo1980]

Links zaboletta payout to Micah was timed To perfection

[@Pumpypump]

Tbh dont see how r9 can be seen better than cr7. Longevity of career and the number of goals cr7 scored even though he was a winger most his career shows why

[@notaspeck6104]

Same, I think its a biased question. Talent is just one part of the whole.

[@Pumpypump]

@@notaspeck6104 feel like ronaldo has been disrespected heavily during these last parts of his career. But hopefully when he retires people remember how good he really was

[@Mad_Intalect]

If you've seen both at peak, I'd easily take pre (knee) injury R9 over CR7 if I had to choose. This coming from a United fan that used to be CR7s biggest cheerleader during his first spell at the club lol. He was already the best player in the world at 20. In a more competitive club football era imo.

[@Scott-bh2qb]

R9 got injured but had everything. A mile clear of Haaland and Mbappe. Just that injury 😢

[@hughtube5154]

R9 was better from an earlier age. While still a teenager at PSV he scored 54 goals in 58 games. CR7 didn't start to get crazy stats until the last years of his time at Man U when he was in his 20s. R9 also played with a heavier ball, on worse pitches, and under rules that didn't favour the attacker in every instance.

[@tashrif46]

25:30 Gary Lineker troll job 😂😂😂😂😂