Inspired by Hamit Altintop’s shocking dive for Turkey last weekend, we decided to round up five of the most flagrant flops that could possibly better the Real Madrid midfielder’s efforts.
Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan v Celtic)
A classic case of a striker forgetting to dive at the right moment, the former AC Milan forward only realises that he should’ve dived when the angle to slot a goal home has become too tight and decides to crumble in a heap instead. Thankfully, Alberto received a yellow card for his efforts.
Allan McGregor (Rangers v Hibs)
The Rangers keeper can here be seen giving it plenty to Hibs forward Derek Riordan, who responds by seemingly ordering a non-lethal sniper to take out the shot-stopper.
Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan v Juventus)
Where’s Zinedine Zidane when you need him? Having been embarassed in his defensive duties in the Derby d’Italia, here Materazzi attempts to pull back Del Piero and failing that, clutches his face in agony and falls to the ground. Luckily, the Inter defender escaped without a headbutt to the chest on this occasion.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid v AC Milan)
Cristiano Ronaldo, diving? Crazy as it sounds, the Real Madrid star made a ridiculous dive against AC Milan’s Ignazio Abate last season after being cuffed on the neck by the full-back. Or was he slapped in the face? Cristiano can’t decide.
Fernando Torres (Spain v Chile)
Finally, everyone’s favourite former goalscorer Fernando Torres, who won a World Cup medal last summer despite doing little else other than this sensational diving effort against Chile.
Although some have said that Torres appears to trip himself before falling over, he appears acutely aware that there’s a Chile player beside him and goes into full diva mode with a theatrical fall.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
