Player Trivia

England's most capped player with 125 international appearances. At 47, Shilton was still playing professionally in 1996–97, making him likely the oldest outfield player in this database.

The mercurial French captain inspired Manchester United to the 1995–96 Premier League and FA Cup double, returning from his infamous 8-month ban for the kung-fu kick at Selhurst Park. Retired suddenly in May 1997, aged 30.

Signed by hometown club Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers in summer 1996 for a then-world-record £15 million fee, rejecting Manchester United to do so. Newcastle's record goalscorer.

Joined Arsenal from Inter Milan for £7.5m in June 1995. His well-documented fear of flying meant he travelled to away fixtures by car and rail, missing European away legs entirely — but his performances at home made him worth it.

Arsène Wenger's first signing as Arsenal manager in summer 1996, purchased from AC Milan's reserves for £3.5m. The 20-year-old Frenchman would go on to captain Arsenal's Invincibles.

Appointed Chelsea player-manager in 1996, becoming the first continental European to manage a top-flight English club. Led Chelsea to FA Cup glory in 1997.

In his second season at Juventus having moved from Bordeaux in 1996 for £3m. Two years later he scored twice in the World Cup final as France beat Brazil 3–0.

Despite representing England at schoolboy level, Giggs chose to play internationally for Wales — the country of his birth. A United stalwart since age 13.

The commanding Danish goalkeeper was the cornerstone of United's success under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning five Premier League titles. His son Kasper would later follow him into professional football.

The composed Parma right back scored both goals in France's 1998 World Cup semi-final win over Croatia — the only international goals in his record-breaking 142-cap career.

The charismatic French winger thrilled Premier League fans at Newcastle and later Spurs. Widely blamed for France's failure to qualify for USA 94 after a misplaced pass in the final qualifier against Bulgaria.

AC Milan's legendary left back, widely considered one of the greatest defenders of all time. Spent his entire 25-year career at the club. Son of former Milan captain Cesare Maldini.

Real Madrid's marauding left back, famous for the seemingly impossible free-kick against France in 1997 — struck with such swerve that the ball appeared to curve around the wall before bending back.

The Brazilian phenomenon joined FC Barcelona from PSV in 1996 and won FIFA World Player of the Year in his debut season. Moved to Inter Milan at the end of 1996–97.

The Liberian striker at AC Milan was the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year (1995) and African, European and World Player of the Year simultaneously — the only African player to win the Ballon d'Or.

Manchester United's combative Irish captain. One of the most influential midfielders of his era; his famous Juventus performance in the 1999 Champions League semi-final — despite knowing he'd miss the final — is the stuff of legend.

Joined Birmingham City as player-manager in 1996 after 11 trophy-laden years at Manchester United, where he never received an international cap despite being one of the best centre-backs in the country.

Inter Milan's veteran goalkeeper who famously became the first goalkeeper sent off in World Cup history, against Norway at USA 94.