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Britain is regarded by many as the home of association soccer, and the island has produced some of the greatest players and most famous teams ever to play the game. From Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson to David Beckham and Paul Lambert, Brits have made themselves known on Planet Soccer. Which is your favorite British team, and do you follow their games live on television? There are more than a few big-name options for soccer fans looking to adopt a UK side.

One man flying the flag for Team UK overseas recently is Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson. The midfielder currently plays in the Italian Serie A, where he has proven to be the driving force behind a fantastic season for Bologna. The number eight impressed pundits across Italy and even made it into the Serie A Team of the Year. Ferguson was presented with the Bulgarelli Number 8 Award, which is handed to the best midfielder in Serie A each term. He joined one of the most exclusive lists in soccer.

Ferguson’s success in Italy makes him an automatic pick for Scotland manager Steve Clarke as he prepares his selection for Euro 2024 in Germany. Team Scotland plays the host nation in the opening game of the UEFA European Championship, and you can back the Scots for success through the online sportsbook Bovada. They offer odds on every match from the tournament and provide exciting markets, including the outright winner, top scorer, and player of the tournament.

Good company

Ferguson comes from a soccer-playing family, with his father and uncle both representing Scotland in major competitions. Scotland is respected on the world stage despite never winning the FIFA World Cup or the Euros. They aren’t exactly a successful team with many major honors in their trophy cabinet, but Scotland has given the world some talented and famous soccer players.

Will Ferguson kick on from here and help drive his nation into the knockout rounds in Germany this summer? Fans must wait and see, but there’s real confidence amongst members of the Tartan Army who believe the current crop is good enough to improve and book a spot in the later rounds. Will Scotland give their fans something to cheer in Germany? It’s possible, and we can’t wait to find out.

Scotland isn’t the only UK nation that exports major players overseas. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also played a part, and in this article, we reflect on the cream of the crop. Keep reading as we highlight British soccer stars who have impressed overseas. Some are more famous than others, but each name mentioned is soccer royalty. Keep reading as we dive into the thick of our article.

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David Beckham

Few footballers boast a resume as famous as David Beckham’s, whose illustrious career took him from the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford to the glitz and glamour of Real Madrid. 

Beckham’s move to the Spanish capital in 2003 sent shockwaves through the footballing world. He joined a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo. Despite facing skepticism from some quarters, Beckham flourished in La Liga, winning the league title in his final season with Real Madrid. 

His success paved the way for a new generation of British players to seek their fortunes abroad, demonstrating that talent knows no borders.

Gareth Bale

A Welsh footballing export who made waves in La Liga is Gareth Bale. His electrifying pace and devastating left foot endeared him to Real Madrid fans during his tenure at the club. 

Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in a then-world record transfer fee in 2013, Bale wasted no time in making his mark, scoring crucial goals in domestic and European competitions alike. His crowning moment came in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, where his breathtaking bicycle kick helped secure victory for Real Madrid against Liverpool. 

Bale’s success in Spain showcased the global appeal of British talent and solidified his status as one of the game’s most formidable forwards.

Steve McManaman

Before Beckham and Bale, there was Steve McManaman, whose journey from Liverpool to Real Madrid blazed a trail for future British footballers seeking success abroad. 

McManaman’s move to the Spanish giants in 1999 raised eyebrows at the time, but he quickly silenced his critics with dazzling displays on the wing. Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability and vision, McManaman played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumphs in 2000 and 2002, cementing his place in the club’s illustrious history. 

His success inspired a generation of British players who wanted to test their mettle on the continental stage.

John Charles

Long before the era of multimillion-dollar transfers, there was John Charles, a towering presence whose exploits in Italian football captivated fans and pundits alike. 

Known affectionately as “Il Gigante Buono” (The Gentle Giant), Charles made his mark in Serie A with Juventus and Roma. His combination of power, skill, and sportsmanship endeared him to supporters across the peninsula. Charles’ versatility was legendary, as he seamlessly transitioned from defense to attack with grace and poise. 

His impact on Italian football paved the way for future generations of British players to ply their trade abroad, leaving an enduring legacy that endures to this day.

Kevin Keegan

Kevin Keegan’s foray into German football may have been unexpected, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke that catapulted him to stardom on the continental stage. 

After joining Hamburg SV in 1977, Keegan quickly endeared himself to fans with his tireless work ethic, skillful dribbling, and eye for goal. His crowning achievement came in 1979 when he led Hamburg to their first Bundesliga title in nearly two decades, earning him the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in the process. 

Keegan’s success in Germany shattered stereotypes about British players’ ability to adapt to foreign leagues and paved the way for future stars to follow in his footsteps.

Who will be the next British player to star overseas? With the recent success of Ferguson, we expect plenty more international scouts at Scottish Premiership fixtures.

By Chris Bates