Robbie ROGERS – LA Galaxy/USA/12/05/1987
Robbie Rogers is a reluctant pioneer. In February 2013, weeks after being released by Leeds United, he became the first openly gay footballer active in a leading professional league; furthermore, he was also the only gay sportsman in any of America’s major sports.
Marcos ROJO – Manchester Utd/Argentina/20/03/1990
Left-sided defender dismissed as a panic buy last summer despite a fine World Cup.
RONALDINHO – Queretaro/Brazil/21/03/1980
Twice World Player of the Year and a Champions League winner, he made a surprise switch to Mexico last year.
Cristiano RONALDO – Real Madrid/Portugal/05/02/1985
Reigning World Player of the Year and top dog in Madrid – as Gareth Bale has discovered to his cost this season.
Salomon RONDON – Zenit/Venezuela/16/09/1989
Top goalscorer in the Russian Premier League this season and the most successful Venezuelan in European club football.
Wayne ROONEY – Manchester Utd/England/24/10/1985
Captain of club and country. Deployed in midfield by Louis Van Gaal this season but always at his best as a boisterous striker.
RUBEN NEVES – Porto/Portugal/13/03/1997
Midfielder who is being tipped for greatness. With Porto since the age of eight and the youngest Portuguese player to appear in the Champions League.
Albert RUSNAK – Groningen/Slovakia/07/07/1994
Attacking midfielder who failed to break through at Manchester City. Joined Groningen in January after a loan spell at Cambuur.
Matthew RYAN – Club Brugge/Australia/08/04/1992
Highly rated keeper who was a very solid performer for Australia as they won this year’s Asian Cup on home soil.
Nuri SAHIN Dortmund/Turkey/05/09/1988
Midfield playmaker who has re-established himself at Dortmund after disappointing spells with Real Madrid and Liverpool.
