*THREAD*
When you think of some of the world's biggest stars, they seemingly all have stints at some of the world's biggest clubs. However, as their career progresses, some find themselves in bizarre and surprising clubs. Some forgettable, some memorable. Here's a look at a few:
When you think of some of the world's biggest stars, they seemingly all have stints at some of the world's biggest clubs. However, as their career progresses, some find themselves in bizarre and surprising clubs. Some forgettable, some memorable. Here's a look at a few:
SAMUEL ETO'O
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala
Period: 2011-2013
Located in Dagestan,at the time known as the most dangerous place in Europe, local mogul Suleyman Kerimov decided to build a super club. So, he paid a fortune (especially in wages) to get Eto'o at the height of his powers
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala

Period: 2011-2013
Located in Dagestan,at the time known as the most dangerous place in Europe, local mogul Suleyman Kerimov decided to build a super club. So, he paid a fortune (especially in wages) to get Eto'o at the height of his powers
ROBERTO CARLOS
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala
Period: 2011-2012
Before Eto'o arrived, however, it was Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos who arrived. He became something of a cult hero, even managing the club and was gifted a Bugati Veyron by Kerimov on his 38th birthday. Money.
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala

Period: 2011-2012
Before Eto'o arrived, however, it was Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos who arrived. He became something of a cult hero, even managing the club and was gifted a Bugati Veyron by Kerimov on his 38th birthday. Money.
WILLIAN
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala
Period: 2013
Before his stint at Chelsea, Willian left Shakhtar Donetsk for Anzhi it what was a huge deal. However, it didn't last too long. Kerimov decided to stop investing, and the Dagestan club quickly fell apart. Thus, all the stars left.
Club: Anzhi Makhachkala

Period: 2013
Before his stint at Chelsea, Willian left Shakhtar Donetsk for Anzhi it what was a huge deal. However, it didn't last too long. Kerimov decided to stop investing, and the Dagestan club quickly fell apart. Thus, all the stars left.
RIVALDO
Club: Bunyodkor
Period: 2008-2010
A World Cup winner in Uzbekistan? Yep! Rivaldo went to Bunyodkor, and became a club icon. It was reported he was paid £8million over two years. He signed there at age 36. Bunyodkor also once bid for Samuel Eto'o, apparently.
Club: Bunyodkor

Period: 2008-2010
A World Cup winner in Uzbekistan? Yep! Rivaldo went to Bunyodkor, and became a club icon. It was reported he was paid £8million over two years. He signed there at age 36. Bunyodkor also once bid for Samuel Eto'o, apparently.
JOAN CAPDEVILA
Club: Santa Coloma
Period: 2016-2017
Capdevila was known as the left back when Spain won Euro 2008 and WC in 2010. Though never really a superstar, he is remembered fondly at Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruña. His career ended in Andorra, with Santa Coloma.
Club: Santa Coloma

Period: 2016-2017
Capdevila was known as the left back when Spain won Euro 2008 and WC in 2010. Though never really a superstar, he is remembered fondly at Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruña. His career ended in Andorra, with Santa Coloma.
DUNGA
Club: Júbilo Iwata
Period: 1995-1998
A player going to Japan is perhaps not the strangest, but the timing here is somewhat strange. Dunga had captained Brazil to a World Cup title in 1994, and was to captain in 1998 as well. In between, he went to Japan to ply his trade
Club: Júbilo Iwata

Period: 1995-1998
A player going to Japan is perhaps not the strangest, but the timing here is somewhat strange. Dunga had captained Brazil to a World Cup title in 1994, and was to captain in 1998 as well. In between, he went to Japan to ply his trade
GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Club: Al-Arabi
Period: 2003-2005
Definitely in the twilight of his career, Batistuta decided to go to Qatar for one last payday. Perhaps not weird in these days, but back then (as I remember), he became a pioneer for such a move. 25 goals in 21 games too.
Club: Al-Arabi

Period: 2003-2005
Definitely in the twilight of his career, Batistuta decided to go to Qatar for one last payday. Perhaps not weird in these days, but back then (as I remember), he became a pioneer for such a move. 25 goals in 21 games too.
STEFAN EFFENBERG
Club: Al-Arabi
Period: 2003-2004
Following Batistuta was the swashbuckling former captain of Bayern München, Stefan Effenberg. Der Tiger, however, decided to stay a year shorter than his legendary Argentinian teammate.
Club: Al-Arabi

Period: 2003-2004
Following Batistuta was the swashbuckling former captain of Bayern München, Stefan Effenberg. Der Tiger, however, decided to stay a year shorter than his legendary Argentinian teammate.
PABLO AIMAR
Club: Johor Darul Ta'zim
Period: 2013-2014
Known as the Lionel Messi's idol, a move to Malaysia does not perhaps fit in with the narrative of Pablo Aimar. Eight games, two goals and a league champion in Malaysia with "JDT". I guess that's something, right?
Club: Johor Darul Ta'zim

Period: 2013-2014
Known as the Lionel Messi's idol, a move to Malaysia does not perhaps fit in with the narrative of Pablo Aimar. Eight games, two goals and a league champion in Malaysia with "JDT". I guess that's something, right?
PAUL GASCOIGNE
Club: Gansu Tianma
Period: 2003
Certainly in his twilight,Gazza decided to try out Chinese football before he hung up the boots. He struggled with personal problems, and his stint ended. Since then, Gansu Tianma struggled themselves and are now defunct.
Club: Gansu Tianma

Period: 2003
Certainly in his twilight,Gazza decided to try out Chinese football before he hung up the boots. He struggled with personal problems, and his stint ended. Since then, Gansu Tianma struggled themselves and are now defunct.
ANDRÉ-PIERRE GIGNAC
Club: Tigres
Period: 2015-
You gotta love Gignac. Instead of sticking around in Europe, he took a chance and went to Tigres in Mexico. Since then, he has become a club icon and led the club to several leagues title in Mexico.
Club: Tigres

Period: 2015-
You gotta love Gignac. Instead of sticking around in Europe, he took a chance and went to Tigres in Mexico. Since then, he has become a club icon and led the club to several leagues title in Mexico.
VINCENT JANSSEN
Club: Monterrey
Period: 2019-
Perhaps inspired by Gignac, Vincent Janssen took the trip to the north of Mexico in 2019. He helped the club win their first league title since 2010, by scoring in a penalty shootout against powerhouses Club América.
Club: Monterrey

Period: 2019-
Perhaps inspired by Gignac, Vincent Janssen took the trip to the north of Mexico in 2019. He helped the club win their first league title since 2010, by scoring in a penalty shootout against powerhouses Club América.
MILOS KRASIC
Club: Lechia Gdansk
Period: 2015-2018
Known as "the new Pavel Nedved", the Serbian danced his way through teams in the CL and earned a move to Juventus. However, he never got it to work and eventually found himself on the move. His career ended in Poland.
Club: Lechia Gdansk

Period: 2015-2018
Known as "the new Pavel Nedved", the Serbian danced his way through teams in the CL and earned a move to Juventus. However, he never got it to work and eventually found himself on the move. His career ended in Poland.
RALF FÄHRMANN
Club: Brann
Period: 2020
An astounding signing in itself, Fährmann was looking for a club after ending his loan spell at Norwich, and did so at Brann in Norway. However, due to corona, he never actually played in Norway and has since gone back to Schalke 04.
Club: Brann

Period: 2020
An astounding signing in itself, Fährmann was looking for a club after ending his loan spell at Norwich, and did so at Brann in Norway. However, due to corona, he never actually played in Norway and has since gone back to Schalke 04.
DIEGO LUGANO
Club: BK Häcken
Period: 2015
The charismatic Uruguayan captain suddenly showed up in Swedish football after having led his nation to the Copa América title four years prior. However, he would only stay for season before moving back to South America.
Club: BK Häcken

Period: 2015
The charismatic Uruguayan captain suddenly showed up in Swedish football after having led his nation to the Copa América title four years prior. However, he would only stay for season before moving back to South America.
DANIELE DE ROSSI
Club: Boca Juniors
Period: 2019-2020
Boca are a massive club, but De Rossi had played his whole life at Roma. However, due to his admiration for Boca and their fans, he wanted to give it a go before retiring. And whose to tell DDR not to follow his dream!?
Club: Boca Juniors

Period: 2019-2020
Boca are a massive club, but De Rossi had played his whole life at Roma. However, due to his admiration for Boca and their fans, he wanted to give it a go before retiring. And whose to tell DDR not to follow his dream!?
EMILIO BUTRAGUEÑO
Club: Celaya
Period: 1995-1998
A Real Madrid legend, in 1995 he had lost his place to some young whippersnapper named Raúl. So, what did he do? Inspired by former teammates Hugo Sánchez, a Mexican legend, he went to Sánchez' country to try something new.
Club: Celaya

Period: 1995-1998
A Real Madrid legend, in 1995 he had lost his place to some young whippersnapper named Raúl. So, what did he do? Inspired by former teammates Hugo Sánchez, a Mexican legend, he went to Sánchez' country to try something new.
CLARENCE SEEDORF
Club: Botafogo
Period: 2012-2014
Much like Boca, Botafogo are a huge club. But you would kinda think Seedorf, who was in his late 30s, would like to choose something more calm? Nope! He wanted one last challenge, and he found that in Brazil, of all places!
Club: Botafogo

Period: 2012-2014
Much like Boca, Botafogo are a huge club. But you would kinda think Seedorf, who was in his late 30s, would like to choose something more calm? Nope! He wanted one last challenge, and he found that in Brazil, of all places!
PEP GUARDIOLA
Club: Dorados de Sinaloa
Period: 2005-2006
It was said Guardiola went to Mexico to work under manager Juanma Lillo, and learn about the game under the Spanish manager. Ironically, Lillo is now Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Full circle, I guess.
Club: Dorados de Sinaloa

Period: 2005-2006
It was said Guardiola went to Mexico to work under manager Juanma Lillo, and learn about the game under the Spanish manager. Ironically, Lillo is now Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Full circle, I guess.
RONALDINHO
Club: Querétaro
Period: 2014-2015
"The lost tape"-years of Ronaldinho's career took a bit of everywhere. Perhaps the most bizarre place was Querétaro in Mexico. However, he scored twice against Club América at the mighty Estádio Azteca, so there's something.
Club: Querétaro

Period: 2014-2015
"The lost tape"-years of Ronaldinho's career took a bit of everywhere. Perhaps the most bizarre place was Querétaro in Mexico. However, he scored twice against Club América at the mighty Estádio Azteca, so there's something.
ANDREY ARSHAVIN
Club: FC Kairat
Period: 2016-2018
Remember when Arshavin just tore the world apart at Euro 2008, and was chased by the likes of Barcelona? Well, after his stint at Arsenal, things kinda went downhill for the magician. His career ended in Kazakhstan at Kairat.
Club: FC Kairat

Period: 2016-2018
Remember when Arshavin just tore the world apart at Euro 2008, and was chased by the likes of Barcelona? Well, after his stint at Arsenal, things kinda went downhill for the magician. His career ended in Kazakhstan at Kairat.
SÓCRATES
Club: Garforth Town
Period: 2004
15 years after retiring, at age 50, the Brazilian legend made a one-month comeback in English football. He made one appearance in the semi-pro league in England with Garforth, which I guess only adds to his massive legend.
Club: Garforth Town

Period: 2004
15 years after retiring, at age 50, the Brazilian legend made a one-month comeback in English football. He made one appearance in the semi-pro league in England with Garforth, which I guess only adds to his massive legend.
MATÍAS ALMEYDA
Club: Lyn
Period: 2007
Having played at Inter and Lazio, you kinda wouldn't expect Almeyda to show up in Norway of all places. However, he did, but it never worked out for the Argentinian legend. Lyn have since been relegated to the fourth tier in Norway.
Club: Lyn

Period: 2007
Having played at Inter and Lazio, you kinda wouldn't expect Almeyda to show up in Norway of all places. However, he did, but it never worked out for the Argentinian legend. Lyn have since been relegated to the fourth tier in Norway.
DMYTRO CHYGRYNSKIY
Club: Barcelona
Period: 2009-2010
To the Ukrainian's credit, he'd been fantastic at Shakhtar. However, he was a walking disaster at Barça,who reportedly paid €25m, plus he could play in the Super Cup final. For Shakhtar. Against Barcelona. It was all weird
Club: Barcelona

Period: 2009-2010
To the Ukrainian's credit, he'd been fantastic at Shakhtar. However, he was a walking disaster at Barça,who reportedly paid €25m, plus he could play in the Super Cup final. For Shakhtar. Against Barcelona. It was all weird
MICHAEL ESSIEN
Club: Persib Bandung
Period: 2017-2018
The former Chelsea midfielder was once one of the world's absolute best, but towards the tail-end of his career he had a stint in Indonesia. He even said he hoped to be a pioneer for players going to Indonesia. He wasn't.
Club: Persib Bandung

Period: 2017-2018
The former Chelsea midfielder was once one of the world's absolute best, but towards the tail-end of his career he had a stint in Indonesia. He even said he hoped to be a pioneer for players going to Indonesia. He wasn't.
CARLTON COLE
Club: Persib Bandung
Period: 2017
However, Essien was not alone in trying his luck in Indonesia at the time. Former Chelsea- and West Ham striker Carlton Cole also had a brief stint with Persib. They even played together for the club that first year
Club: Persib Bandung

Period: 2017
However, Essien was not alone in trying his luck in Indonesia at the time. Former Chelsea- and West Ham striker Carlton Cole also had a brief stint with Persib. They even played together for the club that first year
DENILSON
Club: FC Dallas
Period: 2007
Again, not weird for a player to go the US, but Denilson was at a time the most expensive player in the world. OK, so was Kaká, he was at Orlando, what's my point? Denilson played eight matches. Before he was basically cut from the team
Club: FC Dallas

Period: 2007
Again, not weird for a player to go the US, but Denilson was at a time the most expensive player in the world. OK, so was Kaká, he was at Orlando, what's my point? Denilson played eight matches. Before he was basically cut from the team
DENILSON
Club: Hải Phòng
Period: 2009
It doesn't quite end there for Denilson, however. Two years later, the former "samba star" would have an exotic twist to his career playing for Hải Phòng in Vietnam. He played one game, scored one goal and was paid handsomely for it
Club: Hải Phòng

Period: 2009
It doesn't quite end there for Denilson, however. Two years later, the former "samba star" would have an exotic twist to his career playing for Hải Phòng in Vietnam. He played one game, scored one goal and was paid handsomely for it
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
Club: FC Midtjylland/Esbjerg
Period: 2016-2018
The former Dutch superstar had two stints at different clubs in Denmark towards the end of his career. One of the reasons was said to be because his wife, Estavana Polman, played pro handball in Denmark
Club: FC Midtjylland/Esbjerg

Period: 2016-2018
The former Dutch superstar had two stints at different clubs in Denmark towards the end of his career. One of the reasons was said to be because his wife, Estavana Polman, played pro handball in Denmark
ALEXANDER BAUMJOHANN
Club: Coritiba/Vitória
Period: 2017-2018
Moving for love is also the reason why German player Alexander Baumjohann suddenly found himself playing Brazil. He played for two clubs in Brazil, the country of his wife. Not bad from the former Schalke man
Club: Coritiba/Vitória

Period: 2017-2018
Moving for love is also the reason why German player Alexander Baumjohann suddenly found himself playing Brazil. He played for two clubs in Brazil, the country of his wife. Not bad from the former Schalke man
NICKLAS BENDTNER
Club: Rosenborg
Period: 2017-2019
It caused a collective "WTF!?" in Norway when big club Rosenborg announced it had signed "The Lord" himself. Bendtner was somewhat of a success, winning two leagues and a cup. Then he left after a dispute with the manager
Club: Rosenborg

Period: 2017-2019
It caused a collective "WTF!?" in Norway when big club Rosenborg announced it had signed "The Lord" himself. Bendtner was somewhat of a success, winning two leagues and a cup. Then he left after a dispute with the manager
ANTHONY STOKES
Club: Tractor Sport Club/Persepolis
Period: 2018-2019, 2020
An Irishman in Iran? You betcha! It was all seemingly based in turmoil, but after leaving Tractor for Turkey, he decided to return to giants Persepolis. So Iran can't have been that bad, eh?
Club: Tractor Sport Club/Persepolis

Period: 2018-2019, 2020
An Irishman in Iran? You betcha! It was all seemingly based in turmoil, but after leaving Tractor for Turkey, he decided to return to giants Persepolis. So Iran can't have been that bad, eh?
PETER ODEMWINGIE
Club: Madura United
Period: 2017-2018
Back to Indonesia we go, and Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie can actually look back on it with a lot of success. 24 games, 15 goals is quite all right! I just hope he didn't drive all the way to secure his transfer ...
Club: Madura United

Period: 2017-2018
Back to Indonesia we go, and Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie can actually look back on it with a lot of success. 24 games, 15 goals is quite all right! I just hope he didn't drive all the way to secure his transfer ...
LEE SHARPE
Club: Grindavík
Period: 2003
Want one last little adventure before the career is over? Why not Iceland? So thought Lee Sharpe, apparently. He lasted only a handful of games before it was over for the former Manchester United and Leeds United player.
Club: Grindavík

Period: 2003
Want one last little adventure before the career is over? Why not Iceland? So thought Lee Sharpe, apparently. He lasted only a handful of games before it was over for the former Manchester United and Leeds United player.
FLORENT MALOUDA
Club: Delhi Dynamos
/Wadi Degla
Period: 2015-2017
Ready for this? Malouda was part of the big football boom in India (more on that later) and played for Delhi Dynamo. He was then loaned out to Wadi Degla in Egypt. Now there's a cool move, if I ever saw one.
Club: Delhi Dynamos


Period: 2015-2017
Ready for this? Malouda was part of the big football boom in India (more on that later) and played for Delhi Dynamo. He was then loaned out to Wadi Degla in Egypt. Now there's a cool move, if I ever saw one.
FLORENT MALOUDA
Club: FC Differdange 03
Period: 2018
A special career deserves a special ending, right? After his adventure in Egypt and India, Malouda reportedly struggled to find a club. So, as you do, he finished his career in Luxembourg with FC Differdange 03.
Club: FC Differdange 03

Period: 2018
A special career deserves a special ending, right? After his adventure in Egypt and India, Malouda reportedly struggled to find a club. So, as you do, he finished his career in Luxembourg with FC Differdange 03.
DAVID JAMES
Club: Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja
Period: 2013
Not even located on mainland Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is 7 square miles and has a population of under 5000. In 2013, one of those were former England no. 1 David James. Now, there's an adventure, if I ever saw one
Club: Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyja

Period: 2013
Not even located on mainland Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is 7 square miles and has a population of under 5000. In 2013, one of those were former England no. 1 David James. Now, there's an adventure, if I ever saw one