Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Hiya, did you all enjoy the first part of my edit of the hunky footballers in action at the World Cup? I’m back with the next part now — happy drooling!

XABI ALONSO

First things first, whilst this list is not organised in terms of ranking, Xabi Alonso, for me, comes on top. Why so?

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

He’s Spain’s answer to James Bond, Don Draper and all specimens exquisite. His chiselled profile is mesmerising — whether it’s shooting for editorials or product shilling, he’s on par with supermodels.

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

On field too, he’s posing, standing hand-on-hips, most of the time. Muy jefe! His passes are as elegant as Roger Federer’s backhand, as lethal as Mitchell Johnson’s bouncers and as precise as Tiger Woods’s swing, a wise man once opined.

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Off the field, he’s all class, through and through. He always tries to behave impeccably and be as respectful as possible. He’s faithful and true. He’s so nice and sincere that it hurts. He smells of Chanel Allure. He’s into Mad Men and Dexter. He never travels without his MacBook (“[…] pack it in before anything else.”). He’s a voracious reader. He’s got three-quarters of a university degree on psychology and business. He tweets with correct grammar and the works. He describes himself as old school. He’s a big foodie (“I go crazy!”). He’s into all things refined like gourmet food, champagnes, fine wine (“a good Ribera del Duero or a Mauro and I’m happy”), museums, art galleries and so on. And dress he does. To GQMF standards. In a clean and uncomplicated style. (“I am very classical, I like the detail and care what I wear, I love watches and shoes, but I’m not a fashion victim. I am very clear on what I like and what I don’t, and in that way I rely on my gut feelings: I would never wear a fur coat.”) ¿¿¿Cómo no te voy a querer???

To sum it all up, Spain’s no. 14 is just magnificent in every sense of the word. (And I’m so proud to call him ours. #iamamadridista)

GERARD PIQUÉ

Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué and Shakira
Gerard Piqué and Shakira
Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué

He plays for our enemy but there’s no denying that Mr Shakira is all 6 foot something of scrumminess avec beard stubble, bed head, coiffed hair and what not. So yeah, look out for Spain’s no. 3.

RICKY ÁLVAREZ

Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez with girlfriend Mariana Palleiro
Ricky Álvarez with girlfriend Mariana Palleiro
Ricky Álvarez with girlfriend Mariana Palleiro
Ricky Álvarez with girlfriend Mariana Palleiro
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez
Ricky Álvarez

I like my men tall and lanky and horsey-looking, so Argentina’s Ricky Álvarez will obviously make it to this list. There’s something so delightfully boy-next-door about him, that toothy smile is just so adorbs! Also helps that he’s a beast of a midfielder. FYI, he’s Argentina’s no. 19.

CLAUDIO MARCHISIO

Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio with wife Roberta
Claudio Marchisio with wife Roberta

So about Signore Marchisio… He’s scorching hot, and the same goes for his piercing, ‘come hither to my boudoir’ blue eyes, and chiselled profile that can cut ice.

Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio

And the fact that he can dress himself to GQMF standards just makes him beyond irresistible.

Claudio Marchisio for Boss Bottled
Claudio Marchisio for Boss Bottled

Oh, he’s got a selfie addiction too.

Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio with wife Roberta
Claudio Marchisio with wife Roberta

And yes, if you’re wondering, he does look like Michael Fassbender.

Claudio Marchisio
Claudio Marchisio

If all that wasn’t enough to get you on board, he looks so darn good in the Azzuri kit while doing his stuff, which is being an all-action midfielder. He’s Italy’s no. 8, btw.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

What kinda shite list would this be without our boy Cris?

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

No, I may not EVER approve of his sartorial choices, may not always wink to his extreme grooming habits, BUT I’ll say this, at all times: I would happily, and quite shamelessly join that queue. It’s Cristiano bloody Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo with girlfriend Irina Shayk
Cristiano Ronaldo with girlfriend Irina Shayk
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Take a number, pop a mint, and do some stretching exercises while you wait for Portugal’s no. 7.

So yeah, that’s it this time — I’ll be soon-ish with the last part, so keep your eyes peeled.

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