Top 10 Most Loyal Football Stars since 1980

There can be only one - the Maldini name has been closely linked to the club for decades because of Paolo's father but when he arrived he completely redefined what loyalty means: 31 is the incredible number of years Milan's legendary number 3 has worked up and down the left defensive side. He has not only earned his status among the all-time greats to ever play the game because of the impressive longitude of his career but also through being one of the most decorated superstars of all time with 27 titles including 7 national championships, 2 European Cups, 3 Champions League Titles, 1 Italian National Cup trophy and many more.

What do all of Ryan Giggs' incredible total of 37 titles have in common? He won every single one of them with the Red Devils. Making his pro debut at age 17, he has spent his entire career from the first day to the last in Manchester. Dedicating his life to Manchester United, after he had played his 963rd and last match as a pro he took over as coach. Today he's sitting next to Louis van Gaal on the bench, an icon that will forever have a place in the heart of every United fan. His ongoing commitment to the club has lead him to become part of the coaching staff as soon as he hang up the boots.

Francesco Totti is a phenomenon. Coming to the AS Roma when he was only 13 years old, he is the only player on our list who is still active for his club. He got his nickname “Il Capitano", the captain, during the 1997/98 and has since lead the Giallorossi onto the court. Debuting at age sixteen, he is now 38 years old and has played in over 740 games for Roma, scoring over 290 goals this holding club records in both categories. His biggest accomplishment is the World Championship Trophy Italy won 2006 in Berlin.

There is no chance that when thinking of Liverpool Steven Gerrard won't be the first player who comes to mind. Loyal to the Reds from 1989 until this summer, the midfielder has brought joy to the Anfield Road with both national and international titles. Known for his deadly freekick, his more than impressive intelligence on the field as well as his technique, leading ability and mental strength he broke Liverpool hearts when he announced he'd be heading to the LA Galaxy this year. However, the love from fans will always be his for all the time he left his tears, sweat and blood on the court and in the gym and the titles he brought to the Beatles-town.

There is no other club in the world that has attracted superstars from every part of the globe more than Real Madrid. The Galácticos are typically known for acquiring talent but Iker is one of the rare exceptions. Born and raised in Madrid there was never another place where he'd go, Real was always his club so he joined in 1989 when he was 9 years old. 10 years later he debuted with the pros and the rest is history - he won 18 trophies, played among legendary names and backed up some of the best teams to ever step on the field. This year, he announced his departure to Porto, leaving fans crying for their saint. For Real, there will never be a worthy replacement.

Paul Scholes was never known as a goalgetter. He was most famous for his heart, loyalty, dedication, grit as well as tremendous technique. Paul demonstrated that he just couldn't leave the Red Devils when he left in 2011 but came back one year later for another season. Respected for his aggressive on-court style, he is said to be one of the gentlest, nicest and most humble persons to ever wear the Manchester United jersey. His legendary status is cemented by over 700 games played for United, 25 trophies won and his introduction into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008. No United fan will ever forget him.

Xavi is one of the most elegant playmakers to ever grace a football field. When he laces up his boots and steps on the court, magic is about to happen. He was part of a football dynasty in Barcelona alongside players like Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué and Lionel Messi who all benefited from his genius passes, court view and dribbling skills. Joining Barcelona in 1991, he holds the record for most appearances in the Blaugrana uniform and is tied for most Champions Legaue trophies with a total of 4. Although it was assumed that he'd leave Camp Nou after this season, it was a shocker to every European football fan when he announced his departure towards al-Sadd. We wish you the best of luck and hope you'll one day return home.

Sport is in Gary Neville's blood. He comes from a family of sportsmen and has a brother who even played with him in Manchester but left after a few years. For Gary however there was never a question on where he wanted to play. He came to United at age 16, debuted with the pros one year later and wouldn't leave until the end of his career in 2011. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson Neville would become one of the best and most decorated right-hand side defenders the world has ever seen. He always stood out for his passion for the game and dedication to the Red Devils and will never be forgotten.

While most peoples' blood is red, Javier Zanetti's is black and blue. Coming from Argentina in 1995 he joined Inter, fell in love and would never leave again. He made a name for himself as being incredibly hardworking, humble and passionate. This passion drove him for 19 years as a player and as of last season as part of the Inter management to support his club in any way he can. Many superstars have walked into San Siro but there was never a player who got a bigger ovation from the Inter fans than “El Tractor". Among 5 national championships his biggest win was the Championsl League title in 2010 in his 700th game for Inter. With all that he's done in his career there is hardly anyone who deserves his spot in the FIFA 100 list more than him.

Our list wouldn't be complete without this man. For 19 years he carried the club through thick and thin, through corruption and championships, relegation and Champions League finals Pinturicchio has done it all. He got his nickname from an Italian artist because of his creativity with the ball and ability to handle every situation no matter how hard the pressured him. His unique career is highlighted by almost every record in Juve history and over 17 national and international titles that he helped the Bianconeri win. His name will always live on in the hearts of Juventus fans and club history.