Thegoalmac's Top-5 biggest drinkers in football history,Maradona, Adriano,others

Drinking is not something that are usually associated with footballers that often, but the game has seen some the greatest footballers who are addictive drinkers. Here is Thegoalmac's top 5  list of the biggest drinkers in the history of football.
At number 1 is Paul Gascoigne

One of the most talented (English) football players in the late 80’s and early 90’s. But even better known for his taste for every kind of addiction. Gazza loved eating, gambling, drugs and mostly alcohol. This led to multiple incidents and even suicide attempts. However Gascoigne is still holding on.

At number 2 is Tony Adams

For years a top defender for both his club Arsenal and the national team of England (66 appearances). Also labeled as an alcoholic. From the mid 80’s Adams was caught up in many bar fights and other incidents.
In 1990 he got sentenced to four months in prison for drunk driving. In 1996 he turned his life around and started to fight alcoholism. His autobiography Addicted was a bestseller and he has his own addiction and recovery facility for sportsmen.

At number 3 is Diego Armando Maradona

Probably the best football player ever. Worldwide known for his cocaine addiction, but in his biography Maradona revealed that he was quite the drinker too. He said he could have been way better if he didn’t drink a bottle of whiskey every night.

Still he managed to lead his ‘small’ Italian team Napoli to 2 national championships (hereby breaking the dominance of the Northern Italian teams) and a UEFA Cup. His biggest achievement was when he almost single handedly made his country Argentina world champion in 1986.

At number 4 is Brazilian Adraino

Had everything a modern striker should have: speed, technique and an enormous strength. This Brazilian was a true sensation in the Italian Serie A and for the national team (51 matches/31 goals). He was destined to follow in the footsteps of countrymen Romario and Ronaldo and become a national legend.

 However Adriano found too many temptations in life. He showed up at practice drunk and tired from clubbing numerous of times. His last contract was at his youth love Flamengo in Brazil, where he didn’t manage to play a single match.

At number 5 is George Best

A Northern Irish superstar, who had his best years as a talented striker at Manchester United, with whom he won the European Cup I (today’s Champions League) in 1968. Best also got famous for his frequent appearance in the nightlife of Manchester. His lust for alcohol and women gave him the status of a rock star. Got a liver transplant in 2002, but kept on drinking. In 2005 Best died after several internal infections.