Top 10 Fat Footballers to grace the modern game

Sol Campbell

The veteran defender who was once built like a rock has hit the headlines this summer for his love handles. Some Newcastle fans labelled Campbell “fat belly” after recent pictures of him in the club’s fetching training wear. The former Arsenal man called those fans “pathetic” and provided this explanation: “I am naturally a big guy, but I cannot rush my conditioning.”

Andy Reid

The Irish, guitar playing midfielder cuts a portly figure in the red and white stripes of Sunderland. Possessor of a cultured left-foot, he has excellent crossing ability and set piece expertise. A few less pints of the black stuff may be in order but Reid capably ambles around the left flank like a man half his size.

Humberto Suazo

The Chilean striker who plays for Mexican side Monterrey was loaned to Real Zaragoza for the latter half of last season. On arrival he was clearly carrying some excess baggage making him an instant target for the Spanish media and the club’s fans. Yet after a slow start the oddly shaped player scored timely goals to help the Aragon side’s quest to beat the drop.

Jon Parkin

“Feed The Beast and he will score,” is a regular chant from the Preston North End fans reserved for their well-proportioned 6ft 4in centre-forward. Parkin is a classic British style forward who proves too much to handle for some Championship defences. Responding to comments regarding his size he said, “It’s something I have to put up with – it’s just the way I am.”

Brian Jensen

A rightful contender to Parkin’s nickname is the humongous Burnley goal-keeper Brian Jensen. The great Dane is an imposing figure and the club’s longest serving player. Whilst making the odd unfortunate error in the top flight last season the keeper’s giant frame meant he was unnervingly effective at distracting strikers who were clean through on goal.

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