Features

Famous sporting namesakes

Author: John Harris
Date: 18/12/2009
Football betting

After Arsenal unearthed youngster Tom Cruise last week in their Champions League defeat against Olympiacos, it raised a few wry smiles amongst fans and journalists.

Of course it wasn't the American film star who featured in smash-hits such as Rain Man, Magnolia, Top Gun, Cocktail and the Mission Impossible trilogy's to name a few, but it was the giant 18-year-old centre-half, who has broken through the youth ranks at the Emirates Stadium in recent times.

There are a few sportsmen around the globe who share their name with famous faces in different fields and we will share a few with you.

Chris Martin

The vocal frontman of music act Coldplay who is married to Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has the privilege of sharing his name with a New Zealand seam bowler, who has taken 174 Test wickets and a young upcoming striker playing for League One outfit Norwich City.

Michael Jackson

The American singer, dancer and entertainer, nicknamed the 'King of Pop, tragically died in June and he shared his name with the not quite as famous Shrewsbury Town centre-back.

Stephen Thompson

England's 2003 World Cup winning hooker and current Brive man has overcome a serious neck injury to feature again for his country recently and although spelled differently, his name sake, Steven Thompson, features for Premier League outfit Burnley.

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Michael Johnson

American 200 and 400metre sensation Michael Johnson remains the only man to have won both events at the same Olympic Games after grabbing glory in Atlanta in 1996 and he possessed the 200metre world record time for 12 years until sportsbook favourite Usain Bolt smashed his record at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Young Manchester City star Michael Johnson proudly shares his name with the now retired runner and he will have a job on his hands if he is to emulate him in the sporting world.

Michael Ball

Bromsgrove-born singer Michael Ball once claimed that 'Love Changes Everything'. Well this maybe so but one thing it doesn't change is the fact he and former Everton, PSV and Manchester City left-back Michael Ball share the fortune of having the same name.

The footballer is currently a free agent after his release from City in the summer while the musical genius is touring with Hairspray and features in West End events in London.

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