Footballers who showcased a talent for singing in X-Factor-style initiations, like Fabinho, Alisson and Buffon
LOOK away now, Simon Cowell.
When footballers across Europe join up with new clubs, the traditional a cappella initiation of performing in front of their team-mates happens, and Cowell would certainly be poker-faced with these performers.
The Jose Mourinho of the music world would not be impressed by the standards being set as players take to their stage of a plastic chair and sing their hearts out.
From Petr Cech dropping the f-bomb to John Bostock’s moonwalking, there has certainly been some eye-catching performances.
And as the old tradition will rise again this summer, SunSport takes a look at the best and worst performances of the past.
Gianluigi Buffon
After 17 years at Juventus, it was a long time since Buffon had to meet a new set of team-mates.
But when the 43-year-old goalkeeper signed for PSG, he had to jump on a chair in front of the whole squad. He donned a pair of shades, and provided a fist-pumping, hair-flicking performance.
It left his team-mates in fits of laughter and cheers. He’s now back at Juve, we wonder if he had to sing again?
Petr Cech
Having joined Arsenal in 2015, there was some uncertainty about why Cech had the microphone – but it was a memorable moment in his career.
As the enthusiastic drummer waltzed around the tables rapping, he dropped an F-bomb that sent all his teammates into cheers.
Virgil van Dijk
As the costliest defender in the world, you’d expect Van Dijk to be multi-talented.
He certainly left his team-mates entertained with his smooth rendition of the 1998 R&B hit ‘So Into You’ by Tamia.
Outside, under the stars, the former Dutch defender brought some romance to proceedings.
John Bostock
He was known for his potential at Spurs rather than his dance moves.
But when 29-year-old Bostock moved on to Toulouse in 2018, the midfielder provided the pick of the dance moves.
Performing a rather mediocre version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ he moonwalked around the middle of his team-mates.
Demetri Mitchell
With a water bottle for a microphone, Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell made his name known on the club’s pre-season tour.
He performed a smooth version of Drake’s ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ which not only received a standing ovation, he was also thrown in the air by team-mates.
It can’t have impressed Mourinho too much though as the 24-year-old defender was then loaned out to Hearts. He now stars for Blackpool.
Alisson Becker
It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Alisson, the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, stood up in front of team-mates and performed Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’.
It may have come as a bit of a surprise to the Liverpool stalwarts though as it tends to be heard more commonly at the Etihad Stadium.
Fabinho
A nervous-looking Fabinho was one of many new signings at Anfield in 2018 to get up and perform.
The Brazilian tentatively got to his feet but was helped on by a supportive crowd of Reds who cheered him on.
Fabinho will be glad it’s over – and will be looking forward to the 54,000 fans at Anfield instead.
Naby Keita
Liverpool had to wait so long for Keita to join, but it has been worth it.
The former RB Leipzig midfielder had the tunes and the moves to get his team-mates involved.
Even Daniel Sturridge got on his feet to join in with Keita’s silky moves.
George Marsh
After being promoted to the first-team, Marsh’s first big performance was stood on a table rather than a pitch.
Another with water bottle in hand, another bashing out a bit of Oasis, the 22-year-old holding midfielder gave a rather shouty version of ‘Wonderwall’ in 2018.
Marsh is still at Spurs, so it can’t have gone down too badly.
TJ Eyoma
An initiation classic, 21-year-old defender TJ Eyoma was joined by the rest of the squad for a version of Stand By Me.
Tottenham’s website describes him as a “reliable figure” in defence and this was a solid performance by the Spurs youngster.
Currently on loan at Lincoln, he is also the U23 captain.
Sam Jones
If you needed a Britain’s Got Talent moment as the golden buzzer is plunged down and confetti falls from the sky, this is it.
Sam Jones’ move from Grimsby Town to Shrewsbury may not have caught that many headlines in January.
But his powerful version of Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love’ drew more than 300,000 hits on YouTube and many more headlines.