10. Dmitri Kharine- USSR/CIS/Russia
The mid-90's was a golden era for flair. This was before the large influx of foreigners into the English game, which meant that the few heroes that did board the newly opened Channel Tunnel stood out like Gary Glitter in a playground. Kharine, a Russian international, was a trail blazer in the field of erratic goalkeeping. Wearing his trademark jogging bottoms, Kharine shocked the nation with a brand of play never seen before on this island. He is now giving something back to the community and is coaching a new breed of flair goalkeepers at Luton Town.9. Jorge Campos- Mexico
Never has anyone encapsulated "kit flair" to the same extent as this Latino Flair hero. Campos insisted on designing his own kits, and, as you can see above, produced tremendous results. He played most of his football in his native Mexico, and would often play upfront for periods of games. When he did play in goal he would often bedazzle the crowd with his outfield prowess, inspiring the likes of Ben Roberts with his dribbling skills. Like Kharine, Campos is now a coach.8. Yoshi Kawaguchi- Japan
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi is a national icon in his native football mad Japan, almost as big as they come. However, he was an absolute disaster when he jumped aboard Milan Mandaric's Portsmouth Flar boat. Standing at 5 foot 10, white booted and short sleeved he was far too small to be a goalkeeper in the hustle and bustle of English football, and was often outmuscled by the burlish strikers found in England. Losing his place to fellow flairist Shaka Hislop, he left England with his tail between his legs. He is now playing in his native Japan.7. German Burgos- Argentina
This Argentinian sex god is in this list purely for his off field antics. German Burgos quit football to join a cult. On the pitch he was a typical South American keeper with a hot head and an erratic style. After realising he didn't want to be in a cult any longer he rejoined football to continue his flair odyssey. He is now in a rock band.6. Rustu Recber- Turkey
A modern day flair icon who reminded fans of a byegone era of flair keeping. Rustu went into each game like it was a battle, with war paint smeared across his face and a playing style not seen since the days of Genghis Khan. After dominating the Turkish game he joined Spanish giants Barcelona but failed to establish himself there due to refusing to learn Spanish. He is now Turkey's leading appearance maker.5. Bruce Grobbelaar- Zimbabwe
Mad as a box of frogs, this Zimbabwean enters our list at number 5. There have been few keepers who have played with such a flamboyant nature, Bruce was a part of the all-conquering Liverpool of the 1980's. I was unfortunate to have only seen Africa's finest in the twighlight years of his career, which could well have been a blessing, as it was around this time that he was embroiled in a match-fixing scandle and was declared bankrupt as he failed to pay the fine. Since then he has appeared on ITV's "Hell's Kitchen".4. Rene Higuita- Colombia
This Colombian stopper was nicknamed "El Loco" by fans and critics alike for his erratic playing style. One of many goalkeepers convinced that they belong outfield, he would frequently attempt to dribble past strikers, sometimes resulting in disasterous consequences. He was one of the first keepers to actively try and score goals. Higuita was also one imprisoned on kidnapping charges, causing him to miss the 1994 World Cup. The above picture shows him performing the now infamous "scorpion kick".
3. Jens Lehmann- Germany
One of the most mentally unstable players ever to grace the world. This German giant was incredibly argumentative with officials, team mates and opponents alike. Often openly critical of rival goalkeepers Oliver Khan and Manuel Almunia. The best Jens moments came on field when he would give out a "Jensing" and intimidate opponents. He also recently urinated on pitch DURING play.2. Mark Bosnich- Australia
See "Top 10: Flair Premiership Players"
1. Jose Luis Chilavert- Paraguay
Scorer of 62 goals in his career, Jose Luis Chilavert is a goalkeeping icon. The Paraguay stopper was a freekick and penalty expert, more skilled with his feet than many outfield players and equally adept with his hands. When his portly frame strode up to the ball, the opposing keeper knew where it was going, and that was into his goal. Never really appreciated in European club football (he only scored 1 goal in his spell in France), he enjoyed his best spell in Argentina, where he scored an incredible 48 goals for Velez Sarsfield. Post-retirement, Jose was imprisoned for 6 months in France for using illegal passport documents, and is now involved in renewable energy using seaweed (that is actually true).
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