Happy Birthday: Michel Platini, Richard Jefferson, Matt Kuchar

Sport360 staff 11:15 21/06/2016
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  • Matt Kuchar, Michel Platini, Richard Jefferson.

    While he had a turbulent time on the administration side of football that saw him receive a six-year ban by FIFA following an ethics investigation, there is no denying that the ex-UEFA president, Michel Platini, who turns 61 today, was one of the greatest footballers in his day.

    After enjoying success with Nancy and Saint-Etienne, the attacking midfielder enjoyed his most successful stint with Italian giants Juventus. In his five years in Turin, the Frenchman found his scoring touch, winning the Serie A golden boot consecutively between 1983-85.

    His 68 goals in 147 appearances saw Juve win numerous trophies, including the European Cup and two Serie A crowns. On the international stage, his greatest moment was captaining Les Bleus to Euro 1984 glory. He has won the Ballon D’Or three times in 1983, ’84 and ‘85.

    Other sporting stars born on this day:

    June 21

    1964: Dean Saunders, ex-Wales footballer, who played for Liverpool, Aston Villa and Galatasaray (52).

    1978: Matt Kuchar, American golfer who has won seven PGA Tour titles (38).

    1980: Richard Jefferson, NBA player who won the 2015-16 championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers (36).

    1991: Gael Kakuta, former Chelsea forward, now with Hebei China Fortune (25)

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