Soccer Stars and Their Cars

Fernando Torres, striker, Chelsea and Spanish national team

After winning the Golden Boot in the 2012 UEFA European Championship, Fernando Torres — Chelsea's youthful striker and the pride of Spain's national team — deserved to take a victory lap or two in his Aston Martin DBS, the same model seen in the movies "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" from the James Bond series. But this Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is his everyday ride.

• The DBS might be the latest, but what were some other Bond cars?
• Do you like this utility vehicle?

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Carlos Tevez, forward, Manchester City

Right now, Carlos Tevez isn't exactly the most popular man in Manchester, England. He supposedly refused to play as a substitute in a match in September 2011 that Manchester lost to Bayern Munich, causing many "enthusiastic" fans to question his loyalty to the team. That's not a healthy situation, which is why the Hummer H3's assault-ready, take no prisoners demeanor is perfect for the on guard soccer player.

• Here are some other anti-assault vehicles.
• The H3 is big enough, but is it "manly"?

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Mario Balotelli, striker, Manchester City and Italian national team

Nicknamed "Super Mario" both for his talent on the field and wild antics off, Mario Balotelli may finally be ready to settle down and focus solely on football. At least that's what fans speculated in August 2011 when he dumped his flashy, white Maserati GranTurismo S after his teammates filled it with rotting fish as a prank, opting for a slightly less conspicuous matte-black Gran Turismo MC Stradale.

• This is a lust-worthy ride. Want to see more?
• Would the GT be on your bucket list?

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Cesc Fabregas, midfielder, Barcelona and Spanish national team

This Spanish midfielder is returning to his Barcelona roots this season after ending a nine-year stint with the English soccer club Arsenal. Fabregas is showing his allegiance to Football Club Barcelona by driving an Audi R8; the automaker is a premier sponsor of the team. It replaces the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG that he wrecked in April 2011 near his former London home.

• The R8 is a bargain among supercars.
• See other cars built for speed.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, winger and striker, Real Madrid and Portuguese national team

This deep-blue Bentley Continental GT Speed is one of a number of pricey rides owned by this 27-year-old Portuguese winger and striker for the Spanish club Real Madrid and captain of the Portuguese national team. As one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, he can afford a stable of six-figure stallions.

• Luxury cars have neat luxe amenities.
• The GT is a trophy car. Want to see more?

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Thierry Henry, striker, New York Red Bulls

If he tinted the windows and threw some 20-inch-plus wheels on this Audi Q7, Frenchman Thierry Henry could emulate the New York rappers he idolized while growing up on the outskirts of Paris in the 1990s. But as a celebrity throughout Europe — where he scored more than 300 goals, won two Golden Shoe awards and earned a World Cup champion's medal with France in 1998 — Henry likely enjoys the relative anonymity the low-key Q7 SUV affords him.

• Is the Q7 one of America's favorite rides?
• Some SUVs are surprisingly affordable.

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Didier Drogba, striker, Shanghai Shenhua

This is a classy car, driven by an even classier guy. When Didier Drogba is not carrying the Olympic torch or brokering peace in his home country of Ivory Coast — his efforts there placed him on Time magazine's 2010 list of the world's 100 most influential people — the Shanghai Shenhua striker is busy making his mark on the field. Last March, he became the only player in history to score in four separate Football Association Challenge Cup finals.

• Would you drive an electric sports car?
• Is the SLR one of the most popular cars on MSN Autos?

See Images: McLaren Mercedes SLR

Steven Gerrard, midfielder, Liverpool and England national team

Steven Gerrard is considered one of the greatest English footballers ever, so it comes as no surprise that he remains loyal to British automakers. Gerrard owns an Aston Martin Vanquish and a Bentley Continental GTC, and once owned a 2009 Range Rover Sport. Maybe he sold it to buy a new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque? He also has a Porsche 911 and a Mercedes-Benz SLK in his garage.

• The Evoque is one of America's most popular cars.
• Not all SUVs are pricey.

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David Beckham, midfielder, Los Angeles Galaxy and England national team

David Beckham is a true phenomenon and a lover of fine 4- and 2-wheeled machines. His collection of bikes and cars has been well-documented. With this limited-edition, all-black Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, Beckham remains true to his British roots. Even though Beckham now lives in luxury-besotted Tinseltown, this car still turns heads. The Phantom reportedly is for sale, however; rumor has it that Beckham has his eye on the new Rolls-Royce Ghost convertible.

• Want to see Beckham's motorcycle?
• How about his convertible?

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Pelé, forward, New York Cosmos and Brazilian national team

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known to the world simply as Pelé, is widely regarded as the best footballer of all time. He won his first World Cup at 17 and went on to become the most successful goal scorer in the world, with a staggering 1,281 goals scored in 1,363 games overall. He's shown here proudly posing with his Mercedes-Benz W111 limousine on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.

• See more historic rides of the world-famous.
• These cars aren't quite limo-large, just value-heavy.

Find: Ultimate Luxury Cars

Doug Newcomb has been writing about automotive-related topics since 1988. His work has appeared in Consumers Digest, Road & Track, Rolling Stone, Men's Journal and many other publications. His book, Car Audio for Dummies, is available from Wiley Publishing.

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