The topic of Christmas Number One's is a pub quiz staple.
Reaching the top of the charts is a remarkable achievement in its own right but doing it at Christmas is extra special - largely due to the fact that sales traditionally spike as a result of gifting.
All sorts of incredible and peculiar artists have been Christmas number one – with top of the list undoubtedly Mr Blobby.
But as we got to thinking about Christmas Number Ones, we started thinking about Sports Stars who have had success on the charts - none of them managed to top the charts at Christmas, but here's a quick list of sports stars who have tasted some degree of musical success:
Andy Cole – 'Outstanding'
Sport: Football
Chart Success: Number 68 on the UK Singles Chart (1999)
Check it out: Here
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole turned to music at the height of his footballing fame, releasing the single 'Outstanding'.
The song was originally written and performed in 1990 by US funk outfit The Gap Band. In 1999 Cole added some rap verses to it and made it his own.
While it didn’t crack the mainstream UK Singles Chart, where it reached number 68 it did do better on the Dance Charts. His brief foray into music wasn't quite as memorable as his goal-scoring feats. Probably a case of stick to your day job fella.
Shaquille O'Neal – 'You Can't Stop the Reign'
Sport: Basketball
Chart Success: Top 40 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart (1996)
Check it out: Here
Shaquille O'Neal isn’t just a four-time NBA champion; he’s also a platinum-selling rapper.
His 1996 track 'You Can’t Stop the Reign' showcased his lyrical talent and featured the late Notorious B.I.G.
While not a traditional "No. 1" single, Shaq’s album solidified his crossover success in the music industry.
Benni McCarthy - 'Shibobo'
Sport: Football
Chart Success: Number one single in South Africa
Check it out: Here
A Champions League winner with Porto and Jose Mourinho, McCarthy had a highly successful spell at Blackburn Rovers between 2006 and 2010. The South African went into management after he retired and spent some time as part of Erik ten Hag's backroom team at Manchester United.
He also tried his hand at music with South African Kwaito kings, TKZee. Their song 'Shibobo' which is local slang for a nutmeg, raced to the top of the South Africa charts in 1998 as they capitalised on the excitement surrounding the World Cup in France.
Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle – 'Diamond Lights'
Sport: Football
Chart Success: No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart (1987)
Check it out: Here
Tottenham Hotspur and England legends Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle joined forces to release Diamond Lights. Performed simply as Glenn and Chris, it was so sufficiently successful for them to release a follow up.
The second effort called 'It's Goodbye' was less successful as Hoddle transferred to Monaco and wasn't able to promote the track. Having made the move to France he did however go on to release another single with French international defender Basile Boli.
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