Chiseled torsos, dripping sweat, form hugging tees and cartloads of raw appeal. The aforementioned epithets conjure an image that is sure to get every red-blooded female’s heart pounding away to glory. Laying the technicalities of the sport apart, football has afforded the fairer sex much amusement and served the voyeuristic gaze.

This is meant to be a eulogy to the ‘Oh! So Sexy’ footballers of our times and hence is to treat the topic as inhabiting the purely physical realm.

10. Michael Essien (Ghana): Beginning bottoms up, the first to make it to the list of the ten devilish charmers is none other than Chelsea’s Essien - the midfield strongman who is a premier choice for one who can diffuse an attack before it starts. The versatile Ghanaian and has made his mark as an indispensable, standout player; but seriously it’s that washboard torso that counts!

9. Antonio Cassano (Italy): Essien is preceded by the Italian rock star Cassano. The tattoo-toting bad boy is the pride of Sampadoria. Skillful though rumored to be petulant and infamously surly, the talented forward player personifies the adage: Good things come in small packages!

8. Lionel Messi (Argentina): The young and quite cute Messi beats Cassano to the better slot on our sexiest footballers list. Barely 20 years of age, the brazenly talented Argentinean has been touted as the rightful successor to the legendary Diego Maradona. The boyishly good looking charmer is Barcelona’s delight and sports his long hair and heart-warming smile with an effortless ease.

7. John Terry (England): One of the best defenders in the English Premier League, Terry is the one to trounce Messi for the coveted seventh spot on the list. Chelsea’s stylish captain is known for his commitment and brilliant positioning. Bearing strong features, Terry is fairly tall and rakishly good looking with a heart-warming smile to top it off. And some points also deserved for the Champions League final loss. I mean, who could bare this gorgeous being weep!

6. Steven Gerrard (England): Next up on our mouth-watering platter is this quintessential Englishman. The immensely talented midfielder is the captain of Liverpool and boasts of gentlemanly grace that sits easy on his broad shoulders. Touted to be a natural leader, the sheepishly coy looking Gerrard midfielder epitomizes courage and determination. Which woman wouldn’t want to spoil this lad!

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Half-way up the ladder, is the super charming, super-sexy Portuguese winger. This Iberian stunner is Manchester United’s prized possession. Widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, Ronaldo is a joy to watch - both on and off the field! Stylish flair being his USP, young Cristiano is every woman’s delight.

4. Michael Ballack (Germany): The roguishly handsome German midfielder inspires thoughts of appetizing indiscretions. The Chelsea footballer occupies the fourth position on our list, with deserved aplomb. The captain of the German national team is known for his strength and precision. Bulging muscles and pure power assails the senses, as Ballack strikes into action.

3. Thiery Henry (France): Rolling out the top three honours, the one to make it to the third position is the supremely talented Henry. The record-making Frenchman stands over six-feet tall and is known to set pulses racing with his exquisite technique. The Club Barcelona superstar is a world renowned striker and a prolific player. The tall, dark, handsome Henry is an absolute joy to watch.

2. Francesco Totti (Italy): The inimitable Thiery Henry makes way for the dapper Italian. Gracing the second top slot on our list, the AS Roma’s attacking midfielder exudes raw masculinity and is insanely high on the drool quotient. A goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, Totti is understood to be ridiculously gifted and talented.

1. Kaka (Brazil): the Brazilian wonder boy is AC Milan’s to cherish. The playmaker par excellence is adept at both defence and attack. Incredibly talented, he is a born star with looks to die for. That quintessential boyish charm, coupled with his perfect contours make him lethal in the most delicious way imaginable. When faced with this demi-god, be sure to expect weak knees!