While many professional footballers can use both feet, most players are naturally right-footed, meaning left-footers are a notable minority
Just as southpaws can be seen as tricky opponents to orthodox fighters in boxing, the fact that the majority of footballers are right-footed means that left-footed players can sometimes enjoy an advantage.
Interestingly, some of the greatest footballers of all time have been left-footed, or at least predominantly so, in addition, of course, to being supremely talented.
Goal takes a look at some of the best left-footed footballers in history.
GettyGareth Bale
While his star has dimmed somewhat, Gareth Bale was undoubtedly one of the best left-footed players in the game. The Welshman exploded onto the scene as a marauding full-back-cum-left-winger at Tottenham before maturing into a star forward at Real Madrid, where he helped the club win four Champions Leagues.
AdvertisementGettyRoberto Carlos
Widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian defenders of all time, Roberto Carlos was a flying full-back with an extremely powerful left foot, which he used to his advantage for his national team and Real Madrid. Carlos had a ferocious free kick in his locker, which usually involved a long run-up and a strike with the outside of his fearsome left boot.
GettyRyan Giggs
Ryan Giggs burst onto the scene for Manchester United as a fleet-footed left winger, whose dribbling ability routinely turned defenders inside out. The 'Welsh Wizard', as he was sometimes known, was a mainstay on the left flank for Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Red Devils teams before adapting to a more central role as he got older.
gettyimagesGheorghe Hagi
Gheorghe Hagi, the greatest Romanian player of all time, was a left-footer and his prowess was such that he routinely drew comparisons to Diego Maradona. A squat playmaker, Hagi lined out for both Real Madrid and Barcelona during his career, having burst through as a stylish number 10 at Steaua Bucharest.