9) Faustino Asprilla – 1996
Yes, I know. Faustino Asprilla did not spend many years with Newcastle United, and he did not have the most consistent scoring record either. Depending on who you ask, quite a few fans would claim that he was a disappointment.
However, there was one magical night at St. James’ Park that cemented Tino’s legacy. The forward’s hat-trick against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League will live on forever in Geordie hearts.
A £6.7 million move from Parma brought high expectations from all involved with the club, and Asprilla arrived in the midst of Newcastle’s push for the Premier League title. The Colombian international’s second season featured him mostly as a substitute, making it even more difficult to live up to the hype.
His third season was a time of transition for United. On a September evening in 1997, Newcastle felt like the centre of the football universe.
Liam Gallagher to play Newcastle Arena in November. 20 years since I saw Oasis play on the night NUFC beat Barcelona in the Champions League pic.twitter.com/wHENMw3Q2D
— Graeme Hall (@_GraemeHall) September 8, 2017
Asprilla was at his attacking best against the Catalans, and he appeared truly unstoppable. With electric pace and a fantastic touch on the ball, Newcastle’s attack was absolutely world-class and brought immense joy to the home supporters.
Faustino Asprilla may not have fully lived up to his potential for Newcastle United, but nobody can ever take away that performance versus one of the sport’s global giants.