10 Weirdest New Signing Reveals In Football History

Not so much a reveal in the traditional sense, but the streets will never forget the events of 23 November 1996, when Ali Dia announced himself to the footballing world.

Never before and never again would fans see such a mesmerizing display on a football pitch. Forget Ray Hudson's Messi-fits. Forget Tiziano Crudeli screaming Kevin Prin$$ Boateng's name. This is true greatness. Perhaps not for pure footballing reasons though.

In early November 1996, Ali, a non-League player, and a university classmate hatched one of the most incredible schemes English football had ever witnessed. Ali's classmate, pretending to be George Weah, phoned Graeme Souness and convinced him that his cousin, Ali, was the right man to lead Southampton's front line. Souness, without Google and proper internet, decided to take a punt on Dia.

After missing his reserve team debut due to a waterlogged pitch, Dia was given a spot on the bench against Leeds United. In the 32nd minute, Matt Le Tissier picked up an injury and up stepped Dia. What followed, was a complete and utter farce. Dia tried his best to look like a professional footballer for the next 53 minutes, yet his lack of top level footballing experience was painfully obvious.

Le Tissier stated that Ali "ran around the pitch like Bambi on ice" and "it was very embarrassing to watch." Souness never lived this gaff down and despite saving the Saints from relegation, he will forever be remembered by fans for this contribution to football history.