The Ghosts Of Christmas Past Pictures- Football’s Most Awkward Festive Photos Explored

However, three decades or so ago, footballers didn’t have the same luxury outlet and had to find other means to spread their Christmas cheer.

Luckily there was always a willing photographer on hand to capture these moments, but unfortunately looking back these pictures – often used in magazines and promotions – they haven’t aged too well for the familiar faces on show.

Sportsmail winds back the Christmas clock and looks back at some of the ghosts of Christmas pictures past.

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Where better to kick-off than the team of the 90s, Manchester United. Right at the height of their pomp in 1996, the likes of Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and head turkey carver Gary Pallister showed their fondness for the most wonderful time of the year.

They were joined by boss Alex Ferguson who was caught posing in a Santa hat and possibly discussing tactics with the big man’s elves, whilst holding the most 90s looking telephone you can imagine.

Christmas shoots were nothing new in the 1990s, and going further back you can find images of George Best and Frank Worthington enjoying the festive spirit the only way they knew how. While Billy Bonds posed for a wholesome family snap alongside a cracker that’s almost as big as his offspring.

However, the go-to image for Christmas-themed photos was the obligatory shot of footballers dressed as Santa Claus himself.

Like a scene from the picture board of a Question of Sport Christmas special, players couldn’t resist donning the famous suit and beard and parading themselves across magazines and newspapers.

From the likes of Terry Butcher and Steve Bull in the 1980s, through a wrath of 90s faces like Tony Adams, Andy Cole, David Platt and Kevin Keegan, all paying homage to the man on the season.

Even Italian maverick Paolo Di Canio got in the act, as he presented his best impression of ‘Babbo Natale’ in his own unique style. Although the prize for the most ‘fashionable’ festive photo goes to 80s poster boy ‘Champagne’ Charlie Nicolas. Who chose a timeless leather jacket for his pose with a frightening looking Santa toy.

It’s certainly more festive than sight of Colombian star Carlos Valderrama’s lone Santa hat as he helped the November mid-nineties launch of MLS side Miami Fusion – in bright sunshine.

When it comes to the 90s though, there isn’t anyone who embodies the decade more than Paul Gascoigne – and he wasn’t exempt from a festive photo. The most famous of which came alongside partner in crime, Chris Waddle, and a Christmas pudding assist.

One the traditions from the era that has continued and delightfully so, is club’s visits to children’s hospitals during the holidays. This heart-warming gesture has thrown up another category of these festive pics.

Whether it’s Tony Adams and Frank Leboeuf putting London rivalries aside to pull crackers with Davina McCall or a young Cristiano Ronaldo looking like the coolest deliverer of presents Christmas has ever seen.

Ronaldo brings the look back to a more modern ending, where these photoshoots are rare. However, full Christmas props to Arsenal’s squad of 2014, for reviving the festiveness to sell the clubs newest range of Christmas jumpers. Showing at this time of the year, traditions do always live on.