With the rise of social media, it seems like every time one turns around there's a new trend that has quickly gone viral as everyone wants to get a piece of what's trending.
The latest fad, called the "Ice Bucket Challenge" initially seems like one of those silly things that attention-seeking teenagers do just to get a bit of fame on the internet. However, it's not--with many of the top football players getting in on the action not for likes on social media, but rather for a more noble cause: to raise funds for research, namely ALS and other health conditions.
Stars from Europe's biggest leagues, including La Liga duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazilian stars Thiago Silva, Kaka, and Neymar, Premier League icon Steven Gerrard, World Cup winner Mesut Ozil, Milan's Mario Balotelli, and more have all decided to douse themselves with freezing water all in the name of charity.
Check out some of their videos below:
After CR7 did his challenge, Messi also takes part, nominating Aguero and Lavezzi:
Not to be outdone, rival Cristiano Ronaldo nominates music stars like rapper Lil' Wayne:
Neymar takes a slightly cheeky approach, including Juan Zuniga in his list of nominees:
Here's his international teammate and PSG captain Thiago Silva:
Former Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka, who's now with Sao Paulo also joins in:
Here's German star Mesut Ozil, enjoying his extended break from club duty with Arsenal:
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard barely flinches when doused with his ice bath:
And here's Milan star Mario Balotelli, aka Super Mario:
