Bordeaux soccer club Les Girondins climbed to third place in Ligue 1 last Friday, after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valenciennes. It was reason enough for 22-year-old attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff to celebrate by stripping down to his black undies (above), and giving away his jersey and shorts to the public. Was his ulterior motive to stir up the rapidly inflating Gourcuff-mania? Or was he just trying to prove French gay magazine Têtu that they were right to name him their ‘December Bombshell’?

Still in the Hot Soccer Player section, but earlier in the week, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Golden Ball (below), becoming European Footballer of the Year and fourth Manchester United player to take the honor. “It’s one of the greatest days of my life. Winning this trophy … I dreamed about it as a kid,” he told France Football. “Those who know me, who live with me, know that this is finally a dream come true for me. I am only 23 and it’s magnificent. Unbelievable.” Ronaldo praised his teammates for helping him, and said he hopes to win the award again. His stylist deserves praises too — we just hope he/she is not the Terminator standing behind.

More of these two soccer darlings in the gallery, including many screenies.

Yoann Gourcuff’s black undies video
Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview with L’Equipe