Footballers and Politics

The passing of the Brazilian soccer great Socrates not only leaves the world without a real footballing icon but neglects us from a passionate and illuminating sporting politician. Socrates will be remembered on the pitch as a highly technical and illustrious player, captaining the national side in the 1982 World Cup Finals, yet he also led an interesting life off the pitch. Socrates was not only a qualified medical doctor but a political activist. He openly campaigned against the military government in charge of Brazil during his time as a player, speaking at pro-democracy campaigns. He also highlighted the plight of children living in poverty and pushed for greater rights for players whilst playing for Brazilian club Corinthians. It leads me to question about footballers today, do any of them have any political will and would any of them be willing to challenge existing codes of practice in regards to politics, poverty or human rights?

Footballers traditionally are the role models that all young boys aspire to be. Not only do they fulfil every fan’s dream of scoring the winning goal or lifting the cup, but they also get paid handsomely to be a part of the club’s history and be adored by supporters. Fans go to extreme lengths to exalt their heroes through tattoos, naming children after them and creating shrines. The adoration is perfectly replicated in Ken Loach’s 2009 film Looking for Eric. Fans remember goals like childhood memories and the likes of Zola, Bergkamp, Shearer, Gazza were all childhood friends. Yet do supporters really care what a player thinks politically and would it really have an effect?

It is impossible to pigeon-hole any footballer’s political preference, but it would perhaps be acceptable to assume that with their great wealth, most would vote for the party that promises the lowest rate of tax. That is not to say that footballers are not politically astute, Chelsea’s Frank Lampard has a reputation with British journalists for his intelligence and admitted he votes Conservative. On the continent many footballers have publically declared their political affiliations, former West Ham and Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio confessed his admiration to Italian fascist Benito Mussolini, whilst Italian striker Cristiano Lucarelli is a card carrying member of the Communist party. Most famous of all is the World Cup winning French defender Lilian Thuram, who openly campaigns for better rights for ethnic minorities in France.

Finding players who openly admit to their political tendencies is only interesting because they are few and far between. How many athletes go on to write an autobiography after their career has finished yet end up writing rather insipid and lacklustre tomes? They often discuss key incidents or retell stories but rarely furnish it with thoughts on politics or leadership. It is unfair to say that all footballers are boring and lack intelligence but there are so many reasons why people admire them on the pitch yet look elsewhere for intellectual inspiration. Many footballers today tend to come from what we call the ‘working classes’ and though a horrible generalisation, put more effort into their football than their Maths and English. It doesn’t make them stupid but it does change their priorities. Making it into the first team takes precedence over which party is in power.

Football clubs are massive marketing machines and players play their part to oil the PR wheel. Players do not visit children’s wards for hedonistic purposes but because it fulfils contracts and charitable obligations. All charities, not just football clubs, are aware that by having a high profile patron helps promote a good image and generates donations, and in return it gives good PR to the patron. Certainly, some players front campaigns through goodwill e.g. Rio Ferdinand and his work to reduce knife crime in inner-city London, but all the while be certain he is well advised.

If you watch any press conference with a footballer, you can see they are briefed as if it were a police interview, all awkward questions are immediately rebuked by the communications team. Even in the dressing room they will follow the instructions from the manager, it is in an environment where saying nothing does you no harm. Think what Sir Alex Ferguson does to players who do not toe the line. The monosyllabic and cliché ridden responses stem from media training and the ‘I was only doing what the gaffer told me’ mentality. It is more than likely that many have interesting political opinions but either do not want the media hassle or the wrath of generating bad or unnecessary press for the club.

In a country where Premier League players earn on average over £20,000 a week with some easily earning over £200,000. It appears ironic to think that Robbie Fowler, Britain’s fourth richest footballer, once raised his shirt to reveal a vest in support of the Liverpool Dockers. Can players really have any loyalties when they live a life so far apart from ordinary fans? It is simply a fact British footballers live in a country where there isn’t a strong Labour movement and old sympathies no longer exist. Footballers earn enough so they don’t have to worry about these things.

True greatness - Ronaldo.

Sporting greatness is an aspect of society that still holds reverence to talent and natural skill. Sport scientists and sociologists have pointed out that in today’s world it is possible to succeed to the top with a balance of determination, fitness and in some cases a bit of luck. Sporting historians and fans alike will point out that sporting greats are the people who didn’t just amaze us with their ability; but endeared us to their personality. It is why people would rather watch Usain Bolt to Tiger Woods (at his best), or why Shane Warne is considered the best spinner, above Muttiah Muralitharan. They say that India comes to a standstill when Sachin Tendulkar comes to the crease and the world watched and listened when Muhammed Ali entered the ring.

Football is difficult to contend with nowadays, with its vast wealth of coverage and scrutiny. People deem it an insult that David Beckham is the most capped outfield player for England, yet they do not seem to take into consideration the nature of football that he played in. People may reflect on the statistics and the appearances; but they must consider the joy and gratification of the audience.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, one of the greatest footballers of the modern era retired from professional football today. We knew him as Ronaldo and though later as ‘Fat Ronaldo’. His legacy will be recorded as the top goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history (15), with a trophy cabinet as wide as his belly.

Ronaldo should be recognised beyond his success. He represented the idea of what a star should be. He possessed pace, positioning and above all else his lethal finishing. He had a penchant for beautiful ladies and indulging in late night outings before matches, but it didn’t seemed to affect him on the day.

There are two questions that will always be asked in years to come. Firstly, what would have happened if a fit Ronaldo had played in the 1998 World Cup Final in 1against France? (he apparently suffered a fit earlier in the day and was only included in the final XI with minutes to spare). Secondly, if he hadn’t succumbed to crippling knee injuries, how many more records could he have broken?

Ronaldo wasn’t a brand, he was a religion. He had every schoolboy performing step overs in the playground and mystifying defences with his innate genius, all with that childlike smile. Perhaps the beauty of sport, unlike politics, is that the audience remembers their true greatness. Ronaldo’s destruction of the Compostela defence that left Sir Bobby Robson speechless and the Champions’ League hat-trick that left Man United fans on their feet applauding. It is hard to underestimate the bewildering talents of the man.