Certainly during the years of the football there have been numerous legends who played a significant role in modifying sport images. However, some of the brightest stars in the world were either sidelined by injuries, or personal issues at some time or the other, much to the chagrin of fans. In this article we are going to discuss three superstars who retired at the wrong time but their achievements in the sporting world warrant a special mention.
1. Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten is among the finest forwards football has seen, appreciated for his graceful play making, acute goal scoring, and exciting brain on the field. The Dutch striker started in Ajax and was a top player there scoring them 128 goals in total in 133 matches. He later joined AC Milan; a club that he enjoyed so much with after lifting two European cups and three Serie A championship.
The legend Dutch footballer has won three Ballon d’Or awards, and two UEFA Champions Leagues besides domestic achievements. Perhaps the highlight of his career was in the 1988 UEFA European Championship when, playing in the final, scored a great volley and won the first and so far only major international trophy for Netherlands.
Nothing could stop this man from scoring goals; nonetheless, he was also a victim of ankle injury. He continued to travel for operations, but the pains never left him; he had to quit at 28 and retire in 1995. Despite this, he has become vilified as one of the greatest football players ever to grace the game despite inadequate playing time on the pitch.
2. Eric Cantona
Although the UK understood Eric Cantona as a football player, he was much more than that, an appeal with energy and style. He was an attacking and versatile player, who represented at various times with the Leeds United and the newly formed Manchester United during the early 1990’s. Having signed for Manchester United in 1992, he gave the Red Devils control of the English league, and his own captaincy was pivotal.
His time at Manchester United saw him bag four Premier league titles and two FA cups in five years only. He was not only able to contribute in play making abilities with the ball but also was a leader to his team, and brought in new change for the club. His goals, and other off field incidents endeared him to the hearts of many football fans especially the ones in the English Premier League.
Cantona decided to bring his career to a halt in 1997 season, to the football world’s surprise, where he retired at the age of 30. He said he developed no motivation to pursue the sport any further as a reason for quitting. Cantonta left Manchester at the pinnacle of his career but his contribution owes to the transformation of premier league as a world class soccer brand.
3. Just Fontaine
You only have to think of Just Fontaine, a French striker who scored unprecedented goals during the 1958 FIFA. Though a relative unknown at the beginning of the tournament, Fontaine managed to score 13 goals in just 6 matches - this number remains the record for most goals scored at the World Cup to this day. Described as legendary in French football, the swashbuckling form of Fontaine could not have found a better stage.
At the club level, Fontaine continued to always find the back of the net for both Stade de Reims and Nice. He played a part to bring his team Stade de Reims to the final of 1959 European Cup and thus confirming him as one of the most dangerous forward of that era.
Unfortunately, a mounting number of broken legs suffered on the field prevented Fontaine from playing for very long at only 28 years old. His injury-time in the playing field was short but his performance at the world cup category makes him among the most celebrated legends of football.