At a point in every man’s life, there comes a time when he reaches a crossroads for what is next, not necessarily what is best, but what is most important. This is the current reality of sports athletes today, especially footballers that are at the point that appears to the public eye as when the ovation is loudest, or more succinctly put—at the climax of their careers. At the Zenith, from where one is only expected to go downhill, these players have ironically decided to take on the next hill, making the choice of not what’s best for their careers, but their lives.
This goes on to complement the fact that when athletes are faced with such important decisions, they often find themselves torn between preserving their legacy and prioritizing their financial gains. The balance between sporting legacy and money can be a delicate one—especially for the younger generation of talents who do not seem to have either of the two. One might argue that it is not always the case that one has to pick one over the other, citing examples of the GOATs of this generation in Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. A counter-argument to that would be that those two, amidst a whole lot of players in this generation, are outliers. For the non-outliers, the balance between legacy and money will continue to be a delicate one, as no one would like to end up like the proverbial hunter that went chasing after two hares at the same time and ended up getting none. The point is that while one can make decisions with the belief that he can achieve both, the truth is that a time will come when he will have to choose.
Objectively speaking, the question of what comes first between legacy and money is not very different from the age-long philosophical question of what comes first—the chicken or the egg. While some would say the chicken lays the egg, others would opine that the chicken was first an egg, and that would result in an endless cyclical loop of undecidedness. Similarly, some are of the opinion that if one pursues a legacy, the money will follow. Others think that when one has money, he can create a legacy for himself.
Realistically, there is no clear balance between the concepts in question. This is due to the fact that humans are unique and dynamic. It is essential to recognize that footballers’ decisions are influenced by a variety of factors, such as personal circumstances, career aspirations, and financial considerations.
Legacy in football is commonly associated with leaving an indelible mark on the sport, achieving success with renowned clubs, winning significant trophies, and obtaining recognition for one’s talent and contribution. Many athletes aspire to leave a lasting impression through their performances, records, and the admiration of their peers and supporters. For some athletes, establishing their names in the annals of the sport’s history may be more essential than pecuniary success.
In contrast, money plays an important role in football. Due to their comparatively short careers (a 35-year-old is an old player but is generally deemed to be a young person), players may prioritize financial security for their families. Financial considerations may include lucrative contracts, higher salaries, endorsement opportunities, and the opportunity to secure their future after their playing careers have ended. These factors may influence a player’s decision to transfer to a club or competition that provides substantial financial incentives.
While all of these are said, it would be unfair to not state that in the face of it, when it comes to making a choice between both, one is a given and the other is a possibility. It doesn’t take forensic examination to understand that the possibility of financial reward from a lucrative contract is more realistic than the chance to create a legacy with a football club. This is because when it comes to the creation of legacy in football, the best that one has is a chance, and that’s it. Nothing is given, unlike a financial compensation which a player can take legal measures to recover if he’s denied.
It is essential to recognize that each player’s perspective may differ, and that their decisions as to what is more important are influenced by their individual circumstances, goals, and priorities. Some players may place a greater emphasis on financial stability or the opportunity to experience a distinct football culture, while others prioritize their legacy. For example, popular Brazilian footballer Oscar, at 25, when he was a key player in a Chelsea team that had won a few major trophies and he could have gone on to join any of the top football clubs in the world and etch his name in the sandprints of football history, chose to make a move that was not very common at the time and chose financial security over that. However, in faraway Italy, Totti, over the course of an illustrious 30-year career, rejected offers from Juventus, AC Milan, Real Madrid, and so on to create a legacy with his beloved AS Roma.
The importance of legacy versus money in football is ultimately subjective and varies from player to player. Both options have their advantages, and the choice resides with the individuals involved. It is essential to respect athletes’ decisions and recognize that their motivations may include both legacy and financial considerations. And it is even more important to know that whatever decision the player makes—be it money or legacy—they are right.
