Football is the most followed sport in the world. It goes without saying that every die-hard football fan, has lived happy and sad times with football. However, there are times football made us all cry, regardless of colors and favorite teams. From sad on-pitch injuries that required players leaving the field, to goodbyes and last games. Here are 5 times football made us cry, to prove that it’s more than just a game.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 Exit
The CR7 and Leo Messi’s rivalry is a point of argument between fans. However, regardless of who you prefer, it’s undeniable that both are legendary and may just be the best in the history of football. So, it’s quite normal for us to get emotional when we see them at their worst. During the EURO 2016 Final between Portugal and France, we all had tears in our eyes to see Ronaldo crying on the pitch. Following his cruel interaction with Payet, the player ended up with a bad injury, and had to leave the pitch in pain, and balling his eyes out!
Francesco Totti’s Farewell To Roma
Very few players have been loyal to their forever teams. Francesco Totti is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of this. In fact, his love for Roma got him to reject all offers he had from major clubs in his youth. Instead, he preferred to defend the colors of the same team that gave him the first chance. On his farewell day in 2017, millions shed tears watching the player walk the stadium for the last time. Fans in the stadium cried, his teammates cried, and admit it, you cried too.
Iniesta’s Last Game For Barcelona
There are very few Spanish players that managed to earn the respect and love of the general public. Andres Iniesta, also called ”the magician” received a memorable standing ovation in his last game with Barcelona. The man who brought glory to Spanish football with his goal in the 2010 World Cup final, was applauded by both Barca and Sevilla fans. As he left the pitch in tears, everyone who loves football knew that at that exact moment, Barca’s historical era was ending.
Iker Casillas’s Goodbye
In addition to Iniesta, it’s safe to say that Iker Casillas is one of the most respected players in football. In addition, he is known for his historical saves, and leading spirit. Having played with Real Madrid his entire life, no one really imagined his exit would be so tragic. In fact, in 2015 when he gave his last press conference in Madrid to announce leaving the club, football fans found it an unfair farewell to such a player. Not only did we feel emotional with him crying mid-conference, but it’s considered one of the major times football made us cry.
Chapecoense’s Minute of Silence
Finally, there is nothing worse than unexpected death, especially ahead of a final. On November 28th, 2016, the world of football woke up on a massive tragedy. The plane carrying 77 people, including players and staff, had crashed killing almost all the passengers. On their way to Colombia, ”Chapecoense were due to play in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, against Medellin team Atletico Nacional.” After that, all football clubs around the world showed solidarity by organizing a minute of silence before every game. However, the heartbreaking moment that made us all ball, was when the survivors of the accident reunited with the fans at their stadium in a memorial for the Chapecoense lives that were lost that day.
Featured Photo: Youtube.