It's a beautiful life!

The Beautiful Game

We love football (soccer) because it ignites the patriotism and passion within our soul. We relish the skill, admire the sportsmanship and rejoice at the triumphs. It inspires commaraderie and equality as we are unified in one goal. It provides hope and bears testimony that anyone from anywhere can rise above insurmountable odds.

I've adored Zidane since I watched him play in the '98 tournament which fueled his rise from talented young star to demigod status in his country. I watched him play in the competitions that followed and fell in love with his quiet elegance on the field - usually the picture of professionalism and grace.

Apparently, he is the most carded player in French history but that did not prepare me for the headbutt that he delivered during last Sunday's final that cost his team the game. What could have set off the usually dignified, now-veteran player? Allegedly, it was a racist comment that spurred Zizou to reveal his dark side (pun not intended)

Anti-racism was the major theme of this year's world cup as evidenced by the "Say no to racism, smile and make friends" banners that were prominently displayed during the pre-game ceremonies. FIFA was actively engaged in an anti-discrimination campaign while pursuing its mission of spreading the appeal of football to "all walks of life". This makes it imperative to address the problem that has exacerbated now that ethnic families are being integrated in their adopted homeland - some for several generations - and players are more mobile than ever. The world cup may well be the single most globalizing phenomenon on this planet - even more so than Mc Donald's - which makes it the ideal field on which to tackle the problem.

Zidane embodied that aspiration. The French-Algerian muslim captained a team that was almost entirely comprised of immigrants or their children. He became an icon to young black, brown and white people - an inspiration that they too could rise to greatness in an adopted land. I was in France earlier this year when the riots broke out and in a country depressed by high unemployment and strained by racial tension people found hope and unity in the support of their football team. Everyone I met knew of T'dad because of the world cup and I was welcomed as a friend because we had football in common.

Zidane was carrying the hopes of his team, his country, his people and every person who admired him. That's just my opinion but it's still a lot to ask of one man - even one as heroic as Zidane.

Like every great hero, he has flaws. Too bad he had to succumb to his while being watched by a billion people. Or maybe it's a good thing because it forces us to discuss what was alledgedly said on that field and to work towards preventing a repeat performance. Now we have no choice but to deal with the ugly side of the Beatuiful Game

posted by S.M. @ 12:24 am