Two football greats are no longer with us and one has been hospitalized for some time, out of hospital. A week and a half ago, Paco Gento passed away, the legendary player who won the European Cup 1 six times with Real Madrid, the predecessor of the Champions League. It was mainly thanks to that fabulous left leg that he caused a furore in the fifties and sixties and he had a career to which we can bow deeply. Even after his career as a footballer, he continued to play an active role at the club. He was loved by fans and players alike, and club management always treated him like royalty – whoever was chairman. Paco Gento was above the parties; a gentle man with a white heart, like Los Blancos say. His comments will also be missed on TV programs that talk about football, and they will miss him as a spectator at Real Madrid’s games at home and away, especially in the Champions League. The club was his home – where the legend began and ended.
Fortunately, Pelé is still alive, but has serious health problems: now he has to undergo chemotherapy again. In recent years he has had to fight for his life a few times and just like in his football years on the field, he has always emerged as the winner. His positivity was infectious even when he was still playing football, and as a global sports icon, he still inspires multitudes to this day.
Recently I saw footage of him joking with a physiotherapist during rehabilitation exercises – with a ball, of course. What a pleasure to see that Pelé still has such a spirit. Many of my friends and former colleagues have been supporting him daily with Instagram messages and videos lately. Hopefully he will come out as the winner again and we can enjoy him for years to come.
The death of Wim Jansen, a true footballer and a man with a heart of gold, has touched me even more than the death of Gento. Not many people know that we were good friends. He has stood by me, especially during my more difficult period in the Netherlands. Much advice and inspiration came from conversations with this legend. His football knowledge and experience have especially helped me to look differently at things in the football world that are beyond your control.
He even came to see me a few times when I played football in Madrid and Italy. After I started playing at AC Milan, we haven’t had much contact. But that also says something about Wim Jansen as a person. He was there when I needed support the most and the moment he saw that all was well, he distanced himself again. I am very grateful for the wonderful conversations we had and fondly remember the times we went out to dinner with his family.
We don’t have much time to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. Wim Jansen has done that.
Clarence Seedorf is a former football player. Now he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and guest speaker.