Soccer is changing dramatically. And I'm not talking about rules, tactical schemes, or athletic performance. We are experiencing a change in consciousness. If we compare the case of goalkeeper Bruno and the case of former athlete and coach Cuca with the trial of Daniel Alves and the recent arrest of Robinho, it is clear that we are living in new times. And since soccer is not a bubble, we can say that this change reflects values and behaviors that are becoming unacceptable off the field. The image of the winning soccer player, the star who achieves great results, can be summarily destroyed by misconduct off the field. Much more devastating than missing a penalty kick in a championship final.
In the past, soccer players were associated with a culture of indulgence, mischief, and extravagant behavior, with frequent scandals involving alcohol, parties, drugs, and uncontrolled behavior. It was common to see players as controversial figures, involved in controversial situations that often tarnished their reputations and the image of the sport. But none of this bothered them. On the contrary, it was common to say that they were stars, not saints. After all, clubs and fans were only interested in the players playing well; off the field was another matter.
However, with increased media coverage, public scrutiny, and commercial pressures, soccer players have been increasingly required to maintain a positive public image. They are considered not only athletes, but also role models and icons for fans, especially for younger generations.
As a result, many clubs have implemented strict codes of conduct and education programs to guide players on appropriate behavior and responsibility off the field. Players are encouraged to engage in social and charitable activities, demonstrating community commitment and social responsibility.
What's more, social media plays an important role in how players are perceived by the public. They have the ability to communicate directly with fans and control their own narrative, but they are also subject to constant judgment and may face repercussions for inappropriate behavior.
The fact is that teams, if they are not already concerned, will soon have to be. They need to look for not only star players, but people who represent the club both on and off the field. This is because in modern soccer, which is so physical and tactical, players can no longer live their daily lives without thinking like high-performance athletes. There is no room for professional athletes with amateur personal lives. The figure of the genius of the penalty area who, when leaving the club, engaged in all sorts of activities that were detrimental to his performance, such as alcohol, tobacco, and poor sleep, simply no longer exists. Take Cristiano Ronaldo, who is much more revered as a global idol for his determination, athleticism, and power than necessarily for his brilliant moves.
This week, the Argentine courts ruled that players from the Vélez Sarsfield club should be placed under house arrest for sexual abuse. Antony, a Manchester United player, faces assault charges. These cases reveal a truth: soccer will likely lose some of its star players. But society as a whole will gain athletes who represent not only their team, but values that can inspire others. Examples such as Zico, who is still idolized by fans around the world thanks to his genius on the field and his honesty off it, reinforce this point. Thinking of players still active, we cannot fail to mention Messi and CR7 himself.
Furthermore, the influx of large sums of money into sport changes the whole dynamic, as it reduces the importance of results and increases the importance of image. An example of this comes from the Robinho case itself, when sponsors pressured Santos to give up on signing him in 2020, after the details of his sentence were published.
While the episode itself is sad, it is nonetheless an opportunity for the CBF, soccer clubs, and other global federations to take a strict stance on the conduct of their players, whether in relation to sexist and misogynistic attitudes or racist behavior, which is also so common in the world of soccer. It is an opportunity not only to launch campaigns, but also to create strict rules and enforce them against this type of behavior, both on and off the field, by fans, clubs, and players.
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