38 year old FC Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni is my hero of the day. He managed to score his 100th goal that helped Sao Paulo win the local derby against Corinthians 2-1 on Sunday. Here's the goal, in case you haven't seen it.
But what makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that it makes you think differently about goalies or the game more generally. There is no reason the goalie position (or any position for that matter) has to be played the way it is currently played or has traditionally been played. Remember, there always has been innovation in soccer. In fact, innovation is what gives teams an edge, whether it be inverting pyramid tactically or playing totaal Voetbal. So aside from being a brilliant individual achievement, Ceni's play wins today's innovation award.
Over the years, Ceni has scored 56 of his 100 goals by free kick; the 44 others were penalties. If you're curious to see them all, here they are.
Enjoy and congrats to Ceni (and all innovators in all things soccer)!
But what makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that it makes you think differently about goalies or the game more generally. There is no reason the goalie position (or any position for that matter) has to be played the way it is currently played or has traditionally been played. Remember, there always has been innovation in soccer. In fact, innovation is what gives teams an edge, whether it be inverting pyramid tactically or playing totaal Voetbal. So aside from being a brilliant individual achievement, Ceni's play wins today's innovation award.
Over the years, Ceni has scored 56 of his 100 goals by free kick; the 44 others were penalties. If you're curious to see them all, here they are.
Enjoy and congrats to Ceni (and all innovators in all things soccer)!
