SUMMARY
- The year, 2023, some amazing people who made the game special passed away.
- Gianluca Vialli, an unsung hero for his teams, announced his chemotherapy in November 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer a year earlier. Initially declared fit in April 2020, he shared in December 2021 that the battle had returned. Sadly, he passed away on January 6, 2023.
Soccer, with all its excitement and amazing players, also has a sad side. This year, 2023, some amazing people who made the game special passed away. These weren’t just numbers, they were real people with stories, and their absence leaves a big space in the world of soccer.
Leaving massive legacies behind let’s take a look at the players who sadly lost their lives in 2023:
1. Gianluca Vialli
A charismatic striker, Gianluca Vialli left his mark on Sampdoria, Juventus, and Chelsea, winning trophies and hearts with his skill and leadership. Vialli across his career scored 259 goals and provided 47 assists across astonishing 673 matches played across all competitions.
Being an unsung hero for his teams, Vialli announced he had taken chemotherapy in November 2018, having been diagnosed with cancer one year earlier. He was initially declared fit in April 2020, but in December 2021 he announced the battle had returned. Following the treatment, he passed away on January 6, 2023, at the age of 58.
2. Sir Bobby Charlton
Being a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster, Sir Bobby Charlton was a legend of the game as well. Sir Bobby played 17 years at his boyhood club Manchester United wherein he helped them win 3x First Division titles, 1x UEFA Champions League, and 1x FA Cup.
#OTD in 1966, Sir Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or, the same year England secured their first and only World Cup Trophy 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/es0btWNuHk
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) December 27, 2023
Not leaving his nation behind, Sir Bobby helped England win their only FIFA World Cup back in 1966. Winning the World Cup also led him to win his only Ballon d’Or as well. On October 21st, 2023, the former Man Utd legend passed away losing a battle with dementia just a week after celebrating his birthday.
3. Trevor Francis
Soccer legend Trevor Francis, Nottingham Forest’s million-dollar marvel, left the pitch for the last time in 2023. The first Brit to command such a sky-high fee, he repaid Forest with back-to-back European Cup crowns.
His dazzling pace, cheeky grin, and leadership etched him as a City Ground icon. From Manchester City to England’s World Cup squad, Francis’s skill inspired generations. On August 24th, 2023, Francis sadly left us leaving a tremendous legacy behind.
4. Terry Venables
From Tottenham’s dazzling defender to Barcelona’s league-winning boss, Terry Venables‘ career was a tapestry of triumphs. His England semi-final run in ’90 etched him in hearts, while his cheeky quips kept journalists grinning.
Moments before kickoff of #BarçaPorto, a minute of silence in memory of Terry Venables, who managed Barça from 1984 to 1987. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/1Fy3N9fhSD
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 28, 2023
A true innovator, he challenged the game with his unorthodox methods, inspiring countless coaches. Though gone aged 80, his legacy lives on in every perfectly timed tackle and every witty post-match soundbite. A legend, forever remembered.
5. Christian Atsu
Christian Atsu was the Ghanaian winger who stole the limelight across the Premier League with his lightning pace. Former Chelsea and FC Porto winger held the ability to take on his man and provide expansive width for his teammates.
2023 Recap
We lost Christian Atsu this year.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.
🕊️ #2023RecapOnGTV#2023Recap pic.twitter.com/oy2jcGst3m
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) December 31, 2023
Across his career, Atsu won 2x Portuguese League titles, 1x Portuguese Super Cup, and 1x EFL Championship title. Atsu sadly passed away on February 18th, 2023, due to the massive earthquake disaster that happened in Turkey.
The year 2023 may have witnessed the departure of these soccer icons and figures, but their memory continues to resonate. As we move forward, let us celebrate their contributions, cherish the moments they gifted us, and carry their stories within the rhythm of the beautiful game.