Villas-Boas Suggests FIFA To Retire No.10 Football In Tribute To Maradona - Napoli Already Did So in 2000

Nov 26, 2020

by Chris

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Yesterday, Diego Maradona, one of the planet's greatest players in history, passed away. The news of Maradona's death reached football fans and players alike just a few hours ahead of yesterday's UEFA Champions League matches. In the post-match press conference of Marseille's match against Porto, Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas has suggested FIFA should retire the number ten shirt.

The legendary football icon passed away on Wednesday, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his home. Maradona has worn the the No.10 during spells with Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors, as well as the national team.

Maradona once famously said: “No matter what happens, and no matter who is in charge, the number ten shirt will always be mine.”

Villas-Boas Tells FIFA To Retire The Number 10 In Honor Of Maradona After UEFA Champions League Match

Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas has suggested FIFA should retire the number ten shirt from the entire professional game to honor the late Diego Maradona.

SSC Napoli already retired the No.10 shirt in 2000

"And Maradona yes it is tough news, I would like FIFA to retire the number ten shirt in all competitions, for all teams. It would be the best homage we could do for him. He is an incredible loss for the world of football," said Villas-Boas.

Villas-Boas was still shocked by the death of Maradona

However, we think that Villas-Boas' suggestion was made by him as he was still shocked by the death of Maradona. However, while his idea does not seem to be actionable (for good reasons), we think that there are other great ways to honor the legend and his number 10 shirt.

One idea would be to have the name of Maradona on a club's No.10 shirt of a player instead of the actual name in one of the next matches. This idea that could be well implemented and would be a great tribute to a real legend.

SSC Napoli already retired the No.10 shirt in 2000.