By the numbers, he is unremarkable. He has never scored more than three goals in a season. He has 0 major trophies. He has never been featured in EA Sports’ FIFA cover.
The referee was stunned. The commentator in Spanish cried out: "¡Un auténtico!" (An authentic one). Authentic Footballers Ignacio Matias
And every time he steps onto the pitch without shin pads (he believes they make him "slow"), every time he tells a reporter that his performance was "trash," every time he refuses to shake the hand of a known diver—Ignacio Matias wins. By the numbers, he is unremarkable
He is the last gladiator. He is the mirror the sport does not want to look into. He is, for all his flaws, the most authentic footballer walking the earth today. He has never been featured in EA Sports’ FIFA cover
The result? His team lost 1-0. He was benched for three games by his manager for "treason." But the away fans gave him a standing ovation. Authenticity, for Matias, is more valuable than three points. Most footballers speak in clichés: "We take it one game at a time. The boys gave 110%."