5 Saddest Farewells in the History of Sports World
Sports have given us many memorable sportspersons who changed people’s views towards any sport and showed skills which no one ever saw. But sometimes, the greatest start doesn’t always meet the golden end. So let’s see the 5 Saddest Farewells in the History of the Sports World.
Some of you might already know about this if you are a sports geek but if not then you might get surprised by the names you will see in this list.
5 Saddest Farewells in the History of Sports World
1) Usain Bolt Failed to Complete his Final Race
This was a shocking thing that I got to read when I was searching stories for this post and I had a heartbreak in an instant. I was shocked, as I had no idea about such a big event.
Dramatically, Usain Bolt’s golden career came to an abrupt end as he suffered a hamstring injury during the 4×100 meters relay at the 2017 World Championships and Jamaica’s dream of finishing the race was dashed as their star sprinter collapsed.
Bolt was in full flight, accelerating into his trademark speed, when the unthinkable happened. Getting closer to the finish, his left hamstring betrayed him. The World’s Fastest Man stumbled to the ground, before coming to a stop.
As the British team surged across the finish line in victory, while Bolt lay on the track in agony, face down in Lane 5. The scene was a stunning contrast to the energy usually associated with one of the world’s most charismatic athletes. The 60,000 spectators in the stadium, along with millions of viewers worldwide, watched in disbelief as Bolt’s final race ended in such heartbreak.
This was not the fairytale ending anyone had envisioned for the legendary sprinter. Despite the unfortunate conclusion, Bolt’s career remains a fire of inspiration. His unexpected and dramatic finale is a reminder that even the greatest athletes face moments of vulnerability.
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2) Don Bradman’s greatest record failed by an inch
Don Bradman is universally known as the greatest batsman in cricket history. His legendary journey began as a 20-year-old when he made his Test debut against England on November 30, 1928, setting the stage for what would become the most celebrated chapter in the sport.
For 52 Tests, Bradman scored 6,996 runs, including 29 centuries, 13 fifties, and 12 double hundreds. Mainly evident in Ashes Tests, where he scored a record 19 centuries, more than any other batsman.
In his last Test match at The Oval against England on August 14, 1948, Bradman stood just four runs away from an extraordinary milestone—averaging 100 in Tests. The cricketing world held its breath, but in a shocking turn of events, he was dismissed for a duck, bowled out by Eric Hollies.
Bradman’s career lacked the ideal farewell many had hoped for. Despite this, his legacy remains a testament to his unmatched skill in the game.
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3) Diego Maradona at his career’s End
Diego Maradona is often seen as the greatest footballer ever, sharing this honor with Pele. FIFA even named him the joint Player of the 20th Century with Pele.
Maradona, known for wearing the number 10 jersey, set world record transfer fees twice—first moving to Barcelona for 5 million euros and then to Napoli for 6.9 million euros.
Even with Lionel Messi’s incredible talent and success, many still consider Maradona the best Argentinian footballer. This is largely because he led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany.
Maradona is famous for two unforgettable moments: the ‘Hand of God‘ goal and the ‘Goal of the Century.’ The latter was a brilliant 66-yard dribble past five England players, which FIFA named the best goal in 2002.
However, Maradona’s career had a rough ending. In 1990, he was suspended for doping after a match between Napoli and Bari. His career hit its lowest point when he tested positive again at the 1994 World Cup.
Despite his amazing achievements, Maradona’s career ended on a sad and controversial note, far from the glory he once knew.
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4) Muhammad Ali’s Biggest Loss
Muhammad Ali is regarded as one of the most celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. His impact extended beyond the boxing ring, as he also made significant contributions through his social activism.
At the young age of 22, in 1964, Ali captured the WBA, WBC, and lineal heavyweight titles from Sonny Liston. He remains the only boxer to have won the lineal heavyweight championship three times, achieving this remarkable feat in 1964, 1974, and 1978.
Nicknamed “The Greatest,” Ali’s career was marked by both his prowess in the ring and his championing of social causes. However, his illustrious career did not conclude on a high note.
After initially retiring in 1979, Ali made a comeback and announced a fight against Larry Holmes. It was during this period that he began to show signs of physical decline, including vocal stutters and trembling hands.
Holmes dominated the match so thoroughly that boxing writer Richie Giachetti described it as “awful… the worst sports event I ever had to cover.” Ali lost the fight by knockout, the only knockout loss of his career.
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5) Zinedine Zidane Worst Fight In the End
Zinedine Zidane is considered to be one of the most gifted footballers in the history of the game, famous for his sharp tactics, flair, and passing skills.
He led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup, where he scored twice in the final against Brazil. Two years later, he helped France win the European Championship, further solidifying his place in football history.
Zidane is also a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, having received the prestigious award twice with Juventus in 1998 and 2000, and once with Real Madrid in 2003. At Real Madrid, he achieved great success, including winning the UEFA Champions League in 2002 with a memorable volley in the final.
Zidane had a beautiful career, yet his final international game was remembered for everything but his game.
It was the final of the 2006 World Cup between France and Italy, and the match was tense. The score was tied 1-1, with Zidane having already scored a Panenka penalty. The match was nearing the end of extra time, and all hopes were resting on the duo of Zidane and Thierry Henry.
Suddenly, around the 110th-minute mark, Zidane turned back to Marco Materazzi and headbutted him in the chest after an exchange of words. Materazzi later revealed that he had insulted Zidane’s sister, provoking the reaction.
As the crowd stood stunned, Zidane was sent off with a red card, and his magical career ended in dramatic and controversial fashion. Without their captain, France’s morale was shaken, and the game went to penalties, where Italy emerged victorious.
Despite this end, he later transitioned into a highly successful coaching career, leading Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
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Bonus: Kobe Bryant’s Farewell and the Tragic End
Kobe Bryant, a basketball legend, bid farewell to the sport in a manner befitting his illustrious career. Known for his unmatched skill and relentless determination, Bryant’s final game with the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13, 2016, was a fitting tribute to his greatness.
Facing the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center, Bryant delivered a performance for the ages, scoring an incredible 60 points to lead the Lakers to victory. It was a night filled with emotion as fans, teammates, and opponents alike paid homage to one of the game’s all-time greats.
However, just a few years later, tragedy struck, casting a shadow over Bryant’s farewell and leaving the world in mourning. On January 26, 2020, Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the basketball community and beyond, as tributes poured in from around the world. Bryant’s sudden and untimely passing left a void that could never be filled, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the game of basketball.
While Bryant’s farewell game was a celebration of his remarkable career, the events that followed serve as a sad reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of one of basketball’s greatest icons.
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