Football is a team sport, but some of the most irresistible narratives in the game are built around individuals. It is easier to digest moments of heroism rather than an entire season, and it is more romantic to believe that individuals are capable of the greatest sporting feats. The infectious fairy tale of the sporting superhero is most common at international level, where nations, unable to use the transfer window to create a balanced squad, are most likely to build their hopes around one man. In England, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane know the pressure of an expectant nation, while Cristiano Ronaldo has shown phenomenal resolve to handle his disproportionate talent in respect to the rest of the Portuguese national team.

Idolised Individuals

But it is in South America where the cult of the individual thrives most. The continent has produced the two most famous individuals in football history - Pele and Maradona. Memories of both transcend the idea that football must be a team sport and they have achieved global recognition well beyond that of their international colleagues. Of course, the idea of the all-conquering individual is older than Pele and has been woven into the fabric of the continent’s football since the early 20th century. But the unrelenting responsibility placed on their very best players has now reached almost toxic levels. This was clear for all to see at the 2018 Russia World Cup.