Madjer, Mo, Valentin and Corosiniti officially announced their retirement after the World Cup.
Many things will mark 2019 in the history of beach soccer: the first ever World Beach Games, a second FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup crown for Portugal, the maiden edition of the World Winners Cup…
But this year will also be remembered for the final appearances of some iconic players, who called it a day after the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay, following more than one decade of commitment and devotion for beach soccer.
These four are athletes who have played crucial roles in the development and growth of the modality, players that will always be in the memory of every beach soccer fan across the world.
After long and successful careers, Portuguese ace Madjer, Swiss brothers Mo and Valentin Jaeggy, and Italian captain Francesco Corosiniti officially announced after the World Cup that their talent will no longer be on display on the international beach soccer stage.
Long live the king!
Madjer, considered by many the best player in the history of our sport, could not have imagined a better way to polish off a record-setting career. After 22 years, 583 games and 1084 goals for his national team, Joao Vitor Saraiva ‘Madjer’ said goodbye to his life’s work and true passion, beach soccer.
And he did so with the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in his hands, accomplishing yet another dream, yet another goal, in his unparalleled career.
FIFA Golden Ball winner, Best Player of the Year winner, three-time World Champions, six-time European Champion, European Olympic gold medalist; his honours will unlikely be matched any time soon.
Add to this collection genuine passion for the sport, fair play and the responsibility both on and off the pitch, and you have a true legend, and never has the word been more apt.
If you want to learn things that maybe you didn’t know about Madjer, head to YouTube to check out our biopic, ‘The Man Behind Madjer’, released in early 2016.
Brothers, friends, teammates
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay was also the last time that Moritz and Valentin Jaeggy played for the National Swiss Beach Soccer team. With 355 and 321 caps for Switzerland, respectively, these players have undeniably left their marks in the beach soccer sphere, and stand as “a key part of the successful history of the Swiss beach soccer” as their coach Angelo Schirinzi explained.
Their behaviour, sportmanship and respect for the game, their teammates and their opponents have been a constant feature of their personality since they made their international debuts in 2003 (Mo) and 2005 (Valentin).
Grazie, capitano!
Another gentlemen of this sport also announced his retirement this year: Italian captain Francesco Corosiniti. ‘Ciccio’, after his 263rd game for the Azzurri, where they just fell short of claiming their first ever World Cup crown against Portugal in the World Cup final.
However, a runners-up medal was nevertheless and impressive way to wrap up an exemplary career in which Corosiniti has not only contributed to the many honours the Transalpine have claimed, but in which he has also been a role model for hundreds of players in and out Italy.
One thing is for sure, they will always be part of the great story of beach soccer and will each be missed on the sand.
Thanks for everything!
