5 greatest sportsmanship moments in football

Nowadays, it is not really surprising to see players diving, cheating and trying to con the referee so that they can gain an advantage over the opponents, however small it may be. But once in a while, there comes a moment when the player decides honesty is a more important value than just winning. Here are 5 such moments we could find in football. If you know more such events, let us know in the comments section below!

Paulo di Canio

Paulo di Canio, as a player and a manager, has been known to do some very crazy things, on and off the football field. But amongst all the crazy things, this is one that will be forever remembered for the right things.

With the game at Goodison Park poised at 1-1 in the dying minutes, di Canio, playing for West Ham against Everton, received a cross from a teammate. But just seconds prior to that, Everton’s goal keeper, who had ran out to try and intercept the ball, twisted his knee and was on the floor, leaving an open net. So, when he got the cross, seeing the goal keeper writhing in pain, caught the ball rather than put it in the net.

He received a standing ovation from the home crowd for this act of sportsmanship.