We are told not to call athletes role models because they will only disappoint us. We are told that sports stars live in another world that few us can imagine let alone comprehend. We are told that grown men chasing a ball around a grass field should not be idolized. But then a man comes along to change those notions in the most compelling fashion: French international Eric Abidal of FC Barcelona.

Incredible Recovery from Serious Surgery
Only a few short months after a serious surgery to remove a liver tumor, Abidal, a fullback, returned to play at the highest level of his chosen profession. He returned to a thunderous ovation from his home supporters at the Camp Nou, and no doubt it was mirrored around the world by fans watching the "Clasico" against Real Madrid.



On Playing the Champions League Final against Manchester United
"If I can't play it won't be a problem, but we have to win as it is. There are two weeks still to the match at Wembley and luckily, the physios know me very well and will be able to get me back to full form for that day." (1)

On a Life-Changing Event
"When something like this happens to you, from one day to the next, your life can change. And mine changed a great deal. Above all, my character. For this, I keep making revisions because now the liver problem struck me, but tomorrow, it can be something else." (1)

On His Unselfish Bond with His Teammates
"For that, the day after learning about the tumor, I was at the Ciudad Deportiva training center to tell the players that an important game was coming up against Getafe. And for them not to worry about me because they will operate and remove the liver tumor and that will be it. I believe that I helped the team because later, they won the game." (1)

On His Contract Renewal
"The President and everyone knows that I'll stay a year longer than contracted. I'm very calm. I'm not in a hurry and surely we will sign a new contract if they want me, of course." (1)

Please note that he didn't assume that the renewal was a done deal.

A Rare Example
Abidal is working hard to face Manchester United at the UEFA Champions League final on 28 May from Wembley Stadium. Two years ago, he missed Barcelona's Champions League final due to injury and accumulated cards. Whether he is in the starting XI or comes off of the bench, it will be an impressive achievement of character, force of will and dedication.

Eric Abidal may never win the Ballon d'Or and/or the FIFA World Player of the Year. He may not ever be the first player on your transfer market list or fantasy football team. But Eric Abidal is a rare profile of courage in a world that lacks such unselfish displays. In my opinion, he merits our respect and admiration. Abidal reminds us that some of the most important games are faced off the pitch, and that some of life's most important goals never hit the back of the net.

During the four recent "Clasicos," the football world was treated to the talents of many great stars. The brightest of all was perhaps the example and courage of Eric Abidal: Inspirational Man of the Year.

(1) Spanish source of quotes: Marca, ""Me quedaré a vivir en Barcelona cuando me retire"; 16 May 2011;

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Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. You can follow Steve @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

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