To be cast in bronze It’s the highest honour for anyone that’s involved in the beautiful game can receive.
An iconic moment in time captured in bronze to be admired by many.
But what must be achieved in order to be considered for this prestigious recognition.
Break records? Win a European Cup? Or quite simply, be the best in the world.
Some of the most respected names in football have been given the honour of having a statue of themselves in front of stadiums all over the world.
The most famous figures include, Diego Maradona which stands in Buenos Aires Argentina. The statue captures the Argentine in his prime holding the World Cup.
Pele’s iconic statue was unveiled in 2016 in Santos Brazil, the Brazilians famous overhead kick against Belgium in 1958 was the chosen moment to replicate in cold cast aluminum.
Some stars have been honoured in more than one location.Take Sir Alex Ferguson for example, the first statue of the Scotsman was unveiled outside of Old Trafford in 2011 to mark 25 years since he took over at United. The second is outside Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen. Sir Alex is pictured with hands in the air as the Dons beat Real Madrid 2-1 in Gothenberg, to win the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983.
Although the majority of legends have been acknowledged in this way there are a few names that come to mind who have yet to have their moment in time captured in steel. Outside of Ibrox stadium stands former captain and manager John Greig. The statue was unveiled in 2001 in remembrance of the 66 people who died in the Ibrox disaster on the 2nd January 1971. However it has been said for years that a statue of former manager Walter Smith should stand outside Ibrox stadium.
It has now been commissioned and a statue of Walter Smith will stand on Copland Road to commemorate his extraordinary achievements at the Glasgow club.
An argument could also be made for former Celtic and Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish to be set in cast in front of Anfield alongside Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
A bit closer to home, Scotland’s national stadium currently stands alone with no former legends standing in its grounds. The level of expectation for the national side rises after every competitive match and with Germany on the horizon, if Steve Clarke were to mark his name in the history books with Scotland at the Euros could he be the first statue at the foot of the Hampden steps?
The list could go on and on, but who do you think deserves to be handed this major honour?
