Top 5 moments of kindness in football history

Football, as we know it, is quite possibly one of the most intense sports out there. The rivalry between athletes and the immense pressure of winning means that sportsmanship often takes a backseat while gamesmanship is all that matters. Despite the fierce competition, however, we have witnessed some truly amazing moments of generosity in football history. Here are some of the times when kind-hearted acts by the players left us in awe.

Robbie Fowler refuses a penalty

In 1997, a penalty shoot was awarded to the Liverpool star Robbie Fowler when the referee thought he had been fouled by the Arsenal keeper, David Seaman. Fowler, in a rare show of honesty, protested against this insisting that his English opponent had not in fact touched him. When the referee still insisted on the penalty, this striker took a weak shot which Seaman defended easily.

This display of true sportsmanship earned him the FIFA Commendation Award and the respect of a million fans.

Oliver Kahn consoles Santiago Canizares

In the 2001 Champions League final Oliver Kahn had just defended a tense penalty shootout and earned the winning title for his team. However, instead of abandoning all thoughts and rushing over to celebrate with his teammates, this keeper walked over to console his Valencia counterpart Santiago Canizars who was crouched on the ground, undoubtedly feeling broken.

His act earned him a FIFA Fair Play award, and Germany then went on to have an amazing FIFA World Cup season in 2002.

Simon Kjaer saves Christian Eriksen

 The match between Denmark and Finland in Euro 2020 came to an abrupt stop when Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen suddenly collapsed to the ground. As distress and chaos flooded through the auditorium, it was Simon Kjaer who dived to save his teammate without waiting for the medics.

After checking his pulse, Kjaer proceeded to check Eriksen's airways, stabilise him on his back and give him CPR. With the arrival of medics, Kajer instructed his team to form a barrier giving Eriksen as much privacy as possible and not allow any pictures to be taken.

Eriksen was then escorted off the ground with the medics, inside the barrier. With his quick thinking and bravery, Simon Kajer displayed the traits of a true leader indeed.

Paolo Di Canio helps Paul Gerrard

From pushing a referee to starting a fight with opponents at any given point, Paolo Di Canio holds one of the most controversial reputations both on and off the field. So, you can imagine the shock and surprise among the entire football community when this hot-headed player refused to take advantage of an empty goalpost.

Canio was playing for the London club West Ham. When Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard fell over from an injury and the referee failed to notice, it looked like West Ham's golden opportunity to score. However, instead of shooting at the unguarded goalpost, Canio caught the ball in his hands and immediately asked for medical attention for Gerrard.

Canio was awarded an emotional standing ovation from the crowd and received the FIFA Fair Play Award the next year.

Jaba Kankava saves Oleg Gusev

This was one of those rare moments in football when it was not the team's reputation but the player's life that was in line.

During the Ukrainian League championship match between Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Dynamo Kiev, Dynamo captain and mid-fielder Oleg Gusev was knocked unconscious having suffered an accidental knee to his head from the opposing goalkeeper, Denys Boyko. The horrific collision led Gusev to suddenly swallow his tongue, and in an instant, his life seemed to be hanging by a thread.

Amidst the chaotic situation, Jaba Kankava spotted the danger, rushing over to Gusev before anyone else. Instantly flipping his unconscious opponent over, Kankava quickly pulled out the sunken tongue which helped clear his airways effectively saving Gusev's life. It still gives us goosebumps.