 |
| Delio Onnis |
Italian born Argtentine stiker, Delio Onnis has been the French League’s top scorer ever since he hung up his boots in 1986. Onnis amassed an incredible 299 goals in a 15 year career in France, playing for Stade Reims, Tours FC, SC Toulon and most notably AS Monaco between 1973 and 1980. His unbeaten haul in French football is made all the more impressive given (Monaco excluded) all his clubs were relegation candidates during his time with them. Even Monaco slipped into the second division in the 76/77 season. But 30 goals from their leading man propelled them back to the top division, a further 29 goals back in the first division helped Monaco to the title the following year and established Onnis’ legendary status in French football. Despite a host of golden boot awards in France, his excellence was never rewarded by a succession of national coaches. Somewhat understandable however, given the likes of Maradona and Kempes were in their prime. It must have been heartbreaking for Onnis never to receive that call up given he chose the country of his parents over the country of his birth. With all this in mind, we have to remember that this was a time in football were players were seldom given international caps unless they played in their own country’s league. Still, it’s extremely hard to see why the all-time leading goalscorer in one of the top 6 or 7 leagues in the world was never even named in a squad. It was a sad day for Ligue 1 when Onnis called it quits in 1986; however, I imagine it was even harder for Onnis to sit and watch a Diego Maradona inspired Argentina lift their second World Cup in 12 years, a few months later.
Post a Comment